When someone in Kathmandu searches 'cafe near me' or 'dentist in Baneshwor', Google shows a map with three businesses before any website. That box is driven by Google Business Profile, and for many local businesses it brings more calls than their website ever will.
Step 1: Create or claim your profile
Search your business name on Google Maps first. If a listing exists (customers sometimes add businesses), claim it rather than creating a duplicate. Otherwise create a new profile at business.google.com with your exact business name, the way it appears on your signboard. Don't add keywords to the name; Google can suspend listings for that.
Step 2: Get verified
Google needs to confirm you're real and at that location. In Nepal it often asks for a short video showing your signboard, the street, the inside of your premises and something that proves you manage the business, such as a business document or a till. Plan the video before you start: it needs to be one continuous shot.
Step 3: Fill in everything
- Primary category: the single most accurate one (e.g. 'Website designer', not 'Company')
- Secondary categories for other main services
- Address with ward and a landmark, and an accurate map pin
- Phone number that's answered, plus WhatsApp if you use it
- Opening hours, including holidays such as Dashain and Tihar
- Services or products with short descriptions and prices
- At least 10 real photos: outside, inside, team, work
Step 4: Get reviews the right way
Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors and the biggest conversion factor. Ask every happy customer, share a direct review link or QR code, and reply to every review, good or bad, within a few days. Never buy reviews or offer discounts for them; Google removes them and may penalise the listing.
What actually ranks you in the map pack
| Factor | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Relevance | Right categories, services and description |
| Distance | Accurate address and pin (you can't fake this) |
| Prominence | Reviews, photos, website links, mentions on other sites |
| Consistency | Same name, address and phone everywhere online |
| Activity | Regular posts, photo uploads and replies |
Common mistakes in Nepal
- Different phone numbers on Google, Facebook and the website
- Map pin dropped on the wrong street
- Keywords stuffed into the business name
- Old hours that send customers to a closed shop
- Duplicate listings created by staff or customers
