How to Get Your Business on Google Maps

Your spot on Google Maps comes from a free Google Business Profile. Here's how to set one up, what matters most once it's live, and what we do for clients.

Step by step

Search Google for your business name first. If a listing already shows up, claim it instead of making a new one, so you don't end up with two.

Otherwise go to business.google.com and add your business with its real name, exactly as customers know it.

Pick your primary category carefully. It's one of the biggest things Google uses to decide which searches you show up for.

If customers come to you, add your address. If you go to them, set a service area and hide your address.

Verify the business. Google will ask you to prove it's real, often with a short video of your shop, truck, or tools.

Fill in hours, phone, website, services, and a description, then add photos of your real work.

What moves you up once you're on the map

The right category

"Excavating contractor" and "Landscaper" show up for different searches. Pick the one that matches your main work, then add secondary ones.

Being close to the searcher

Google favors businesses near the person searching. You can't change that, which is why the other pieces matter.

Reviews

Real reviews from real customers, and replies to them. Ask every happy customer, and make it easy with a direct review link.

Accurate hours

Google is more likely to show a business that's open when someone searches.

A website that matches

Each service on your profile can link to its own page on your site, with the same name, address, and phone.

Staying active

New photos and regular posts show Google and customers that the business is running.

Mistakes we see all the time

The wrong primary category, so you show up for the wrong searches or none

No services listed

Hours that don't match your website or Facebook page

A phone number typed into a post, which Google can reject

Two listings for the same business

If you want us to do it

Every monthly plan starts with the first 30 days free. One-time fees are paid up front.

Google Business Profile + local SEO setup

Category, services, products, photos, description, and fixes to what's already there.

$300 once

Google Business Profile + local SEO management

Posts, updates, keyword tracking, and a monthly report. Included in Growth care.

$150/mo

Ready to start? Order online or ask us a question.

Common questions

Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page?Who owns my website and domain name?

Services

Web Design Website Care Plans Local SEO & Google Business Profile Social Media Management Logos & Graphic Design Websites for Contractors Restaurant Websites Custom Builds Our Work Prices

Common questions

Is a Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Google doesn't charge for the profile. You only pay if you hire someone like us to set it up or manage it.

Can I be on Google Maps without a storefront?

Yes. Businesses that go to the customer set a service area and hide their address.

I already have a profile. Can you fix it?

Yes. You stay the owner; we just need to be added as a manager. Most profiles we see need the category, services, or hours fixed.

How long until I show up?

Once Google verifies the business, the profile can show up within days. Ranking higher for busy searches takes longer and depends on your reviews and your competitors.

Where are you located?

Rare Works is based in Columbia, MS and works with small businesses across South Mississippi, including Hattiesburg, Purvis, Petal, and McComb.

Want us to set it up?

Tell us about your business and we'll look at your profile, or help you start one.

Get in Touch