How to Get Found on Google: The 60-Minute Google Business Profile Setup Guide
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You've got your website up and running, you've set up your social media accounts, and you're crossing your fingers that clients will magically start flowing in.
But here's the thing…. there's one super powerful (and totally free!) marketing tool that too many solopreneurs are completely overlooking: Google Business Profile.
"But Janessa, I don't have a physical store. Do I really need this?"
Yep!
When I first launched my web design business, I thought Google Business Profile was just for brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants. I mean, I work from my home office (sometimes usually in PJs, let's be real), so why would I need to be on a map?
Oh man, was I wrong.
After setting up my own Google Business Profile, I started seeing a steady stream of local clients finding me directly through Google searches – even though I don't have a storefront. And now I make this a non-negotiable part of every client's marketing strategy.
So today, I'm breaking down exactly how to set up your Google Business Profile in under an hour – even if you're running an online business. Because the cold, hard truth is that if you're not showing up in Google's local results, you're literally leaving money on the table.
What Is a Google Business Profile (And Who Can Create One)?
In the simplest terms, a Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business) is your business listing on Google. It's what pops up in that box on the right side of search results when someone searches for your business name. It also helps you appear in local search results and on Google Maps.
Think of it like a mini-website that lives directly in Google's search results.
A Google Business Profile shows your:
Business name
Address or service area
Phone number
Website
Hours
Reviews
Photos
Services
Who CAN create a Google Business Profile:
You CAN create a profile if you:
Have direct interaction with customers (online or in-person)
Make in-person contact during business hours (retail, services, appointment-only)
Are a brick-and-mortar business, home-based business owner, or mobile entrepreneur
Have a physical address or serve a specific area (like photographers, coaches, web designers)
Are a professional (doctor, therapist, lawyer) working within a larger practice
Who CANNOT create a Google Business Profile:
You CANNOT create a profile if:
Your business is 100% online/digital with no direct customer contact (like digital products with no support interaction)
You're not legally operating (no business registration or licenses when required)
You sell exclusively on platforms like Amazon or Etsy without a unique business presence
You're a lead generation company posing as a real business
You run a property for rent (like vacation homes or Airbnbs) unless it has onsite signage and staff
This is super important to understand before you start – Google has gotten much stricter about who can have a Business Profile.
Why Your Business Needs a Google Business Profile
If you meet the eligibility requirements (and most of us entrepreneurs do!), here are four reasons you should set up your Google Business Profile ASAP:
1. It's Literally Free Marketing
When was the last time you found a marketing channel that cost exactly ZERO dollars? Not "affordable" or "budget-friendly" — I'm talking absolutely free. Google Business Profile costs nothing to set up and manage. It takes less than an hour to get the basics in place, and the potential return is huge.
2. Local Search Visibility
When people search for services in their area, Google typically shows a map with 3-4 Business Profiles at the top of results. If you're not there, you're invisible to a huge segment of potential clients.
According to Google, businesses with complete profiles are more likely to be considered reputable by searchers. That means more clicks, more calls, and more clients.
3. Build Credibility With Reviews
We all know that social proof is HUGE for converting browsers into buyers. Google Business Profile gives you a place to collect reviews that show up directly in search results. And unlike testimonials on your website (which people might assume are cherry-picked), Google reviews feel more trustworthy to potential clients.
4. Connect With Local Clients
Even if you serve clients worldwide, there's something special about working with someone local. Maybe it's the option for in-person meetings, supporting local businesses, or just the comfort of knowing someone is in your time zone. Either way, you're missing out on an entire segment of ideal clients if you're not showing up in local searches.
How To Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Alright, let's cut to the chase and get your Google Business Profile set up. You'll need:
A Google account
Your business information
About 60 minutes of focused time
Step 1: Create Your Profile
On your computer, sign in to your Google Account (or create one using your business email)
Go to business.google.com and click "Manage now"
Enter your business name
Choose a primary business category – be as specific as possible here. Don't just pick "Business Consultant" if you're actually a "Social Media Consultant" or "Website Design Service"
Pro tip: Google offers different category options based on what you start typing, so try a few variations to find the most specific match for your business.
Step 2: Service Area vs. Physical Location
This is where you'll indicate whether customers visit your location:
If you have a storefront or office where customers visit you: Select "Yes" when asked if you have a location customers can visit. Enter your address and follow the prompts to place a marker on the map.
If you don't have a storefront or you work from home: Select "No" when asked if you have a location customers can visit. You'll then be prompted to enter your service area.
✍️ Tip: For service area businesses, you can set your service area based on cities, postal codes, or other areas that you serve. You can add up to 20 service areas, but Google recommends not extending boundaries farther than 2 hours driving time from where your business is based.
IMPORTANT: Google only allows one Business Profile per metropolitan area for service businesses. Your account may be suspended if Google finds multiple profiles for the same business in the same area.
Step 3: Contact Information
Next, you'll add your contact details:
Phone number (use your business line if you have one)
Website URL (make sure this is your actual domain, not a social media page)
If you've got a Squarespace website, make absolutely sure that your contact info here matches exactly what's on your website. Google checks for consistency across the web when determining how trustworthy your business is.
