Quick answer
Your business, on Google Maps and search.
A Google Business Profile is the panel that shows up when someone searches for your business, or for what you do near them (like “gas engineer near me” or “website designer in Portsmouth”), on Google or Google Maps. You may remember its old name, Google My Business.
It shows your phone number, the areas you cover, your photos and, most importantly, your Google reviews. For a local business, it's often the first thing a new customer sees. It's free from Google.
Can I have one?
Can your business have one?
Yes, if you serve customers in person. A gas engineer or plumber who goes to customers' homes counts, even if you work from home. So does a business with premises customers visit, like a showroom.
- You go to customers: you're a “service-area business”. Your home address stays private and the profile shows the towns you cover instead.
- Customers come to you (a showroom, shop or office that's staffed during your opening hours): you can show that address.
Online-only businesses and post-box addresses aren't allowed.
Already listed?
Check you're not already on Google.
Search Google Maps for your business name and your phone number first. A customer or an old web designer may have added you already.
If you find yourself, select Claim this business rather than making a new one. Two listings split your reviews and confuse customers. If someone else controls it, Google has a way to request it back: message us and we'll help.
What it costs
What it costs.
The profile is free from Google. If you'd rather not do it yourself, we set it up properly for £69: service areas, your logo and photos, opening hours, services and your review link.
Taking business email as well? The two together are £100 instead of £118, and Sprint Start website customers get a feedback page free (see The Google pack).
Step 1: Create it
Step 1: Create your profile (about 10 minutes).
Sign in with the Google account you want to own the profile: your business email if you have one, otherwise your Gmail. The owner should always be you, not your web designer.
- Go to business.google.com/add and select Add your business to Google.
- Type your business name exactly as it appears on your signage and paperwork. Don't add extra words like towns or “best”: Google can suspend profiles for that.
- Choose the business type that fits best, for example Plumber, or Website designer for us at Sprint Start.
- If you go to customers and don't have premises they visit, say you don't have a location customers can visit. Then add the towns you cover.
- Add your business phone number. If your website isn't ready, you can skip that part; we'll add it later.
Step 2: Verify
Step 2: Prove it's your business.
Google checks every new profile before it goes live. It chooses the method, and this part has to be you. It might be:
- a code by text, phone call or email,
- a short video on your phone, showing things like your sign, your premises or van, your equipment, or paperwork with your business name,
- or a postcard with a code.
If you get the video option, film it where you work, and show your business name on something real (a sign, the van, a uniform, an invoice). Not sure what to show? Message us first and we'll tell you.
Step 3: Add us
Step 3: Add us as a manager (no passwords shared).
Google has a proper way to let someone help with your profile. We get our own access; you keep ownership and can remove us at any time.
- Open your Business Profile (search your business name on Google while signed in, or go to business.google.com ).
- Select More, then Business Profile settings, then People and access.
- Select Add and type the email address we give you. We'll always send it to you privately.
- Under Access, choose Manager, then select Invite.
Managers can update the profile but can't remove you or delete it. Only owners can.
What happens next
We finish it off. You get the reviews.
We fill in everything that helps you show up: your service areas, services, hours, logo and photos of your work, and a short description in your words. We also get your review link, the link you send customers so they can leave a Google review in a couple of taps.
The Google pack
The Google pack: profile and business email for £100.
Reviews win customers. The easier you make it to leave one, the more you get.
- Google Business Profile setup, normally £69.
- Business email setup, normally £49.
- Together £100, and for Sprint Start website customers we add a feedback page free: one link you text or WhatsApp after every job, with a big button to leave a Google review and a private way to tell you if something wasn't right.
Everyone who uses the link sees the same page. Asking only happy customers for reviews breaks Google's rules, so we never do it.
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
The Google steps were checked against Google's help pages on 30/09/2026. Google changes its screens from time to time; if something looks different, send us a screenshot and we'll talk you through it.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Will my home address be shown?
Not if you go to customers. Choose that you don't have a location customers visit, and Google shows the towns you cover instead.
Do I need a website?
No, but it helps. A profile that links to a proper website gives customers somewhere to check you out before they ring.
Why not just make the profile yourselves?
Because it should belong to you. Google also needs the business itself to verify it. With you as owner and us as manager, it's yours if you ever change web designer.
How do I get more reviews?
Ask every customer, every time, straight after the job, with a link that takes them straight to the review box. Never offer anything in return.
Can I remove you later?
Yes, any time, from Business Profile settings, then People and access.
Rather we did it?
Google Business Profile set up for £69, or £100 with business email.
You create it and verify it. We make it work for you and hand you your review link.
