How do I get my business on Google Maps?

To get your business on Google Maps, create a free Google Business Profile, add your business details and complete Google’s verification. Once verified, your business can appear on Google Maps and in the local “map pack” at the top of Google search. The whole process is free and usually takes from a few minutes to two weeks, depending on how Google asks you to verify.

Google Business Profile used to be called Google My Business. If you see that name in older guides, it is the same thing.

What do I need before I start?

You need a Google account and accurate business details. Have these ready:

• Your business name exactly as it appears on your signage and documents
• Your main business category, such as “Electrician” or “Bakery”
• A physical address, even if you will hide it and show a service area instead
• Your phone number and website address
• Opening hours
• A few good photos: your shopfront, your team at work, your products

Use the same name, address and phone number everywhere: website, Facebook, directories and invoices. Google uses consistent details as a sign that your business is real.

How do I create a Google Business Profile step by step?

1. Go to google.com/business and sign in with the Google account you want to manage the profile with. Use a business account, not a staff member’s personal one.
2. Search for your business name. If it already exists, request access or claim it. If not, choose to add a new business.
3. Choose your primary category. This is the most important ranking choice. Pick the category that describes your main service, not a general one.
4. Add your location or service area. Shops and offices that customers visit show their address. Businesses that go to customers, such as plumbers or cleaners, can hide the address and list the areas they serve.
5. Add your contact details: phone number and website.
6. Verify your business. Google will offer one or more methods, such as a video recording of your premises, a phone call or SMS, email, or a postcard to your address.
7. Complete your profile once verified: hours, services, description, photos and attributes.

How does Google Business Profile verification work?

Google verifies that your business is real and located where you say before it shows your profile publicly. You cannot choose the method; Google decides based on your business type and location. Common methods are:

• Video verification: you record a short continuous video showing your signage, the inside of your premises or your branded vehicle, and proof you manage the business, such as tools or a till.
• Phone or SMS: Google sends a code to your business number.
• Email: a code sent to an email address on your domain.
• Postcard: a code mailed to your address. In South Africa this can take up to two weeks or longer.

Video verification fails most often because the video is cut, too short, or does not clearly show the business. Plan your route before you start recording.

How do I rank higher on Google Maps?

Google ranks local results on three things: relevance, distance and prominence. You cannot change how far a searcher is from you, but you can improve the other two:

• Pick the right categories. One accurate primary category and a few relevant secondary ones.
• List your services with short descriptions that use the words customers search for.
• Get reviews regularly. Ask every happy customer, using a short review link or QR code. Steady new reviews beat a burst of reviews once a year.
• Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and quickly.
• Add photos of real work every month.
• Post updates about offers, projects and news.
• Link to a strong website. A fast site with a page for each service and area supports your profile’s rankings.
• Keep your details consistent across directories and social media.

Why is my business not showing on Google Maps?

If your business is not showing, check these common causes:

• The profile is not verified yet, or verification failed.
• The profile was suspended, often because of keywords stuffed into the business name or a virtual office address.
• You are searching from too far away. Search from inside your service area.
• Your category does not match the search.
• Competitors have more reviews, more complete profiles and stronger websites.

Never add extra keywords or locations to your business name, such as “Joe’s Plumbing Cape Town Best Plumber”. It breaks Google’s guidelines and is a common reason for suspension.

Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes, Google Business Profile is completely free. You only pay if you hire someone to set it up and manage it, or if you choose to run Google Ads. Rusted Web sets up and optimises profiles from R1 950 once-off, and manages them from R950 a month, including posts, photos, review replies and a monthly report. See Google Business Profile setup and management.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put my business on Google Maps without an address?

Yes, service-area businesses can hide their address and show the areas they serve. You still need a real address for verification, but customers will only see your service area.

How long does it take to appear on Google Maps?

Your business usually appears within a few days of verification. Verification itself can take minutes with video or phone, or up to two weeks with a postcard.

Can I have more than one location?

Yes, each physical location that serves customers in person can have its own profile, managed from one account. Each needs its own verification.

Do reviews really affect my ranking?

Yes, the number, quality and recency of Google reviews affect how prominent your business is, and they strongly influence whether people call you.

Want us to set it up for you? Get a quote for Google Business Profile setup from R1 950.