Step 4: Verification
To prove you actually own your business, you'll need to verify your listing. Google offers several verification methods, though availability varies by business type:
Postcard verification: Google mails a postcard with a verification code to your business address (takes 5-21 days)
Email verification: Available for some businesses
Phone verification: Available for some businesses
Video verification: Newer option, not available for all businesses
Most businesses in 2025 will be required to verify by postcard. If this is your only option, be patient! It's worth the wait.
✍️ Important tip: Don't edit your business name, address, or category before verification is complete, as this can delay or reset the verification process. If your postcard doesn't arrive within a month, you can request a new one, but this will invalidate the original code.
Now Let's Optimize Your Profile
Getting your profile set up is just step one. The magic happens when you optimize it to actually attract your ideal clients.
Here's what to focus on:
Photos & Visual Content
According to Google, businesses with photos receive more clicks to their website and more requests for driving directions in Google Maps.
Add these types of images:
Logo (square format, at least 250 x 250 pixels)
Cover photo (shows at the top of your profile)
Team photos (if applicable)
Office/workspace photos (even if it's your home office, make it look professional)
Photos of you working with clients (get permission first!)
Photos of your work/products, if applicable
Technical details:Photos should be at least 720 x 720 pixels
Use JPG or PNG format
Videos must be under 30 seconds, less than 100MB, and at least 720p resolution
Make sure all photos are high-quality, well-lit, and professionally represent your brand. No blurry selfies, please!
Business Description
This is your 750-character chance to tell potential clients what you do and why they should choose you. Write in your natural voice, but be strategic with keywords.
A good structure:
1-2 sentences about what you do, and who you serve
1-2 sentences about your methodology or framework, or your USP (Unique Selling Proposition; what makes you different)
1 sentence about your experience or qualifications
End with a clear call-to-action
Services Section
This section lets you list specific services you offer, with optional descriptions and pricing. This is super valuable real estate!
Add all your main service offerings, with clear, benefit-focused descriptions. For example, if you're a coach, instead of just listing "Life Coaching" (not specific at all), you could write "Transformational Career Coaching - Helping professionals find meaningful work and negotiate salaries they deserve." Or if you're a photographer, you might say "Brand Photography Sessions - Captivating images that elevate your online presence and connect with your ideal audience."
You can include pricing if you want to pre-qualify leads, or leave it blank if you prefer to discuss pricing during consultations.
Maintenance Quick Tips
Setting up your profile is just the start. To really see results, you need to keep it fresh:
Weekly 5-Minute Check-in
Spend 5 minutes each week:
Responding to any reviews (always respond, even to the good ones!)
Checking your insights to see how people are finding you
Making any updates to hours, services, or info as needed
Fresh Content
Just like your website, Google rewards fresh content.
Try to:
Add a new photo every month
Create a Google post every 2-4 weeks (these work like mini blog posts)
Update your services or descriptions quarterly
Review Your Strategy
Reviews are gold for local SEO. Create a simple system to ask happy clients for Google reviews.
You can:
Include it in your offboarding process
Send a follow-up email with a direct link to leave a review
Offer a small thank you (like a Starbucks gift card) for clients who take the time to review
For me, I share a link with my clients in my offboarding email as well as my feedback and testimonial form I send out.
Connecting Your Google Business Profile to Your Squarespace Website
To make sure people are actually finding you, make sure your Google Business Profile and Squarespace website are working together:
On Your Squarespace Website:
Embed Google Reviews: While Squarespace doesn't have a built-in Google review integration, you can use a third-party widget like Elfsight or a custom code block to show your Google reviews.
Match contact information exactly: Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details on your Squarespace site match your Google Business Profile EXACTLY.
Add location info: Use Squarespace's built-in Map Block to display your location if you have a physical address.
Create a link to your profile: Add a "Find us on Google" text link that opens your Google Business Profile.
On Your Google Business Profile:
Link to specific service pages: Don't just link to your Squarespace homepage - link directly to your services or booking pages when possible.
Add booking links: If you use Squarespace Acuity Scheduling, add a direct booking link to make it easier for clients or customers to schedule with you.
Update hours regularly: Keep your availability hours on Google consistent with your availability.
✍️ Tip: If you update your business info on your Squarespace site (like phone number or address), always immediately update your Google Business Profile to match! Consistency across platforms is a key ranking factor.
Ready to Get Found Online?
Setting up your Google Business Profile takes about 60 minutes of active work (the initial setup part).
While verification might take longer if you need to wait for a postcard, the work you do in that hour lays the groundwork for a powerful marketing asset that works for your business 24/7 — even while you're binge-watching your favorite shows or taking that much-needed vacation/workcation.
Your Google Business Profile is just one piece of your online presence puzzle. If you're wondering whether your website is actually working as hard as it could be to attract and convert your ideal clients, or it’s just feeling ‘meh’ or ‘off’, a Website Audit might be exactly what you need.
My Squarespace Website Audit gives you a clear roadmap for making your website more client-attracting – without the overwhelm or guesswork. You'll learn exactly what's working, what's not, and what to do about it.
What's included in your Squarespace Website Audit:
Comprehensive review of your website's strategy, design, and functionality
Video walkthrough with personalized feedback
Detailed action plan with prioritized recommendations
Follow-up support to answer any questions
Stop guessing and start knowing exactly how to make your website work for your business. Grab Your Website Audit Now →
