Google Business Profile is a free listing that shows your business on Google Maps and in local search results. Claim it, verify it, choose the right category, add your service area, photos and hours, link it to your website, and ask every happy customer for a review.
What it is
When someone searches “plumber near me” or “café Tauranga”, Google shows a map with a few businesses before the normal results. Those listings come from Google Business Profile. It’s free, and for local businesses it’s often the first thing customers see.
How to set it up
- Search for your business on Google Maps. If it’s already there, claim it; if not, add it.
- Verify it. Google will ask you to prove it’s your business, often by video or a code.
- Choose your primary category carefully. It’s one of the most important settings. Pick the most specific one that fits.
- Add your service area if you go to your customers, or your address if they come to you.
- Add hours, phone, website and photos. Real photos of your work, your team and your premises.
- Write a short description of what you do, in plain words.
Reviews: the part that matters most
- Ask every happy customer, straight after the job.
- Send them the direct review link from your profile.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and briefly.
- Never buy reviews or offer rewards for them.
How your website and your profile help each other
Google uses your website to understand your business, and your profile to show it locally. Make sure your name, address and phone number are exactly the same on both, link them to each other, and keep your hours up to date in both places.
| Google Business Profile | Your website | |
|---|---|---|
| Shows you on Maps | Yes | No |
| Reviews | Yes | You can show a few |
| Explains your services in detail | Briefly | Yes |
| You control it fully | No | Yes |
Every website we build links to your Google Business Profile and writes your service area in, so Google can match you to searches in your area. See how it works for Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Hamilton businesses.
Compare our three websites side by side, prices and all.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a profile without a shop or office?
Yes. Service-area businesses like tradies can hide their address and show the area they cover instead.
Does it cost anything?
No. Google Business Profile is free. Be careful with anyone who calls offering to “verify” it for a fee.
Do I still need a website?
Yes. Your profile is short and Google controls it. Your website is where people learn the details and where you control everything.
