How to Put Your Business on Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information?

In fact, businesses with a complete Google My Business profile are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers.

With over 1 billion users on Google Maps, being listed there is crucial for local businesses to boost visibility and drive foot traffic.

Now, let’s break down how to get your business listed on Google Maps and start attracting more local customers.

Why Adding Your Business to Google Maps is Important

Imagine you own a bakery in London. You’ve got great cakes, fantastic service, but your shop is hard to find unless people are walking past.

Now, consider that someone a few streets away is searching for “best cake shops near me”—if your bakery isn’t on Google Maps, you’ll miss that opportunity.

Listing your business on Google Maps is the digital version of having your name in the local directory—but with a much wider reach.

With mobile searches booming, many people use their phones to quickly find businesses nearby. By being on Google Maps, you increase the chance that people find you when they’re actively looking for your products or services.

Step 1: Creating a Google My Business Profile

Before you can add your business to Google Maps, you need to create a Google My Business (GMB) profile. This is essential because Google Maps uses the details from your GMB profile to show your business information—such as your address, opening hours, and customer reviews.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to Google My Business: Head over to the GMB homepage and click “Manage Now.”
2. Sign in with your Google Account: If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it. It’s free and simple.
3. Enter your business details: Add all the necessary information like your business name, address, phone number, and business category (e.g., “coffee shop” or “hair salon”). Make sure the details are accurate!
4. Verify your business: Google will send you a postcard with a code to verify your address. This takes about 7-15 days but is necessary to confirm your location and activate your listing.

Once you’ve done this, you can start editing and adding more details like your opening hours, website link, and even photos of your shop or office.

Step 2: Adding Your Business Directly from Google Maps

Did you know you can also add your business directly from the Google Maps app? This can be a bit quicker if you’re already logged into your Google account.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Google Maps and search for your business address.
2. Click “Add your business” from the left-hand menu or right-click on the map where your business is located and choose “Add your business.”
3. Follow the prompts to complete the registration process and link it to your GMB account.

Once this is done, Google will guide you through completing your business profile.

Step 3: Managing Multiple Locations on Google Maps

If you own multiple stores or branches—perhaps you’ve got a chain of restaurants across Manchester or multiple gyms across London—you’ll want to list all your locations on Google Maps. This helps people find the branch closest to them.

To do this, you’ll need to:

1. Add each location separately to your Google My Business account.
2. Ensure that the information is consistent across all locations. So, if you’ve got a specific branding style, stick with the same name format and categories for all branches. For example, if one branch is called “XYZ Gym – South London,” the other might be “XYZ Gym – North London.”
3. Verify each location: You’ll likely need to verify each store separately to ensure accuracy.

Step 4: Claiming an Existing Business Profile

Sometimes, you might find that your business already exists on Google Maps. This can happen if someone else added it before you, or it may have been auto-generated by Google. If that’s the case, don’t worry—you can claim the business as yours.

Here’s how:

1. Search for your business on Google Maps.
2. Click “Claim this business”: If the business profile exists but you don’t control it, Google gives you the option to claim it.
3. Complete the verification process: You’ll need to follow steps to verify that you’re the rightful owner of the business, which usually includes receiving a postcard or email verification.

Advantages of Having Your Business on Google Maps

There’s more to adding your business to Google Maps than just being “findable.” Here are some of the major benefits:

• Increased visibility in search engines: When people search for businesses like yours in your area, your Google Maps listing gives you a better chance of appearing in their results. It’s a powerful tool for improving your local SEO.
• Building trust through reviews: Reviews are a big part of GMB, and a high rating can help you stand out. Potential customers often check reviews before making a decision. The more positive reviews you collect, the more trustworthy your business appears.
• Providing important business info: Google Maps listings allow you to showcase your opening hours, contact info, and even busy times—helping customers plan their visits.

Is Advertising on Google Maps Worth It?

You might wonder if you should consider running ads on Google Maps. The answer really depends on your goals. If you’re looking to attract more foot traffic, Google Maps ads can be a game-changer. These ads use geolocation targeting, which means they only show your ad to people who are nearby and searching for relevant terms.

For example, if you run a café in Bristol and someone nearby is searching for “coffee shops,” your ad could appear at the top of their results with directions straight to your door. It’s a smart way to attract customers who are already in your area and ready to buy.

Tracking Results and Optimising Your Business Listing

Once you’re listed on Google Maps, it’s important to keep track of how your profile is performing. Thankfully, Google My Business Insights provides you with all the data you need to see how people are interacting with your business. You can track things like:

• Search queries: What keywords are leading people to your listing?
• Map views: How many people are seeing your business on Google Maps?
• Route requests: How often are people requesting directions to your store?

Regularly checking these metrics allows you to make adjustments, update your business info, and optimise your profile for even better results.

FAQs

How long does it take for my business to appear on Google Maps?

It typically takes between 7-15 days after you verify your business through the postcard or email verification process.

Can I add my home business to Google Maps?

Yes! If you run a business from home but don’t want your address publicly visible, you can list your business as a service-area business, which allows you to show only your general area.

What if my business is already listed but I can’t access it?

You can claim an existing listing by searching for your business on Google Maps, selecting “Claim this business,” and following the verification steps.

In today’s world, being visible on Google Maps isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for any business wanting to thrive in the local market. Whether you’re running a small café or a larger chain, following these simple steps ensures that your business is easy to find and keeps customers coming through your doors. So, why wait? Get listed on Google Maps today and watch your local traffic grow