Set up a Google Business Profile that brings in bookings

When someone searches "barber near me" or "nail technician Lichfield", the results with a map and reviews at the top come from Google Business Profiles. It is free, and for a local business it is often more valuable than a website.

What you need

A Google account, your business name, your town or service area, and a phone number. If you work from home, you can hide your address and list the area you cover instead.

Setting it up

• Search for your business name on Google Maps and choose "Add your business".
• Pick the right category, such as "Barber shop", "Nail salon" or "Dog walker".
• Add your service area or address and your opening hours.
• Confirm that you really run the business. Google will ask you to verify, usually by a code or a short video.

What to fill in

• A clear description of what you do, in plain words.
• Your services and prices.
• Good photos: your work, your workspace, and you.
• A link to your booking page, so people can book straight from the listing.

Keep it alive

Add a new photo or two each month, reply to every review, and update your hours before bank holidays. An active profile ranks better and looks trustworthy.

Ask for reviews

Reviews are the biggest factor. After a good appointment, send the link and ask if they would mind leaving one. Make it easy and ask everyone, not just the people you know are happy.

The takeaway

A complete profile with a booking link turns people who find you on Google into bookings. Bookable gives you the booking page to link it to.

Keep reading

• How to get your first regular clients as a new barber
• How to handle late cancellations without losing the client
• WhatsApp appointment reminder templates you can copy