DMDigital Marketing for Small Businesses: What Actually Works on a Small Budget
Google Business Profile is a free page for your business on Google Search and Google Maps. When people near you search for what you sell — for example, "bakery near me" or "phone repair near me" — your business can show up with your hours, photos, phone number and reviews.
You do not need to pay for it. You need to set it up once, then keep it fresh.
Set It Up in 4 Simple Steps
First, search for your business name on Google Maps. If it is already there, claim it. If it is not there, add it. Second, check your name, address and phone number — they must be exactly the same as on your website and your other pages. Third, pick the right category, for example "Bakery" or "Clothing Store". Fourth, add your opening hours, and keep them correct on holidays too.
A wrong phone number or wrong hours is worse than no page at all, because customers will call the wrong number or come when you are closed.
Add Real Photos, Every Week
Add photos of your shop, your products, and your work. Real photos work better than stock photos. A photo of your real product, your real shop front, and a happy customer (with their permission) helps people trust you.
Add one or two new photos each week if you can. New photos tell Google — and customers — that your business is open and active.
Ask Happy Customers for a Review
Reviews are the most important part of your profile. When a happy customer buys from you, ask them in plain words: "If you liked it, could you leave a short review on Google? It helps a lot."
Do not pay for reviews, and do not write fake reviews. One real review from a real customer is worth more than ten fake ones. When someone leaves a review, reply to it — thank them for a good review, and reply politely to a bad one, offering to fix the problem. For how to turn an unhappy customer into a loyal one, see our guide on how to handle unhappy customers.
Post a Short Update Once a Week
Your profile lets you post short updates, like a new product, a small offer, or a change in hours. Keep it short: one photo, two or three sentences, and one clear action, like "Call us" or "Visit today".
Example: "Fresh bread is back today, only 20 loaves. Open until 6pm. Call us to save one." One short post a week is enough. It keeps your page fresh, and gives people a reason to visit.
Answer Questions Fast
People can ask questions on your profile. Answer them fast, in plain words, and keep the answer short. If the same question comes again and again — for example, "Do you deliver?" — add the answer to your business description, so people see it without asking.
Check Your Profile Once a Week
Once a week, check three things: are your hours still correct? Is your phone number correct? Did anyone leave a new review or question? Fix any mistake the same day. A small mistake left for weeks can lose you many customers.
Google Business Profile works best with your other simple marketing: your website, and one social media page you actually use, like WhatsApp Business or Instagram Reels. It does not replace them — it helps local people find you first, then check you on those other pages.
FAQ: Google Business Profile for a Small Business
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes, setting up and using the basic profile is free. Do not pay anyone who says you must pay to appear on Google Maps
Do I need a shop to use it?
No. You can use it if you work from home, or if you visit customers, as long as you serve customers in a real area. Set your service area clearly, and hide your home address if you do not want it show
