Google Business Profile is a free listing that shows your business on Google Search and Google Maps when people search for things like "bakery near me" or "salon in East Legon". To get customers from it, create and verify your profile, choose the right category, add your hours, phone number, photos and a link to your online store, and collect reviews from happy customers. It's one of the best free ways to get local customers in Ghana.
More Ghanaians search Google before visiting a shop or booking a service. If you're not on Google Maps, those customers find your competitor instead.
1. Who should use it
Any business customers visit or that serves an area:
- Shops, boutiques and pharmacies
- Salons, barbers, spas and makeup artists
- Restaurants, bakeries and food vendors
- Mechanics, car parts dealers and car washes
- Cleaners, laundries, tutors and driving schools
- Event planners, photographers and designers
If you work from home and travel to customers, you can show a service area instead of your address.
2. Create your profile
- Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account.
- Enter your business name exactly as customers know it.
- Choose your main category carefully, for example "Hair salon" rather than "Business". You can add more categories later.
- Add your location or service area.
- Add your phone number and website: your online store link works here.
- Verify your business. Google may ask for a video of your premises, a phone call or another method. Follow the steps it shows you.
Verification is required before your profile appears properly, so do it straight away.
3. Fill every section
Complete profiles appear more often and get more clicks.
- Hours, including special hours on public holidays.
- Description: what you do, where, and what makes you different, in plain words.
- Products or services with prices where possible.
- Photos: your shop front, inside, your team, your products and your work. Add new photos regularly.
- Booking or order link: point it to your online store or booking page so customers can buy or book directly.
4. Get reviews
Reviews are the biggest factor in whether people choose you.
- Ask every happy customer for a review, in person or by message right after delivery or the service.
- Make it easy: Google gives you a short link to share. Put it in your thank-you message, on receipts and on a QR code at your counter.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and quickly.
- Never buy fake reviews. Google can remove them and penalise your profile.
See how to get customer reviews for your online store.
5. Post updates
Your profile has a posts section. Use it weekly:
- New products and arrivals
- Offers and seasonal promotions
- Events and opening-hour changes
Posts keep your profile active and give searchers a reason to call.
6. Answer questions
People can ask questions on your profile. Answer them, and add common questions yourself ("Do you deliver?", "Do you accept MoMo?") with clear answers.
7. Link it to your online store
Customers who find you on Google often want to buy right away. Use your store link as your website and order link. With a Paylead store, they can pay with MoMo or card, choose delivery or pay on delivery, and you get the order with their details. For services, link your booking page so they can pick a time and pay a deposit.
8. Track what works
Google shows how many people saw your profile, called, asked for directions or clicked your website. Check monthly. If calls are high but website clicks are low, add clearer reasons to visit your store link in your description and posts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes, creating and managing a profile is free. Google also sells ads, but you don't need them to appear.
Can I list a home-based business?
Yes. Choose a service area and hide your home address.
How long does verification take?
It varies by method. Some businesses verify the same day; others wait a few days. Follow Google's instructions exactly.
Read next: SEO for small businesses in Ghana, how to create a website for your business and how to build trust as a new online store.
