A Google Business Profile is the free listing that shows your business on Google Search and Google Maps, with your hours, photos, reviews and a button to call or message you. For many Singapore small businesses it is the quickest way to be found by people searching nearby, and it takes about 20 minutes to set up properly. This guide walks you through it.
Before you start (5 minutes)
Have these ready:
- Your exact business name, as it appears on your signboard, website and invoices
- Your phone number and website, if you have one
- Your opening hours
- Your address, or the areas you serve if you go to customers
- 5 to 10 good photos: the front of your shop or your team, products, your work and the inside
- A short description of what you do
Keep your business name, address and phone number identical everywhere online. Small differences confuse customers and search engines.
Step 1: Create the profile
- Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account you will keep long term. Use a business email rather than a personal one if possible.
- Search for your business name. If it already exists, claim it instead of creating a duplicate.
- If it does not exist, choose to add your business.
Step 2: Choose the right category
Pick the most specific main category that describes what you do. "Hair salon" is better than "Beauty service". You can add a few secondary categories for other services. The main category is one of the strongest signals Google uses to match you with searches.
Step 3: Shop or service-area business
- You have a shop that customers visit: enter the address so it shows on the map.
- You go to customers, or work from home: choose the option that says you serve customers at their location and hide your address. Add the areas or neighbourhoods you cover.
Step 4: Add contact details and hours
- Add your phone number and website.
- Set accurate opening hours, and update them for public holidays and special dates.
- If you answer on WhatsApp, add a link to your WhatsApp chat in your website or description, because many customers prefer to message.
Step 5: Verify
Google needs to confirm that you are the real owner. Depending on your business, you may be offered a video, a phone call, a text message, an email or a postcard. Follow the options shown. Verification can take from minutes to several days, and until you are verified your profile may not appear for everyone.
Step 6: Fill in the details that matter
- Description. Say what you do, who for, where and what makes you different, in two or three sentences. Write for people, not for search engines. Example: "Family-run bakery in Tampines making custom birthday cakes and bread daily. Order by WhatsApp for pickup or delivery islandwide."
- Services or products. List your main services with short descriptions and prices if you can.
- Photos. Add your best photos and a logo. Real photos of your place and work beat stock images.
- Attributes. Tick the ones that apply, such as wheelchair access, women-led or free Wi-Fi.
Step 7: Reviews
Reviews help customers decide and are part of how Google ranks local results.
- Ask happy customers in person, by WhatsApp or on your receipt. Share your review link from your profile.
- Reply to every review politely, positive or negative.
- Never pay for reviews, offer rewards in exchange or write reviews for yourself. This breaks Google's rules and can get your profile suspended.
Step 8: Keep it alive
- Add a new photo or update every week or two
- Update hours for holidays
- Answer questions and messages promptly
- Check your profile views, calls and direction requests each month
Common mistakes
- Creating duplicate profiles for the same business
- Using a name with extra keywords, such as "Best cheap plumber Singapore", which can break Google's rules
- Inconsistent phone number or address across your website and social media
- Choosing a vague category
- Not responding to reviews
- Leaving the profile unverified
20-minute checklist
- [ ] Profile created or claimed
- [ ] Specific main category chosen
- [ ] Address or service areas set correctly
- [ ] Phone, website and hours added
- [ ] Verification started
- [ ] Description and services written
- [ ] At least 5 real photos and a logo added
- [ ] Review link saved and ready to share
If you want help, our SEO services include setting up and maintaining your Google Business Profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a profile is free.
Do I need a shop to have a profile?
No. If you serve customers at their location, or work from home, you can set up a service-area business and hide your address.
Can I pay for reviews?
No. Do not offer money or rewards in exchange for reviews, and do not write reviews for your own business. Ask real customers politely and let them write what they want.
Sources
- SBO.sg: Google Business Profile Singapore, local SEO guide
- Marketing Agency SG: Google Business Profile guide for Singapore businesses
Figures from third-party sources are as published at the time of writing and are not independently verified. Check current prices and rules before you decide.
Want us to handle this for you?
SEO audit from SGD 360, or local SEO from SGD 610 a month.
See SEO services