How to Setup Your Google Business Profile as a StartUp
- Christopher. H
- Oct 2, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
Launching a business without a Google Business Profile in today’s market? That’s like setting up shop in the busiest street in town but forgetting to put up a sign. You might be there — but no one knows.
When done right, setting up your Google My Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) becomes your business’s front door online. It’s how customers find you in Google Search and Maps, get your contact details, see reviews, and decide whether to visit or buy.
But too many founders either skip it, set it up halfway, or never update it again. The result? Missed leads, outdated info, and a credibility gap that turns people away before they even click through to your website.
In 2023 we worked with a Sydney café who had a well designed website and strong Instagram following — but their Google Business Profile had an old phone number and no updated photos. New customers kept calling the wrong number, leaving bad reviews out of frustration. After we helped them claim and optimise their profile with correct details, menu uploads, and customer review requests, their call volume tripled, foot traffic spiked, and positive reviews replaced the old ones within two months.
Setting up your Google My Business Profile so it actually brings in customers is easier that people realise, so let's go through it, step by step. PLUS we have share our strategy for GEO tagging to boost your local SEO ranking.
What Is a Google My Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile is a free listing tool from Google that lets you control how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps.
With it, you can:
Display your business name, address, phone number, and hours.
Share photos, videos, menus, and service details.
Respond to reviews and questions.
Post updates, offers, and events.
Enable direct actions like “Call Now,” “Get Directions,” or “Book Online.”
Without it, Google will either pull incomplete information from the internet — or worse — your competitors will be the only ones showing up for searches in your area.
Why It Matters (And How It Impacts Growth)
Most founders underestimate the direct sales impact of a properly set up Google Business Profile. But this is the first impression for most customers — and first impressions in business can be the difference between growth and struggle.
Boosts Local Visibility
Your profile gets you into Google’s “Local Pack” — those top 3 business results that show on maps and search. Being here can double your calls and visits.Result: You’ll show up in the top spots where buyers are already searching.
Drives Calls, Visits & Website Clicks
Having a complete profile with photos, accurate details, and reviews makes people more likely to engage. Result: More direct calls, walk-ins, and site visits without spending on ads.
Builds Trust at a Glance
When someone searches and sees a complete profile with reviews and current photos, it signals credibility instantly.Result: Customers trust you faster — and competitors become an afterthought.
Gives You Free Customer Insights
Google Business Profile analytics show you how people found you, what they clicked, and what actions they took. Result: You can see what works, double down on it, and stop wasting time on what doesn’t.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving in, get these ready:
Google Account (personal or business — we recommend a dedicated business account)
Official business name and category
Business address or service area
Phone number and website
High-quality images (logo, interior/exterior shots, product/service photos)
Short business description (think “elevator pitch” for search)
List of services or products
Mentor Tip:
Getting your image sizes right is the difference between looking polished and looking amateur. Canva makes this effortless for business owners. It’s free to join, gives you ready-to-use dimensions for every platform, and lets you resize in seconds. That means your logo, product shots, and brand visuals look sharp and consistent across all your social media, website, and marketing — without needing a designer on call.
How to Setup (or Claim) Google My Business Profile: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Open Your Google Business Profile Account
Go to business.google.com/add. You’ll need a Google account to log in.
If you don’t have one, create it first.
Choose to either create or claim your business.
Step 2: Add or Claim Your Business
Create: If your business isn’t listed, click Add your business to Google and follow the prompts.
Claim: If your business appears in search but isn’t verified, click “Claim this business” and follow verification steps.
Result: Your listing is secured and under your control.
Step 3: Provide Core Business Details
Name, category, and location/service area.
Phone number and website.
Choose whether you have a physical location customers visit, or if you serve customers at their location.
Result: Google knows exactly where and how to display your business.
Step 4: Verify Your Profile
Google will ask you to verify you’re the owner. Methods include:
Postcard (sent to your business address)
Phone call
Email verification
Result: Verified profiles get full control and show up in search faster.
Step 5: Add Photos & Videos
Logo, cover photo, inside/outside shots, team images, products, and services.
Aim for at least 10–15 high-quality images to start.
Result: Visuals make your listing 2x more likely to get clicks.
Step 6: Write Your Business Description
Keep it under 750 characters.
Lead with what you do, who you help, and why you’re different.
Result: Customers instantly understand your value.
Step 7: Add Services, Products, or Menu
If you’re a café, upload your menu.
If you’re a service provider, add service names and descriptions.
Result: Customers know what you offer without leaving Google.
Step 8: Enable Messaging & Bookings
Turn on Google Messaging so people can message you directly from search.
If you take bookings, integrate with tools like Wix Bookings, Calendly, or your POS.
Result: You make it easy for customers to act now.
