How to create your Google My Business page?

Before you even think about collecting reviews, you need a Google My Business listing — it is what makes your business visible in Google Search and on Google Maps. Good news: creating it is free and takes about twenty minutes. Here is the complete step-by-step guide.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is the free listing of your business on Google. It appears to the right of search results and on Google Maps, with your name, address, opening hours, photos and — most importantly — your customer reviews. Since 2022, Google has renamed it “Google Business Profile”, but it is the same tool.

It is the foundation of your local visibility: a complete, well-rated listing attracts more customers than an invisible competitor or one with no reviews.

Step 1 — Create (or sign in to) your Google account

To manage a listing, you need a Google account. If you already have a Gmail address, use it. Otherwise, creating an account is free at accounts.google.com. Ideally, use an address dedicated to your business rather than a personal account.

Step 2 — Create your business listing

Go to business.google.com and click “Manage now”. You then fill in:

• the exact name of your business;
• the business category (restaurant, hairdresser, garage…) — choose the most precise one, it is decisive for ranking;
• your address (if you receive customers) or your service area (if you travel to them);
• your contact details: phone and website.

Step 3 — Verify your business

Google must confirm that you are the owner. Depending on your business, several methods are offered: postcard with a code sent to your address, phone, email, or video. As long as the listing is not verified, it stays barely visible — do not skip this step.

Step 4 — Optimise your listing

A verified listing is good; a complete listing is what makes the difference in local results:

• Quality photos: storefront, interior, products, team. Listings with photos generate far more clicks.
• Accurate opening hours, including public holidays.
• Description that clearly states your activity, with your keywords.
• Products / services filled in.
• Regular posts (promotions, news, events) to show the listing is active.

Step 5 — Collect reviews (the crux)

Reviews are the first choice criterion for consumers. Once your listing is live, the goal is to collect as many as possible — without ever offering a reward, which is forbidden by Google.

The most effective way: a Google review plate with NFC + QR code placed on your counter. The customer holds their phone near it, your review page opens, and they leave their rating in seconds. Also remember to reply to every review: it encourages the next ones and improves your local ranking.

Next: learn how to quickly find your listing to set up your plate, and discover our complete Google review plate guide.