How to Set Up a Google Business Profile (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you run a local business in Southern New Hampshire and you have not set up a Google Business Profile, you are invisible to the people searching for your services right now. Setting one up is free and takes about 30 minutes. Here is exactly how to do it.

What Is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the listing that appears when someone searches for your business or your type of business on Google. It shows up in Google Maps and in the Map Pack — the three business results that appear at the top of local search results. The Map Pack captures roughly 42% of all local search clicks, which means if you are not there, nearly half of your potential customers are going to a competitor.

Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile Manager

Visit business.google.com and sign in with the Google account you want to manage your business with. If you do not have a Google account, create one first. Use a business email if possible — not a personal Gmail you share with family.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

Type your exact business name as it appears on your signage, business cards, and legal documents. Consistency matters — Google cross-references your name across the internet, and mismatches hurt your ranking.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

This is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your primary category tells Google what searches to show you for. Choose the category that most precisely describes what you do — not the broadest one. A plumber should choose "Plumber," not "Home Services." You can add secondary categories later.

Step 4: Add Your Location

If customers visit your physical location, enter your address. If you serve customers at their location (like a contractor or mobile service), you can set a service area instead. For businesses in Southern New Hampshire, list the specific towns you serve — Windham, Derry, Salem, Londonderry, Nashua, and surrounding communities.

Step 5: Add Contact Information

Enter your phone number and website URL. Use a local phone number, not a toll-free number — local numbers signal to Google that you are a real local business. Make sure the phone number matches what is on your website exactly.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google needs to confirm you are a real business at a real location. Verification options include a postcard mailed to your address, a phone call, email, or video verification. Video verification is becoming more common — you walk through your business showing signage and your surroundings. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Step 7: Complete Every Field

This is where most businesses stop too early. After verification, go back and fill in everything: business hours, services offered, attributes (veteran-owned, wheelchair accessible, etc.), a detailed business description with your key services and location, and photos of your business, team, and work. The more complete your profile, the more Google trusts it — and the higher you rank.

Setting It Up Is Step One. Optimizing It Is What Actually Matters.

Having a Google Business Profile is the minimum. Ranking in the Map Pack requires ongoing optimization — regular posts, review velocity, citation consistency, Q&A management, and visibility tracking across your service area. That is the difference between a profile that exists and a profile that generates phone calls.

If you want to see where you currently rank across Southern New Hampshire, request a free visibility scan. We will show you exactly where customers find you — and where they find your competitor instead.

For full Google Business Profile optimization and management, see what our GBP optimization service includes.