Step 9: Post Regular Updates
Share offers, new products, events, and business news at least monthly.
Result: Google rewards active listings with better placement.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR LOCAL SEO RANKINGS
(what Google doesn't want you to know)
In most markets, it is competitive and can be costly to rank higher than your competitors in Google search results.
We also see experience business's having a primary and secondary target market locations. For example, an Smash Repair Shop in Southern Sydney was able to rank on page 1 of Google for their wider target market of Greater Metropolitan Sydney but failed to rank on page 1 for their local area in the Sutherland Shire.
Google is famous for its ever changing algorithm and we worked with their marketing manager to devise a strategy that got around the algorithm and targeted both local and their wider clients.
Want to know what that was ?
The strategy was keeping the profile set for the wider target with their existing strategy and then using the my Google Business App with the location services switched on. Once the App was set up and location services turned on, we took photos whilst on location and uploaded to the profile via the App.
That was how we worked around the issue of landing on page 1 of Google for both their primary and secondary target locations.
You are welcome!
Costs and Timeframes
1) Do It Yourself
Time: 1–3 hours (depending on your skill level)
Cost: Free
2) Hire a Specialist
Option | Cost Range |
Freelancer | $150 – $500/project |
Consultant | $150 – $350/hour |
Benefits of Hiring:
Faster setup
Expert optimisation
Advanced local SEO strategies
Include training in your pricing/project to learn faster
Common Mistakes Founders Make
(extended version)
Even smart operators blow this by rushing setup or “set-and-forget”. Fix these and you’ll feel it in calls, clicks, and bookings.
Skipping verification (or leaving ownership unclaimed) If you’re not verified, you won’t get full visibility, editing control, or Insights. Competitors and “suggested edits” can shape your listing. Result: Lower rankings, incorrect info, and missed leads.
Inconsistent NAP across the web Your Name–Address–Phone must match your website and major directories exactly. Small mismatches (“St” vs “Street”, old numbers) erode trust. Result: Google throttles your visibility; customers call the wrong number.
Wrong (or bloated) categories Your primary category drives what you rank for. Piling on irrelevant secondaries confuses Google. Result: You disappear for money searches and show up for the wrong ones.
Thin profile: few photos, no Posts, no services Blank listings look abandoned—even if you’re great. Upload real photos, list services, and post monthly. Result: Fewer clicks, fewer calls, and a weaker first impression.
No review engine (hoping, not asking) Reviews won’t roll in on their own. You need a repeatable ask (QR/SMS/email) and fast, human replies. Result: Slower rankings, lower conversion, and less social proof.
Using a PO Box/virtual office as your address If customers don’t meet you there, don’t list it. Service-area businesses should hide the address and set suburbs/regions. Result: Suspensions, lost visibility, and re-verification headaches.
Set-and-forget hours & info Holiday hours, new services, pricing, and photos go stale quickly. Stale = untrustworthy. Result: Angry customers, bad reviews, and algorithm demotion.
Keyword-stuffed business name Jamming keywords into your name (“Acme Plumbing Best Emergency Plumber Brisbane”) violates guidelines. Result: Short-term bump, long-term penalties—or suspension.
Ignoring Q&A and Messages Unanswered questions and slow replies kill intent. Turn on Messaging and add quick-reply templates. Result: Leads leak to competitors who respond faster.
No tracking on your Website/Call buttons If you can’t measure, you can’t improve. Use UTM links and call tracking to see what’s working. Result: Wasted effort and no clear path to scale.
Mentor Tip:
Treat your Google Business Profile like your shop window. Keep it fresh, clean, and inviting.
What to Do Right Now
✅ Book a session with Noize. Have it built for you— get your GBP claimed, completed, and optimised along with all of your social media platforms, so they work while you sleep [Noize.com.au]
✅ StartUp Business Support. The Startup Deck packs proven business strategies across 11 core growth areas — everything you need to build a rock-solid business foundation [thestartupdeck.com].
COMING in 2026...
✅ Download our How To Geo-Tag PlayBook + 60 Minute My Google Business Setup for your Google Business Profile— Your quick-start tool for business owners ready to take action now. Built for Australian businesses. [ProDesk.com]
FAQs
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is a free tool that allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. You can add contact details, photos, services, and respond to reviews.
How do I verify my Google My Business profile?
You can verify your Google My Business profile via phone, email, or postcard sent to your business address. Verification confirms you are the rightful owner and gives you full editing access.
Can I claim a Google My Business profile that already exists?
Yes, if your business is already listed on Google, you can claim it by selecting 'Own this business?' and following the verification steps.
How often should I update my Google My Business profile?
You should update your Google My Business profile regularly, ideally once a month or whenever your hours, services, or contact information change. Adding new photos and posts also boosts visibility.
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