Guide

How to get your business on Google and Google Maps (at no cost)

Updated 1 October 2026 · 5 minute read

When someone searches for a trade near them, the map at the top of Google comes from Google Business Profiles. Getting on it costs nothing. Here's how to do it as a tradesperson, using Google's own steps and rules.

Short answer: Go to business.google.com/add, choose “Add your business to Google” and follow the steps. Google says you can add or claim your business at no charge. If customers don't visit you, set it up as a service-area business and hide your address. Then verify it (by phone, text, email, video or postcard, depending on what Google offers) and fill in every section.

Before you start: can you have one?

Google's guidelines say you can create a Business Profile if your business has a physical location customers can visit, or travels to customers where they are. Most trades are the second kind, a service-area business. Two rules matter:

Google says service-area businesses should hide their address from customers. You still give Google your real address for verification; it just isn't shown.
Your service area shouldn't extend farther than about 2 hours of driving time from where your business is based.

Virtual offices and addresses you don't actually work from aren't allowed, and using one can get a profile suspended.

Step 1: create the profile

Go to business.google.com/add.
Choose Add your business to Google.
Enter your business name exactly as you trade. Google doesn't allow extra keywords or locations in the name.
Pick the category that matches your main work, such as Plumber, Electrician or Roofing contractor.
When asked whether customers can visit you, choose No if you go to them, then add the areas you cover.
Add your phone number and website.

Step 2: verify it

Google decides which verification method you're offered, and you can't choose. The options it lists are phone or text, email, a live video call, or a postcard. Google says reviews can take up to 5 business days, postcards usually arrive within 14 days, and verification codes expire after 30 days.

For video, Google asks you to show where you are (street signs or nearby businesses), your business or equipment (your van, tools or branded materials) and proof that you manage the business. Have those ready before you start.

Step 3: fill in everything

Google says businesses with complete and accurate information are more likely to show up in local results. So once you're verified:

Add your services, hours and the areas you cover.
Add photos of real jobs, and keep adding them.
Write a short description of what you do and where. Google doesn't allow links or a focus on prices in it.
Link your website, so people who find you on the map can see your work.

Step 4: start collecting reviews

Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking. Get your review link from the profile and send it to customers after each job. Our guide to getting more Google reviews covers the steps and the rules.

Common mistakes

Adding keywords to the business name, like "Emergency Plumber Manchester".
Showing a home address when customers don't visit you.
Covering the whole country instead of a realistic area.
Leaving the profile half-finished after verification.

Google also says there's no way to pay for a better local ranking. Ads are separate.

See what yours would look like

We'll build a website for your business from your Google listing, free. You only pay £199 if you want to keep it.

Get my free preview See example sites

Sources

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