How to Set Up Google Business Profile (Step by Step 2025)

Step 1 Check Eligibility

Make sure your business meets Google’s guidelines it must have a physical location or service area offer goods/services and not engage in prohibited content.
If you already have an existing listing (perhaps created automatically by Google) you’ll need to claim it rather than create a duplicate.

Step 2 Claim or Create Your Business Profile

Visit the Google Business Profile manager and either Claim this business if the listing exists or Create a new business if it doesn’t.
Make sure you use the Google account you want to manage the profile with.

Step 3 Use Your Exact Business Name

Enter your business name exactly as it appears in real world signage or legal registration. Avoid adding keywords locations or descriptors for the sake of ranking. Google’s guidelines emphasise name consistency.

Step 4 Add Your Address & Location Pin

Input the full address accurately (street city postcode) and verify the map pin is correctly positioned. Ensure the Name Address Phone (NAP) matches the information on your website and across other listings.

Step 5 Choose the Right Business Category

Select the primary category that best fits your business (e.g. Digital Marketing Agency) and then relevant secondary categories if appropriate. Choosing the right category is a major ranking factor.

Step 6 Define Your Service Area

For businesses that deliver to or work in client locations (e.g. SEO services in UAE/UK) define your service area instead of a fixed location if needed. This helps Google know where you operate.

Step 7 Verify Your Business

Complete the verification process so Google knows you’re the legitimate owner. Methods include postcard phone email or video depending on region and type.
Verification is essential for full functionality.

Step 8 Link to Your Website or Location Page

Provide the correct website URL ideally a local landing page for the specific region (UAE or UK) if you serve multiple markets. Ensure your site is optimised for local SEO so the listing and website reinforce each other.

Step 9 Add Opening Hours

Set accurate opening and holiday hours. Update them if they change. Inaccurate hours lead to poor customer experience and negative signals.

Step 10 Write a Compelling Business Description

Within the profile you should craft a clear description (up to 750 characters) highlighting what your business does your value proposition and your service locations. Use relevant local keywords naturally (e.g. digital marketing services in Dubai & London).

Step 11 Upload High Quality Photos & Videos

Add a variety of images your storefront or office team in action key services before/after etc. Size and format guidelines apply (at least 720×720 pixels). Geotag or rename files with relevant keywords and location if possible. Photos boost engagement.

Step 12 Add a Virtual Tour (Optional)

If your business has a physical location adding a 360° virtual tour can increase trust and engagement especially useful for local foot traffic.

Step 13 Collect and Manage Customer Reviews

Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Then respond to them promptly positive and negative. Reviews are a major local ranking factor.

Step 14 Post Updates and Offers Regularly

Use the Posts feature to share offers events new services FAQs photos. Regular updates keep your profile fresh and signal activity to Google.

Step 15 Monitor Insights & Analytics

Use the built in Google Business Profile dashboard to review actions website clicks direction requests phone calls views. Use these metrics to refine your strategy.

Advanced Tips to Rank Higher on Google Maps

Ensure local citation consistency NAP details must match across directories and listings.

Use keywords naturally in reviews and responses customers mentioning digital marketing agency in Dubai or SEO services UK helps relevancy.

Build backlinks pointing to your Google Business Profile or local landing page to boost authority.

Utilize the Q&A feature populate common questions (and answers) you get from clients to pre empt queries and improve engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selecting the wrong business category (or adding irrelevant ones) this confuses Google and users.

Creating duplicate listings for the same business location duplicates dilute ranking power.

Ignoring reviews or failing to respond lack of engagement signals low credibility.

Using generic stock images instead of real high quality photos this weakens trust and engagement.

Final Thoughts

A well optimised Google Business Profile is a 24/7 storefront that can attract local customers in the UAE UK or any region you serve. The key is ongoing optimisation not just set it and forget it. At QubaMarketing we assist businesses with full local seo optimisation profile management and affordable packages tailored for your region.
Take action now claim or set up your Google Business Profile fill it out completely and keep refining. The benefits of increased visibility trust and engagement will compound over time.