Marketing basics

Google Business Profile for Shops: Free Setup Guide (India)

Top Dukaan team · Updated 9 October 2026

When someone nearby searches “mobile shop near me” or “beauty parlour in Sector 15”, Google shows a map with three shops. Those shops come from Google Business Profile (earlier called Google My Business). It is free, and in our keyword research “google business profile” was searched about 450,000 times a month in India, up sharply year on year (Google Keyword Planner, 2025–26), shop owners are catching on.

Step 1, Create the profile

Go to Google Business Profile (business.google.com) or search your shop name on Google Maps and tap “Claim this business” if it already exists.
Enter the exact name on your board, don’t add keywords like “best saree shop”; Google can suspend profiles for that.
Pick the most specific category (“Saree store” beats “Clothing store”).
Add your address and drop the map pin on your door.
Add phone (the one you answer) and website if you have one.

Step 2, Verify

Google needs to confirm you run the shop. Today it usually asks for a short video showing your signboard, the inside of the shop and proof you manage it (keys, billing counter), or verifies by phone, SMS or email. Follow the steps shown to you; it’s free.

Step 3, Complete everything

Hours, including special hours for festivals.
Photos, shopfront (so people recognise it), inside, products, team. Add new ones monthly.
Products/services with prices.
Description, what you sell, since when, for whom.
WhatsApp / messaging if offered in your region.

Step 4, Get reviews

Reviews are the biggest thing you control. Ask every customer, at the counter, with a QR code that opens your review form, make one free with the Google review QR poster. Never offer discounts for reviews; Google’s policy forbids it. Full method: how to get more Google reviews.

Step 5, Post updates

Profiles let you publish posts (offers, events, updates). Post your festival offer here too, the same poster you made for WhatsApp works.

Step 6, Reply to every review

Thank good reviews by name; answer bad ones calmly with how you fixed it. Future customers read your replies.

Watch out

Calls offering “Google verification” or “top ranking” for a fee are usually scams. Google does not charge for a profile.

Questions people ask

Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free. Be careful of callers who ask for money to “verify” or “rank” your listing.

How long does verification take?

It varies. Google may ask for a short video of your shop and signage, or verify by phone, SMS or email. Some verifications finish the same day; others take a few days.

Do I need a website for Google Business Profile?

No. A profile works without a website; add one later if you have it.