How to set up your Google Business Profile

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Search your business name and city. If needed, search the phone number or address too.
3. If the correct business appears, use Google's claim or management option. If it does not, continue to step 3 to create one.

A profile claimed by a former employee or agency may need an ownership request. Do not create a duplicate just to avoid that process.

1. Confirm that you meet customers in person at a staffed location or travel to them for service.
2. Decide whether customers visit your address, you visit them, or both.
3. Review Google's eligibility rules before proceeding.

Online-only businesses generally are not eligible. A mailbox or unstaffed virtual office is not a customer-facing location.

1. With the owner's account, open Google's Business Profile setup.
2. Enter your real-world business name as it appears on your signage, website, and customer materials.
3. Choose the primary category that best describes the core business, such as Car detailing service when detailing is your core business and that category is available. Add other categories only when they accurately describe what you do; do not choose a category just to target a keyword.

Do not add extra keywords or cities to the business name. If the profile already exists, go back and claim it.

1. If customers visit your staffed detailing shop during stated hours and it has permanent business signage, enter that address.
2. If you detail vehicles at customers’ homes or workplaces and customers do not visit your base, set up a service-area profile and hide your address from the public listing. Google may still need the real address for verification.
3. Enter cities or ZIP codes you actually serve (up to 20 areas). Google generally recommends an overall area within about two hours’ drive of your base. Adding distant cities does not make you rank there.

A ceramic coating studio that receives customers at its staffed, signed shop may show its address. A mobile detailer based at home should hide the residential address if customers do not visit. If you serve customers at your shop and travel to them, use a hybrid profile with both your eligible shop address and service areas. See Google's location rules and service-area instructions.

1. Enter the phone number customers should use to reach this business.
2. Link to the relevant business website, ideally a page that clearly describes your services and locations.
3. Add your real operating hours and update special hours for holidays. Use hours when your business is actually available to customers.

Check these details before submitting. You can edit them later, but significant changes can sometimes require another verification. See Google's profile editing guide.

1. Review the verification method shown in your account. Google chooses the available methods, which may include video, phone or text, email, postcard, or live video.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. If asked for a video, prepare to show the real location or service equipment and proof you manage the business.
3. Wait for Google's review and respond to any additional instructions in your account.

Verification methods vary. A mobile detailer may need to show the operating location, detailing equipment, a work vehicle, and proof of management. A shop may need its permanent signage and access to staff-only areas. Follow the specific checklist Google provides. Use Google's verification help and its video checklist.

1. Add the services you actually provide, such as interior detailing, exterior detailing, ceramic coating, paint correction, and paint protection film. Describe them accurately; listing a service does not guarantee rankings.
2. Upload genuine photos of your team, vehicles, location, and completed work; write a clear business description.
3. Review the profile on Search and Maps. Keep hours, service areas, and contact details current.

To work with MD Local Growth later, the owner can invite an authorized manager without sharing a password. The owner should retain primary ownership.