When someone in Houston searches "plumber near me" or "tacos Montrose," Google shows two things: a map with three businesses, and a list of websites. Getting your business on Google means showing up in both.
They're set up separately, so we'll cover each one.
Part 1: Get on Google Maps with a Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (it used to be called Google My Business) is the free listing that shows up on Maps and in the map pack. For most local businesses, it's the single most important thing you can set up.
Step 1: Create or claim your profile
Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account you'll keep long term. Ideally use a business account, not a personal one. Search for your business name. If a listing already exists, claim it; otherwise, create a new one.
Step 2: Pick the right primary category
This matters more than almost anything else. Choose the most specific category that describes your main service, like "Plumber," "Mexican restaurant," or "Roofing contractor." You can add secondary categories for other services.
Step 3: Set your location or service area
- If customers come to you (a restaurant or shop), add your address.
- If you go to customers (plumbers, landscapers, cleaners), set it up as a service-area business and list the cities or areas you cover. You can hide your home address.
Step 4: Verify your business
Google needs to confirm you're real. Depending on your business, it may ask for a video, a phone or email code, or a postcard. Follow the prompts; your profile won't fully show up until it's verified.
Step 5: Fill out everything
Complete profiles tend to perform better. Add:
- Hours, including holiday hours
- Phone number and website
- Services or menu
- A short description in plain language
- Photos: your storefront, your team, your trucks, your work
Step 6: Start collecting reviews
Reviews influence both your ranking and whether people click. Ask every happy customer. A text with your direct review link works better than asking in person and hoping they remember. Reply to every review, good or bad.
Part 2: Get your website on Google Search
A Business Profile gets you on the map. A website gets you into regular search results, and it gives Google more information about what you do and where.
Step 1: Have a website Google can read
Your site should be fast, work well on phones, and clearly say what you do and where. A page for each main service and each area you serve helps Google match you to more searches. Don't have a site? We'll build you one free.
Step 2: Add your site to Google Search Console
Google Search Console is Google's free tool for site owners. Add your website, verify you own it, and you'll be able to see which searches you appear for.
Step 3: Submit your sitemap
A sitemap is a file that lists every page on your site. In Search Console, go to Sitemaps and submit the address; it's often yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml. This helps Google find your pages faster.
Step 4: Be patient, and keep adding useful pages
Getting indexed can take days to weeks. Ranking well takes longer. The businesses that win locally keep adding helpful pages and keep their Business Profile active.
Common mistakes
- Using a different business name, address, or phone number in different places
- Picking a vague category like "Service" instead of a specific one
- Letting your profile go stale with old hours and no new photos
- Having no website, or one that's slow on phones
The short version
- Set up and verify your Google Business Profile.
- Fill out every field and add real photos.
- Ask for reviews and reply to them.
- Have a fast, clear website and add it to Search Console.
- Keep both updated.
If you'd rather not deal with the website side, Bayou Labs builds and hosts websites for Houston small businesses free, with Google-ready setup included. If you want help with the ongoing work, that's our local SEO plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile costs nothing. You only pay if you choose to run Google ads.
How long does it take for my business to show up on Google?
Once your profile is verified it can appear within days. Ranking near the top of the map results takes longer and depends on your category, distance to the searcher, reviews, and how complete your profile and website are.
Do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
It helps a lot. Your profile gets you on the map; your website gives Google more information about your services and areas, and gives customers a reason to choose you over the next listing.