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New business setup

Setting Up Google for a New Local Business: What to Get Right First

Get the facts right before worrying about marketing tactics. Your real business name, correct customer location or service area, contact route, hours and actual services are the foundation of a useful Google listing.

Plain EnglishNo ranking promises4 sections
01

Represent the business the way it exists in real life

Google’s guidelines say the profile should represent the business consistently with how it is recognised in the real world. Use the genuine business name and accurate business details rather than adding extra keywords to make the name sound more searchable.

02

Choose the right location setup

If customers visit a real staffed location, the address needs to be accurate. If you travel to customers and do not serve them at your address, use the service-area setup instead of publishing a home address customers should not visit.

03

Fill in the customer basics before chasing clever tactics

Add the correct phone number, website or booking route, hours, service information and useful photos. A new customer should be able to understand what you do and what to do next.

A complete factual profile is more useful than a long list of invented locations, stuffed keywords or filler updates.

04

Verify ownership and keep access under control

Only owners or authorised representatives should manage the profile. If someone helps you with the listing, use the appropriate Google ownership or manager access instead of sharing a personal password.

Keep the primary ownership with the business so access can be managed safely if suppliers or staff change later.