If you’re a small business owner, one of the easiest, and most important, ways to help people find you online is by claiming your Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business).
I work with a lot of clients here in Marin County and throughout the Bay Area who have beautiful websites but aren’t showing up on Google Maps simply because they’ve never claimed their listing. The good news? It only takes a few minutes to fix.
Here’s a quick, friendly walk through on how to claim your Google Business, and why it’s one of the best free tools for improving your online visibility.
Why Claim Your Google Business Profile?
When you claim your profile, you can:
- Control how your business appears on Google Search and Maps
- Add your own photos, website, and contact info
- Collect and respond to Google Reviews (vital for your SEO)
- Improve your local SEO ranking
- Build instant credibility with potential clients
It’s one of those small, high-impact things that makes your business look legitimate, trustworthy, and easy to find.
How to Claim Your Google Business in 5 Simple Steps
1. Go to Google Business
Visit Google Business Profile Manager and click “Manage Now.”
Sign in with your Google account. Ideally, your business email rather than a personal one.
2. Search for Your Business
Type your business name in Google search
- If it appears, click on it — it may already exist from public data.
- If it doesn’t, click “Add your business to Google.”
Then add:
- Your business name
- Business category (for example, Web Designer, Florist, Therapist)
- Your address or service area (you can hide your street address if you work from home)
3. Add Contact Info and Website
Next, you’ll be prompted to add:
- Your phone number
- Website URL
- Business hours
TIP: Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) match exactly with what’s on your website. Google loves consistency — it helps with local SEO.
4. Verify Your Business
Before your listing goes live, Google needs to confirm that you’re the real deal.
Verification options include:
- Postcard by mail (most common; arrives in about 5 days)
- Phone or email verification (for some businesses)
- Instant verification (if your website is already verified through Google Search Console)
Once verified, you’ll be able to fully edit and manage your profile.
5. Optimize Your Profile
Now that your listing is live, it’s time to make it shine!
Here’s what to do:
- Upload high-quality photos (your workspace, logo, products, or yourself)
- Write a friendly, authentic business description
- Include relevant keywords for your business (Service or product, plus your location)
- Keep your hours and contact info accurate
- Post updates, events, or promotions
- Ask happy clients for Google Reviews — and respond to each one with gratitude
Bonus: Tips for Better Local SEO
Once your Google Business is claimed, keep it growing by:
- Linking your website and Google profile
- Making sure all your online listings match (Yelp, Facebook, etc.)
- Updating regularly with posts or offers
- Adding fresh photos once a month
Personally, I have found that adding photos as often as possible of recently completed websites ups my visibility almost immediately. I’m not sure if this will work with your business type, but it doesn’t hurt to try. For example, if you’re a local contractor and just wrapped up a house-painting project, share a few before-and-after photos along with a short description of the job. This helps showcase your work and builds trust with potential clients searching in your area.
These small updates tell Google your business is thriving, and that helps boost your visibility in local search results.
In Summary
Claiming your Google Business Profile is one of the quickest ways to get your business found online. It’s free, easy, and incredibly powerful for local visibility, especially if you’re a service provider or creative professional.
I help many of my web design clients set up and optimize their Google listings alongside their Squarespace or WordPress websites. It’s a natural step in creating a strong, complete online presence.