Why it matters
When someone in Doha searches for “coffee near me” or your business name, Google often shows a Business Profile panel with your address, hours, phone number, photos and reviews, plus your spot on Google Maps. For many local businesses, it is the first thing customers see, even before your website. And it is free.
1. Claim and verify your profile
Go to google.com/business, search for your business and claim it, or add it if it is not listed. Google will ask you to verify that you own it. Depending on your business, this may be by video, phone, text, email or post. Your profile only shows publicly once it is verified.
2. Get the basics exactly right
- Name: use your real business name, exactly as it appears on your shop sign. Adding extra keywords or locations to the name breaks Google’s guidelines and can get the profile suspended.
- Category: pick the primary category that best describes what you do, then add a few secondary ones.
- Address and service area: add your address if customers visit you; if you visit them, set a service area instead.
- Phone, website and hours: keep them current, and add special hours for Ramadan and public holidays.
3. Add real photos
Upload clear photos of your storefront, inside, team and products. Profiles with good photos look more trustworthy and get more clicks. Add new photos every few months to keep things fresh.
4. Ask for reviews, and reply to them
Reviews help people choose you. Ask happy customers to leave one (you can share a direct review link from your profile). Reply to every review, the good and the bad: a polite, helpful reply to a complaint shows future customers you care. Never buy or fake reviews; it is against Google’s rules.
5. Keep it active
- Share updates and offers with Google Posts.
- Answer questions customers ask on your profile.
- Check your profile’s performance insights to see how people find you.
Want help showing up higher in local search? See Ash Lab’s digital marketing service.