When someone in Kenya searches for a business “near me” or looks up your name on Google Maps, the panel they see comes from your Google Business Profile. It shows your location, phone number, hours, photos, reviews and a link to your website or WhatsApp. For many local businesses it is the first impression — and sometimes the only one. Setting it up is free. This guide walks through the process and the details that make a profile genuinely useful.
Note: Google updates its interface regularly, so button names and screens may differ slightly from what is described here.
Before you start
Have the following ready:
- A Google account you will use to manage the business (ideally a shared business account, not one person’s personal email).
- Your exact business name as customers know it and as it appears on your signage.
- Your physical address, or the areas you serve if you visit customers.
- A business phone number and website (or WhatsApp link).
- Opening hours.
- A short, factual description of what you do.
- Good photos: storefront, interior, team, products or work.
Step 1: Create or claim your profile
Go to Google Business Profile (business.google.com) and sign in. Search for your business name — a profile may already exist if customers or Google created one. If it does, request ownership. If not, choose to add your business.
Step 2: Choose the right primary category
Your primary category tells Google what your business is and strongly affects which searches you appear in. Choose the most specific option that fits — for example “Hardware store” rather than “Store”. You can add secondary categories for other things you do, but do not add categories that do not genuinely apply.
Step 3: Add your location or service area
If customers visit you, add your address and place the map pin accurately — many Kenyan addresses are informal, so check the pin carefully and add a clear landmark in your description or directions if helpful. If you visit customers instead (for example plumbers, cleaners or installers), set a service area and hide your address.
Step 4: Add contact details
Add your phone number in international format (+254…), your website, and, where available, links for bookings or messaging. Use the same phone number and business name that appear on your website and social media. Consistency helps both Google and AI assistants trust your information.
Step 5: Verify your business
Google will ask you to verify that you own the business. Options vary by business and location and may include a phone call, text, email, video recording or other methods. Follow the instructions shown to you. Your profile will not show fully until it is verified.
Step 6: Complete every section
- Description: explain what you do, who you serve and where, in plain language. Avoid keyword stuffing and do not include links or promotional claims you cannot back up.
- Hours: add regular hours and update special hours for public holidays.
- Products and services: list your main services with short descriptions and, if you wish, prices.
- Attributes: add relevant details such as wheelchair access or payment options.
- Photos: upload your logo, a cover image and real photos. Add new ones regularly.
Step 7: Get and respond to reviews
Reviews influence both customers and local rankings. Ask satisfied customers to leave honest reviews — a short link or QR code at the counter or in WhatsApp follow-ups makes it easy. Never buy reviews or offer rewards for positive ones; this breaks Google’s policies. Reply to every review politely, including negative ones: thank the customer, address the issue and offer to resolve it offline.
Step 8: Keep it active
Post updates, offers or events, answer questions, and keep information current. An outdated phone number or wrong hours costs you customers and trust.
Common mistakes
- Adding keywords or locations to your business name that are not part of your real name.
- Creating multiple profiles for the same location.
- Using a personal Gmail account that leaves with an employee.
- Leaving the map pin in the wrong place.
- Ignoring reviews.
How it connects to your wider visibility
Your Google Business Profile works alongside your website, directory listings and social media. Together they form the picture search engines and AI assistants use to describe your business. Read our guide on getting your business recommended by AI assistants, or talk to us about local SEO.