Google Business Profile Setup
Google Business Profile Setup
Done Right the First Time
Setting up your Google Business Profile incorrectly from the start creates problems that are hard to undo — wrong categories, inconsistent NAP data, and a profile structure that fights against your local rankings. We set up new GBP profiles from scratch, verified and fully optimized from day one.
Overview
Why GBP setup matters more than most businesses realize.
A Google Business Profile is free, takes minutes to create, and is one of the most powerful local marketing assets available — yet most businesses either don't have one, or have one they set up incorrectly years ago and never revisited.
The decisions made at setup — primary category, business description, service areas, attributes — establish the foundation that your local rankings build on. Getting these wrong from the start means fighting an uphill battle every month. Getting them right means you're building on a solid foundation from the first day your profile goes live.
What's Included
Everything you get.
Profile creation & verification
We create your profile with the correct business information and guide you through Google's verification process — phone, postcard, or video depending on your business type.
Category research & selection
Primary and secondary categories chosen based on what drives the most relevant impressions for your specific business — the single most important GBP ranking factor.
Business description writing
A keyword-rich, compelling business description that tells Google and potential customers what you do, who you serve, and why you're the right choice.
Service & attribute setup
All services added with descriptions, all relevant attributes selected, hours set correctly — every field completed to maximize profile completeness.
Photo upload
Business exterior, interior, logo, and cover photo uploaded — the visual elements that increase profile engagement and click-through rates from day one.
Website & citation consistency check
Your GBP business name, address, and phone number matched exactly to your website and key directory listings — the NAP consistency that local SEO depends on.
Why Sherwood
Why businesses choose us.
Set up to rank, not just exist
There's a difference between a GBP that verifies your business exists and one that's optimized to compete for map pack rankings. We build the second kind.
Consistent with your website
We make sure your GBP data matches your website exactly — the same business name, address, phone, and service descriptions. Inconsistency confuses Google and hurts rankings.
Category expertise
Category selection is the most impactful GBP decision and the one most businesses get wrong. We research your market to identify the categories that drive the right search impressions.
Handoff with documentation
We provide full documentation of what was set up, access credentials, and guidance on maintaining the profile going forward.
Ongoing management available
Setup is the foundation. Ongoing GBP management — posts, review responses, photo updates — is available as a monthly service if you want us to keep running it.
Verification assistance
Google's verification process can be confusing, especially for new businesses or service-area businesses. We guide you through the right verification method for your situation.
FAQ
Common questions.
How long does GBP setup and verification take?
Setup takes 1–2 days. Verification timing depends on Google's method — phone verification is immediate, postcard verification takes 5–14 days. Video verification (increasingly common) typically takes a few days for Google to review.
What if someone else already claimed my business on Google?
This happens often — Google creates auto-generated listings for businesses. We help you claim ownership of an existing listing or request access from a previous owner who's no longer associated with the business.
Do I need a GBP if I don't have a physical storefront?
Yes — service-area businesses (plumbers, cleaners, contractors) can have a GBP with their address hidden while showing the areas they serve. It's still one of the most valuable local visibility tools available.
Can I have a GBP in multiple cities?
One GBP profile per physical location. If you have multiple locations, each gets its own profile. If you're a service-area business serving multiple cities, you list all your service areas on one profile — not create multiple profiles for areas you work in.
Get Started
Free mockup.
No commitment.
Fill out the form and we'll build a real mockup of your site within 48 hours. No invoice. No pressure. Just a real design for your real business — before you spend a cent.