How to Get Your Business on Google Maps (And Why It Matters)
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How to Get Your Business on Google Maps (And Why It Matters)

ByTera Creations

Being Invisible on Google Is Costing You Sales

Imagine someone searching “butchery in Kileleshwa” or “best digital marketing agency in Nairobi”—and your business doesn’t show up.
That’s potential revenue gone.

The easiest fix?
Get listed on Google Maps via Google Business Profile (GBP)—formerly Google My Business.

It’s free. Takes 10 minutes. And can completely change how customers find you.

Here’s how to do it and why it matters for your growth.

Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile

Visit https://www.google.com/business
Click “Manage now” and sign in with your business email.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name and Category

Make sure your business name matches your signage and social handles.
Choose a primary category that clearly reflects what you do.
Examples:

  • “Plumber”
  • “Web design agency”
  • “Beauty salon”

You can add more categories later.

Step 3: Add Your Location and Service Area

If you have a physical shop or office, enter your full address.
If you deliver or serve clients at their location, select “Yes” for delivery/service and specify your areas (e.g., Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa).

Step 4: Add Your Contact Details

Enter:

  • Phone number
  • Website URL (if you don’t have one, consider our website packages)
  • WhatsApp number (optional but powerful in Kenya)

Step 5: Verify Your Business

Google will send a postcard with a 6-digit code to your address.
You’ll receive it in 5–12 days. Enter the code in your GBP dashboard to activate the listing.

If you’re in a serviced office or remote area, you may qualify for phone/email verification instead.

Step 6: Optimize Your Profile

Once verified, add:

  • A high-quality profile photo and cover image
  • Interior shots if you have a store
  • Business hours
  • A short description with keywords like “Nairobi interior decor expert” or “affordable car hire in Mombasa”

Need help with this part? Check out our local SEO services

Why Being on Google Maps Matters for Kenyan Businesses

  1. It Boosts Local Search Visibility
    You’ll appear in the “Map Pack” when people search for businesses like yours.
  2. It Increases Walk-ins and Calls
    Customers are more likely to call, visit, or chat with a business that appears legit on Google.
  3. It Builds Trust Instantly
    Reviews + photos + real address = more credibility.
  4. It Improves SEO Rankings
    Google considers your GBP in ranking your main website.

Want to go deeper? Read: Why Your Business Needs a Local SEO Strategy in 2025

Extra Tips for Standing Out

  • Add posts every week (offers, tips, behind-the-scenes)
  • Respond to reviews—both good and bad
  • Add service lists and pricing
  • Use keywords naturally in your description

We cover these techniques in our post: How to Rank Higher on Google in 2025

Final Word

Getting listed on Google Maps is the fastest way to get found by local customers—especially if you don’t have a big marketing budget.

It’s free. It works. And it’s the first step in local SEO success.

Want help claiming and optimizing your listing?
Talk to our team today

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