Are you visible online?
Sure, maybe you’ve got a personal Instagram, a Facebook account, even TikTok — where you follow your faves, laugh at trending skits, and repost memes.
But what about your business?
Can your customers find you online?
Not just the people you know who repost your flyers — we’re talking about someone who’s never met you but is searching right now for what you offer.
If they searched Google for your business today, would they find anything?
If the answer is no or “I’m not sure”, you’re not alone. A lot of businesses in Nigeria are active in real life but invisible online — and that’s a silent killer of growth.
But here’s the good news:
Visibility is no longer reserved for big brands with websites and in-house marketing teams backed by millions.
You can get found on Google — by real customers — in under 10 minutes, for free.
In this blog series, we’ve been highlighting free tools and platforms you can use to elevate your hustle.
We’ve already explored ChatGPT and WhatsApp for Business.
This week, we’re zooming in on the one tool that can instantly put you on the map — literally: Google Business Profile.
Why Google Business Profile Matters (More Than You Think)
Running a business can be overwhelming.
You’re wearing multiple hats and let’s be honest, it’s easy for your online visibility to fall through the cracks.
But in today’s world, that’s a costly mistake.
Google handles over 8.5 billion searches every day. That’s people searching 3 to 4 times daily — for businesses just like yours.
Bottom line? Google is the gateway to visibility. And if your business isn’t showing up, you might as well be invisible.
But here’s why this should be a top priority for you:
- People trust what they see on Google.
- Customers are literally searching for what you offer.
- Your competitors are already showing up — or about to.
- And you don’t need a website or a digital agency to get listed.
All you need is a Google Business Profile — and about 10 minutes of your time.
So… are you ready to stop being invisible?
Let’s dive in
Here are 5 Easy Steps to Make Your Business Visible with Google Business Profile
Step 1: Set Up a Google Account & Access Business Profile Manager
You’ll need a Google account to get started.
If you already have one, that’s great — but it’s even better to create a dedicated Gmail just for your business. It keeps things organised and separate from your personal emails.
Once that’s done, head over to Google Business Profile Manager and click “Manage Now” to kick things off.
If your business already exists on Google (maybe someone added it before), you’ll be prompted to claim it.
If not, no worries — you’ll simply create a brand-new listing from scratch.
Quick tip:
The email you use here becomes the master key to your Google Business Profile. Keep the login safe — it’s what you’ll use to update your info, respond to reviews, and manage how your business shows up online.
Source: Embedsocial
Step 2: Add Your Business Name and Category
Enter the official name of your business — exactly how you want customers to see it when they search. Avoid slang, abbreviations, or inside nicknames that won’t be easily recognised.
Then choose a category that best describes what your business does (e.g., “Hair Salon,” “Tailor,” “Restaurant,” “Digital Marketing Service”).
Pro tip:
Think like your customer — what would they type when searching for a business like yours?
Step 3: Add Your Location (Or Service Area)
If you have a physical location where customers can visit you (like a store, shop, or office), go ahead and add the full address.
But if you run a home-based or mobile business (e.g., you deliver food, do house calls, or offer online services), select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and list your service areas instead.
This ensures you still show up when people search in your area — even without a storefront.
Step 4: Add Your Contact Details & Business Hours
This is where you make it easy for customers to reach you. Add:
- Your business phone number
- Your email address
- Your opening hours
- Your website or Instagram handle (if you don’t have a website)
Don’t have a website? Add your social media links instead — it still helps customers check you out and get in touch.
Step 5: Verify Your Business
Google needs to confirm you actually own or manage the business — this is how they keep fake profiles out.
You might be asked to verify by:
- Phone call
- Text message
Once you complete the verification, your business will go live on Google Search and Google Maps.
Check out this resource on how to verify your Google Business profile.
And just like that — you’re no longer invisible.
In less than 10 minutes, you’ve taken your business from hard to find to front and centre on Google.
Now, when people search for what you do, they can actually find you — call you, visit you, or DM you without having to guess or ask around.
That’s what visibility looks like — and you did it, for free.
Next, we’ll show you how to boost your Google profile even more with photos, updates, and customer reviews — all the things that make people click and trust.
Your business deserves to be seen, and we’ll help guide you through.
