When someone searches for “web designer near me”, “dentist in Panchkula” or “bakery in Sector 17”, the first thing Google usually shows is a map with three businesses underneath it. That box is called the local pack, and the businesses in it get a large share of the calls, direction requests and website visits.
The listings in that box come from Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It is free, and for most local businesses it is the single most valuable thing you can set up online after your website. This guide walks through setting it up properly and keeping it working for you.
Step 1: Check whether a profile already exists
Search Google for your business name and city. If a listing appears on the right (or at the top on mobile), a profile may already exist, created by Google from public data or by a previous employee or agency.
- If it exists and you can manage it, sign in and review every detail.
- If it exists but you cannot manage it, click “Own this business?” or “Claim this business” and follow the steps to request access.
- If nothing appears, create a new profile at business.google.com.
Avoid creating a second listing for the same location. Duplicates confuse Google and can hurt both listings.
Step 2: Enter your business details carefully
The most important rule in local SEO is consistency. Your business name, address and phone number (often called NAP) should be written exactly the same way on your Google profile, your website, and every directory you are listed on.
- Business name: use your real business name as it appears on your signboard and documents. Do not add keywords or city names (“Garwyn Technologies Best Web Design Panchkula”). Google treats this as spam and can suspend the profile.
- Category: choose the most specific primary category that describes what you do, such as “Website designer” rather than “Consultant”. You can add a few secondary categories for other services.
- Address: if customers visit you, add your full address. If you serve customers at their location and do not want your address shown, set a service area instead.
- Phone and website: add a number that is answered during business hours and link to your website’s home page or most relevant page.
- Hours: keep these accurate, including special hours for festivals and holidays.
Step 3: Verify your business
Google needs to confirm that you really operate at the address you entered. Depending on your business type and location, Google may offer verification by phone or SMS, email, a short video recording of your premises and signage, or a postcard. You cannot always choose the method; Google decides which options to offer.
For video verification, keep it simple: show the signboard or exterior with the street visible, then the inside of the business, and something that proves you manage it, such as unlocking the door or showing tools of your trade.
Your profile will not appear fully in search and Maps until it is verified, so complete this step as soon as possible.
Step 4: Complete every section of the profile
Profiles with complete, accurate information are more useful to customers, and Google prefers showing useful results. Once verified, fill in:
- Description: a plain-language summary of what you do, who you serve and where. Write for people, not for search engines.
- Services or products: list each one with a short description. This helps Google match you to specific searches.
- Photos: your logo, a cover photo, the exterior (so people can recognise it), the interior, your team and your work. Real photos build far more trust than stock images.
- Attributes: options such as “Wheelchair accessible” or “Online appointments” where relevant.
- Booking or appointment link, if you take bookings online.
Step 5: Get and respond to reviews
Reviews influence both your ranking in the local pack and whether people choose you once they see you.
- Ask every customer, not only the happy ones. Google’s policy bans selectively asking for positive reviews. The best time to ask is right after you have delivered the work. Share your direct review link, which you can copy from your profile dashboard, on WhatsApp or by email.
- Never buy reviews or offer rewards in exchange for them. This breaks Google’s policies and can get reviews removed or the profile suspended.
- Reply to every review, good or bad. Thank people for positive reviews. For negative ones, stay calm, acknowledge the problem and offer to sort it out offline. Future customers read your replies.
Step 6: Keep the profile active
A profile that is set up and then forgotten slowly loses value. A few habits make a difference:
- Add new photos of recent work every month.
- Use updates (posts) to share offers, events and news.
- Answer questions customers ask in the Q&A section, if it is available for your profile.
- Update hours and details whenever anything changes.
Step 7: Connect it to your website
Your Google Business Profile and your website work together. (Launching a new site at the same time? Run through our website launch checklist first.) Make sure your website:
- Shows the same name, address and phone number as your profile, ideally in the footer of every page.
- Has a contact page with an embedded map.
- Mentions the areas you serve naturally in your content.
- Includes LocalBusiness structured data, which helps Google connect your website to your profile.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding keywords or locations to your business name.
- Using a virtual office or someone else’s address that you do not actually operate from.
- Different phone numbers or address formats across the web.
- Ignoring reviews, especially negative ones.
- Choosing a broad category when a specific one exists.
Need a hand?
Setting up a profile takes an afternoon. For what actually moves rankings after that, read what moves the map pack in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. Ranking in the local pack against established competitors takes consistent work on your profile, your website and your reviews. If you would like help, our SEO services include Google Business Profile optimisation, local citations and a website that supports your local rankings.