How to set up a business on Google
Let’s face it, if your business isn’t easily found on Google, you are essentially invisible to a massive chunk of your local market. Whether you run a boutique accountant firm in Winchester, a bustling café in Southsea, or a trade services company across Southampton, your future customers are searching for you online right now.
Setting up your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is the single most effective, free marketing move you can make today. It puts your brand directly on Google Maps and local search results, right when people are ready to buy.
Here is exactly how to set up your business on Google, optimise it for maximum visibility, and start winning local leads across Hampshire.
Step 1: Claim or Create Your Free Profile
First, head over to the Google Business Profile website and sign in with your business Google account. Search for your business name to see if a listing already exists. If someone else set it up years ago, you can request access. If nothing appears, click "Add your business to Google."
Make sure you spell your business name exactly as it appears in the real world. Consistency is a huge trust signal for Google’s ranking algorithm.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Category Carefully
Google will ask you to select a primary category. Do not rush this bit. Your primary category has a massive impact on what searches you show up for. If you are a digital agency, choose "Marketing Agency" rather than a broad term like "Consultant." You can add specific secondary categories later, but your primary choice needs to hit the bullseye.
Step 3: Pinpoint Your Location and Service Areas
If you have a physical storefront or office where customers visit, enter your street address. If you work from home or deliver services directly to clients (like a plumber or mobile locksmith), you can hide your home address and specify your "Service Areas" instead. You can list towns like Portsmouth, Basingstoke, or even the entire county of Hampshire.
Step 4: Complete Every Single Detail
A half-baked profile looks unprofessional to customers and tells Google that you might not be active. Fill out your opening hours, add your phone number, and include your website link.
Write a compelling business description that uses natural, high-intent local keywords. Instead of just saying "We offer building services," try something like "Trusted local builders in Hampshire specializing in home extensions and renovations." Keep it conversational, human, and focused on how you solve your customers' problems.
Step 5: Verify Your Listing
Google needs to know you are a legitimate business, so they will ask you to verify your profile. This is usually done via a quick video recording of your business premises, a phone call, or a postcard sent to your address with a unique PIN. Your profile won't appear publicly until this step is complete, so get it sorted straight away.
The Bigger Picture: Future-Proofing Your Marketing
Setting up your profile is just the beginning. The digital landscape is shifting fast. For instance, recent privacy updates mean that traditional web tracking is fading out. If you want to know how to target local customers now that third-party tracking cookies are blocked (https://www.axcellerate.co.uk/blog/how-to-target-local-customers-now-that-third-party-tracking-cookies-are-blocked/), building a strong, direct presence on platforms like Google is essential. It gives you first-party data and direct access to your audience without relying on intrusive tracking.
Once your profile is live, your next goal should be climbing to the very top of the local search results. A well-optimized Google profile is a cornerstone of this strategy. For a deeper dive into winning those top spots, check out our guide on how to outrank big competitors on Google local SEO (https://www.axcellerate.co.uk/blog/how-to-outrank-big-competitors-on-google-local-seo/). It shows you exactly how small, agile Hampshire businesses can beat massive national brands.
Need Help Dominating the Hampshire Search Results?
Getting your business on Google is a brilliant first step, but keeping it optimized, gathering reviews, and outperforming your rivals takes time and strategy.
At Axcellerate, we help Hampshire businesses grow their digital presence, attract high-intent local leads, and turn clicks into customers. Get in touch with our team today to see how we can accelerate your local growth.