Those map results come from Google Business Profiles. A profile is free and takes about half an hour to set up. For a lot of island businesses it brings in more calls and visits than the website does, so it's worth doing properly.
1. Check you're not already there
Search for your business name on Google Maps. Google sometimes makes a listing from public information, or a previous owner set one up. If you find yours, choose "Claim this business" or "Own this business?" and follow the steps. Claiming the one that exists keeps its reviews, and two listings for one place confuse Google.
2. Create your profile
Go to google.com/business and sign in with the Google account you want to run it from. Use an account the business will keep, not a member of staff's personal one. Type your business name exactly as it's written on your sign. Adding extra words, like "Best Café Ryde", is against Google's rules and can get a listing suspended.
3. Pick the right category
Your main category matters more than almost anything else on the profile. Choose the closest match to what you do, so "Seafood restaurant" if that's what you are, not just "Restaurant". You can add a few extra categories afterwards for the other things you do.
4. Add your address or your service area
If customers come to you, add your address. If you go to them, as a builder, cleaner or mobile hairdresser does, you can hide your address and set a service area instead, such as the whole Isle of Wight.
5. Get verified
Google wants proof you're real before it shows your profile properly. Most businesses are now asked to record a short video showing the sign outside, the inside and something only the owner would have, like the till, your tools or your keys. Some are offered a phone call, an email or a postcard instead. Do it as soon as you're asked, as the listing stays half hidden until you're verified.
6. Fill in everything
- Opening hours, plus special hours for bank holidays and the winter months.
- Your phone number and website address.
- A short description in plain words: what you do, where, and who it's for.
- Photos of the outside, the inside, your food or your work, and you. Add new ones every month or so.
- Your menu, services or products, if they apply to you.
7. Ask for reviews, and answer every one
Reviews are one of the biggest reasons one business shows above another on the map. Ask happy customers in person, then send them your review link (on your profile, look for "Ask for reviews"). A card by the till with a QR code works well too. Reply to every review, good or bad, briefly and politely.
Never pay for reviews or offer anything in return, like a discount. It's against Google's rules, it's now against UK consumer law, and Google removes reviews it thinks were bought.
8. Make your website match
Google trusts a listing more when your name, address, phone number and hours say the same thing on your website as on your profile. If they disagree, decide which is right, then fix both.
Every website we make has your name, address and hours laid out so Google can read them, and we help you get your listing to match. If you'd like to see a new homepage for your business, designed for free, tell us about your business.
Questions people ask
Does a Google Business Profile cost anything?
No. It's free. Google will offer you paid adverts, but you don't need them to appear on the map.
I run a holiday let. Can I have a profile?
Yes, if guests can book and stay there. Pick the category that fits best, such as holiday home or bed and breakfast, and add the property's address.
How do I get a bad review removed?
You can report a review that breaks Google's rules, like one that's fake, abusive or about a different business. A fair complaint you disagree with won't be removed. A calm, short reply often does more good for you than getting it taken down would.
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