# Google Business Profile: First-Time Setup Setup time: 60-90 minutes. Zero cost. This is the CLAIM step of The GBP Trifecta. Do this once. Update it monthly. --- ## Step 1: Go to google.com/business Sign in with your Google account (personal Gmail is fine, business Gmail is better). ## Step 2: Search for your business Google may already have created a profile for you (they auto-generate profiles from public records). If you find one: - Click "Claim this business" - Google verifies via phone, text, or postcard If nothing exists: - Click "Add your business to Google" - Enter name, primary category, address (or service area) - Choose verification: phone (instant), text (instant), or postcard (5-14 days) ## Step 3: Complete the Info tab (100% of fields) Every field matters. Missing fields = lower rank. **Business name** — exact legal name, no keyword stuffing (Google catches "ABC Plumbing - #1 Rated Plumber in Charlotte" and penalizes it) **Categories:** - Primary category: the ONE thing you do best (be specific: "Plumbing Contractor" not "Contractor") - Additional categories: up to 9, all relevant **Address:** exact street address, apartment/suite number included **Service area** (if you go to customers): list every city/ZIP you serve **Hours:** exact hours including holidays and special hours **Phone:** business phone (matching website) **Website:** your homepage or a location page if multi-location **Appointment URL:** direct link to your booking calendar if you have one **From the business:** 750-character description with your primary keyword in the first sentence (use Template 7) **Opening date:** the year you started (proves history to Google) **Attributes:** check every applicable one (Wheelchair accessible, Free WiFi, Family-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly, Veteran-owned, etc.) ## Step 4: Add Services (or Menu) **Services** (for service businesses): list every service one by one with a short description. - "Water Heater Installation - Same-day service, 6-year warranty" - "Toilet Repair - Emergency 24/7, flat-rate pricing" **Menu** (for restaurants): full menu with prices, categories, dietary tags. **Products** (for retailers): add key products with images and pricing. The more specific your services list, the more search queries you can match. ## Step 5: Upload photos (20-40 on day 1) Go to Photos tab. Upload in this priority order: 1. **Logo** (square, high-res, transparent PNG if possible) 2. **Cover photo** (landscape, storefront or hero shot) 3. **Interior** (3-5 shots) 4. **Exterior** (3-5 shots) 5. **Work samples** (5-10 before/afters, projects, jobs) 6. **Team** (3-5 shots of people at work) 7. **Products** (if applicable) Rules: - Real photos, not stock - 1080 x 1080 or higher - Good lighting - No text overlays ## Step 6: Enable Messaging Go to Messages tab. Turn it on. Set your auto-response for after-hours: ``` Thanks for messaging. We're closed for the day. I'll respond first thing in the morning. For emergencies, text URGENT and I'll call now. ``` Install the Google Business app on your phone so messages come to you as push notifications. ## Step 7: Enable Booking (if applicable) If your industry supports Google Reserve (dining, salons, home services), enable it. Google prioritizes profiles with direct booking. Not all industries qualify. If yours doesn't, add your calendar link to Appointment URL instead. ## Step 8: Publish your first Google Post Go to Posts tab. Click "Create post." Type: What's new Content: A one-line announcement. Doesn't matter what. This is your first activity signal. Example: "Now booking appointments through October. Call [phone] or book online." Add a photo. Add a CTA button. Publish. ## Step 9: Verify all Q&A Go to Q&A tab. If any questions already exist (from strangers asking about your business), answer every one. Then seed 3-5 of your own FAQ: - "Do you offer free estimates?" (asked, then answered by yourself) - "What areas do you serve?" - "Do you handle [common request]?" Google shows Q&A in search results. Own the narrative. ## Step 10: Save the review link Go to Home tab. Click "Ask for reviews." Copy the short link (g.page/r/...). Save it somewhere permanent: notes app, CRM, print on business cards. Every review request from now on uses this exact link. --- ## Ongoing (5 minutes per week) Every Friday morning: 1. Post one Google Post (weekly announcement, offer, or update) 2. Upload 2-3 new photos 3. Respond to any new reviews 4. Check any new Q&A 5. Note this week's GBP views in your tracker Do this for 12 weeks and your rank moves. --- ## Common Setup Mistakes - **Skipping categories.** Fill primary AND up to 9 additional. Coverage matters. - **Generic description.** Include your PRIMARY KEYWORD in the first sentence of the "From the business" description. - **Uploading logo as cover photo.** Cover photo should be a real image of your work or storefront, not the logo. - **Ignoring Q&A.** If someone else answers a question about your business, that answer sticks. Own it first. - **Not verifying at all.** Unverified profiles rank near zero. Do the postcard even if it takes 2 weeks. --- Ready to have us set up + manage your GBP for you? Every BFM website client's GBP is optimized as part of the launch. Book a Clarity Call at [/plan](/plan).