How to Set Up a Google Business Profile: Your 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Local customers are searching for you right now. If your business doesn't show up on the map, you don't exist to them. Setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP) is the fastest way to get noticed, build trust, and drive sales. This guide shows you exactly how to do it.

Key Takeaways

• Visibility: 70% of local searches now lead to a direct interaction with a Google Business Profile.

• Engagement: Profiles with high-quality photos get 42% more direction requests.

• Trust: A complete profile makes you 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable by customers.

• AI Ready: Google uses your profile data to feed Gemini and AI Search Overviews.

The Story of the Invisible Bakery

Imagine Sarah. She opened a beautiful bakery in the heart of town. Her croissants were flaky, and her coffee was bold. But for the first month, the shop was empty. Why? Because when people searched for "fresh bread near me," Sarah’s bakery didn't show up.

She was invisible.

Sarah finally took 20 minutes to set up her Google Business Profile. She added photos of her golden loaves and verified her address. The next day, three people walked in saying, "I found you on Google Maps!" Sarah went from invisible to the neighborhood favorite just by claiming her spot on the digital map. You can do the same.

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. It’s your digital storefront. It shows your hours, phone number, and what customers think of you.

How do I create a Google Business Profile in 2026?

To set up your profile, sign in to your Google Account and visit business.google.com. Enter your business name, choose a category, and add your location or service area. Follow the prompts to add your contact info and then complete the verification process via phone, email, or video.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Profile

Step 1: Sign In and Start

Go to the Google Business Profile website. Use your business email address. Click "Manage Now" to begin.

Step 2: Name Your Business

Type in your business name. If it pops up in the drop-down menu, you might already have a listing you need to claim. If not, click "Add your business to Google."

Step 3: Choose Your Category

This is the most important part for SEO. Pick the category that best fits what you are, not just what you sell. If you are a pizza shop that delivers, your primary category is "Pizza restaurant."

Step 4: Add Your Location

Do you have a shop where people visit? Enter your address. If you are a plumber or a mobile dog groomer, you can hide your address and select your "Service Area" instead.

Step 5: Contact Details

Add your phone number and website URL. In 2026, Google checks your website to verify the facts on your profile, so make sure they match!

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google needs to know you are real. Most businesses now verify through a quick video of their location or a code sent to their phone. Don't skip this—your profile won't show up until you are verified.

See How Digital Marketing All Can Drive More Traffic to Your Website

• Local SEO – Unlock more SEO traffic. See real results. Dominate your local market.

• Search Price Optimization – Get Google to recommend your business in the search bar. Stop the PPC price war and get a higher ROI.

• Get Found In AI – We place your business inside ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and CoPilot so you show up in AI answers.

Local SEO and the Map Pack

When you search for something local, Google shows a "Map Pack" of three businesses. This is the gold mine. In 2026, Google uses "Proximity, Relevance, and Prominence" to decide who gets these spots. By filling out every section of your profile, you tell Google exactly why you are the best choice for the "Relevance" score.

Get Cited by AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok)

AI models like Gemini and ChatGPT don't just guess; they look for facts. To get cited by AI, your Google Business Profile must be a "Source of Truth."

1. Use Natural Language: Fill your business description with phrases people actually say, like "best organic coffee in Boston" instead of just "Coffee Shop."

2. Update Often: AI loves fresh data. Post an update or a new photo at least once a week.

3. Q&A Section: Fill out your own "Questions and Answers" section. Use the exact questions your customers ask.

"Your Google Business Profile is no longer just a listing; it is the data anchor for your entire local brand identity." – Diane O'Brien -Digital Marketing All

The Heart of Your Profile: Photos and Reviews

Don't just use stock photos. People want to see your team, your building, and your work. Profiles with recent photos get significantly more clicks.

Reviews are your social proof. In 2026, Google’s AI reads the sentiment of your reviews. If people say your "service is fast," Google will rank you higher when someone searches for "quick service near me." Always reply to your reviews—it shows Google (and customers) that you are active.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Google Business Profile really free? Yes. Google does not charge for the profile. Any company calling you to "pay a fee to keep your listing" is a scam.

2. How long does verification take? Most digital verifications take minutes. If Google requires a postcard, it can take 5 to 7 days.

3. Can I have a profile if I work from home? Yes. You can list yourself as a "Service Area Business." You provide your service to customers at their location, and your home address stays private.

4. What if I have more than one location? You can manage multiple locations from one dashboard. Each location needs its own unique profile and verification.

5. Why is my profile not showing up? Common reasons include lack of verification, a recent change in information that Google is still checking, or your profile is "suspended" for not following Google's rules.

Reach Your Customers Today

Setting up your profile is the first step. Managing it every day is how you win. If you feel overwhelmed or want to make sure your business is the #1 choice in your area, Digital Marketing All can help. Our Total Web Dominance program uses AI and expert SEO to make sure you are the top choice for every local search.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want to be our next success story, have my team do your marketing. Click here to book a call!

Suggested Resources:

• Why Your Business Needs Local SEO to Dominate the Map Pack – This post goes deeper into the "Local SEO & Map Pack" section of your guide, explaining how to maintain your ranking after the initial setup.

• The Ultimate Guide to Getting Found in AI Search Results – A great follow-up for the "Get Cited by AI" section, this article explains the broader strategy for appearing in Gemini and ChatGPT citations.

• How to Turn Your Website Into a Lead-Generating AI Agent – Since a Google Business Profile links directly to your site, this article helps readers optimize the traffic they receive from their new profile.