Google Maps / Google Business Quick Setup & Walkthrough

Invisible to local customers searching online? Your competitors are probably showing up in the prime Google Business spots while you're buried in organic results - if you appear at all. Most local businesses don't realise Google Business listings get better visibility than traditional websites.

Why Watch This Video?

If you're a local business struggling to appear when people search for your services in your area, this video shows why Google Business listings often appear above regular websites in search results - and exactly how to set up and optimise yours to capture more local customers.

What You'll Learn

Understand Google's Local Priority:

See real examples of Google Business listings dominating search results
Learn why these listings appear before most websites
Discover how Google prioritises local businesses in search

Complete Professional Setup:

Step-by-step verification process for immediate visibility
Essential information that Google requires vs optional details
Advanced features most businesses ignore but shouldn't

Optimise for Maximum Impact:

Photo strategies that significantly improve performance
Review management that builds credibility and attracts customers
Performance tracking to measure and improve your local presence

Why Google Business Matters

Search Result Dominance

Local search examples demonstrate Google's prioritization:

"Plumber" search results:

AI overview
Checkatrade, Trusted Trader links
Google Business listings (prominent visual display)
Organic results (much further down)

"Electrician" search results:

AI overview
Trade directories
Google Business listings (prime real estate)
FAQs and organic results

"Party equipment hire" search results:

Google knows your location automatically
Shows local businesses first
Maps integration with listings

Conclusion: Google Business listings appear before most organic results, making them essential for local visibility.

Complete Setup Process

Initial Requirements

Google account (needed for Gmail, YouTube, Android, or any Google service)
Physical address (for verification)
Business details ready for input

Step 1: Account Creation

Visit google.com/business
Click "Get started"
Sign in with Google account
Search for existing business or create new listing

Step 2: Basic Information

Business Category:

Choose most accurate primary category
Add secondary categories later
Affects which search terms trigger your listing

Service Area Setup:

With physical location: Customers can visit your premises
Service area business: You travel to customers
Delivery areas: Define geographic coverage (e.g., "Manchester, UK")

Step 3: Contact Details

Required information:

Business phone number
Website URL (must include)
Business hours (if applicable)
Description of services

Step 4: Verification Process

Google's verification methods (algorithm chooses):

Postcard verification: Physical mail with code (most common)
Phone verification: Instant code via call
Email verification: For some established businesses
Instant verification: For some Google-connected businesses

Timeline: 1-7 days depending on method chosen

Factors affecting verification:

Companies House records
Existing Google knowledge of business location
Domain age and authority

Profile Optimization

Essential Sections

1. Edit Profile (Core Information)

Complete everything possible:

Business name and category
Detailed description
Contact information
Website and booking links
Service areas (crucial for local targeting)
Opening hours
Attributes specific to your industry

Industry-specific details:

Restaurants: Menu, cuisine type, price range, accessibility
Service businesses: Service areas, response time, qualifications
Retail: Product categories, payment methods, parking

2. Photos (Visual Appeal)

Essential uploads:

Logo: Appears in header and search results
Cover photo: Main banner image
Work examples: Showcase your products/services
Location photos: If customers visit your premises
Team photos: Build personal connection

Impact: Listings with photos perform significantly better than those without.

3. Reviews Management

Encouraging reviews:

QR code: Google provides scannable code for easy review access
Direct link: Share review URL with customers
Ask for reviews: Direct requests from satisfied customers

Responding to reviews:

Reply to all reviews: Shows active engagement
Address negative feedback: Professional responses demonstrate care
Thank positive reviewers: Builds relationship and encourages others

4. Services & Products

Services section:

List all services you provide
Add custom services if Google's suggestions don't match
Include pricing where appropriate

Products section:

Upload product photos and descriptions
May appear in Google Shopping results
Helps with local product searches

5. Q&A Section

Proactive FAQ management:

Add common questions yourself
Provide detailed answers
Update regularly with new information
Example: "What's your hourly rate?" with transparent pricing

Customer engagement: Allows potential customers to ask questions directly.

6. Posts & Updates

Content types:

Updates: General business news
Offers: Special promotions
Events: Upcoming activities

Strategy: Regular posting signals active business to Google and customers.

7. Booking Integration

Options:

Link to booking system
Connect contact form
Enable appointment scheduling
Phone booking prominence

Performance Monitoring

Google Business Analytics

Available metrics:

Search queries: Terms that show your listing
Customer actions:
- Phone calls made
- Website clicks
- Direction requests
- Booking attempts
Photo views: Engagement with your images
Geographic data: Where customers are located

Example performance insights:

Search terms: Business name variations, service descriptions
Limited website clicks might indicate weak call-to-action
High direction requests suggest strong local presence

Optimization Based on Data

Low website clicks: Improve business description and call-to-action
Few phone calls: Make phone number more prominent
Limited visibility: Add more photos and posts
Wrong search terms: Adjust business description and services

Advanced Features

Multiple Locations

Manage multiple business locations
Consistent information across all listings
Location-specific content and photos

Google Ads Integration

Promote listings through paid advertising
Local campaign targeting
Enhanced visibility in competitive markets

Messaging

Enable customer messaging
Quick response templates
Mobile app notifications

Address Privacy Options

Service Area Businesses

Address display choice:

Show address: Better for map placement
Hide address: Privacy for home-based businesses

Trade-offs:

Hidden addresses may appear less frequently in map results
Shown addresses build more local authority
Consider your business model and privacy needs

Competitor Intelligence

Bing Places Alternative

Why add Bing Places:

Microsoft's equivalent to Google Business
Import Google Business data directly
Smaller audience but still worthwhile
Available at bingplaces.com

Monitoring Competitors

Research competitor listings in your area
Note their photos, descriptions, and review strategies
Identify opportunities for differentiation

Maintenance & Growth

Regular Updates

Monthly tasks:

Update business hours for holidays
Add new photos from recent work
Respond to new reviews
Post business updates

Quarterly reviews:

Analyse performance data
Update service descriptions
Review and improve photos
Assess competitor changes

Long-term Strategy

Consistent review generation: Develop systematic approach
Content calendar: Regular posts and updates
Performance monitoring: Track metrics and adjust strategy
Reputation management: Proactive review responses

Who This Helps

Local Service Businesses (plumbers, electricians, solicitors) competing for local customers

Retail Businesses with physical locations wanting more foot traffic

Restaurant and Hospitality Owners needing better visibility in local searches

Any Business with a physical presence frustrated by poor local search visibility

Service Area Businesses who travel to customers but want local authority

Google Business profiles represent prime digital real estate for local businesses. A well-optimized, regularly maintained profile significantly improves local visibility, customer engagement, and business growth whilst requiring minimal ongoing investment.

If you'd like help setting up and optimising your Google Business listing for maximum local visibility, contact me.