How to put your business on Google Maps

1. Check whether your business is already listed

Search your business name on Google Maps. Sometimes a listing already exists because a customer added it. If you find one, use the "Claim this business" link instead of creating a second listing — duplicates confuse customers and split your reviews.

2. Create the profile

Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account you control — ideally a business account rather than a personal one you might lose access to.

• Business name exactly as it appears on your signage — no extra keywords
• Category, for example Hair salon, Plumber, Grocery store, Dental clinic
• Address if customers visit you, or your service area if you travel to them
• Phone number and WhatsApp number people actually answer
• Website link — this is where your MatSiteBuilder site goes

3. Verify that the business is yours

Google confirms your listing before showing it. Depending on the business type you may be asked for a video recording of your premises and equipment, a phone call, or a postcard. Video verification is the most common in Zimbabwe: record one continuous clip showing your street, your signage, inside your workspace, and something proving it is yours, such as keys or branded tools.

Nothing appears publicly until verification passes, so do this straight away rather than leaving the profile half-finished.

4. Fill in the details customers judge you on

• Opening hours, including public holidays
• Services or products with short descriptions and prices where you can
• At least ten clear photos: outside, inside, your team, and finished work
• Payment options you accept, such as EcoCash, swipe, cash or USD
• A short description explaining who you help and where

5. Ask for reviews and answer them

Reviews decide who gets the call. After a good job, send the customer your review link on WhatsApp and ask politely. Reply to every review, good or bad — a calm, helpful reply to a complaint often wins more customers than the complaint loses.

6. Link the listing to a real website

A Maps listing shows a little information. A website answers everything else: your full service list, prices, proof of past work, and the exact button that starts a WhatsApp chat. Listings with a working website look established, and Google gives you somewhere to send people who want to know more before they call.

If you do not have one yet, you can build one free with MatSiteBuilder in a few guided steps and paste the link straight into your profile.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Stuffing keywords into the business name — this can get the listing suspended
• Using a number that rings unanswered
• Creating several listings for one location
• Leaving opening hours wrong during holidays
• Never posting updates or new photos after setup