The short answer
Claim and verify your Google Business Profile first, because most features, including photos and review replies, need verification. Then choose your main category, add up to 9 more, upload photos of your work and reply to every review.
Summarised from Google Business Profile help pages. Google changes its screens often, so follow the current help page.
Confidence: likely. These facts come from official pages that we found by search and did not read in full. Check the linked source before you rely on a figure.
1. Claim and verify
To show your business on Search and Maps you must add or claim it, then verify the profile. Photos and review replies go live only after verification.
2. Pick your categories
The first category you choose becomes your primary one, and you can add up to 9 more. Pick a specific category for your main trade, such as the one that matches your licence.
3. Add photos of real work
Add photos of your work and your team. Google reviews uploads against its photo and video policies.
4. Reply to reviews
Open your profile, read reviews and reply. Replies appear as coming from the business. Reply to good and bad reviews in a calm, factual way.
Common questions
Do I need to verify my Google Business Profile?
Yes. Google says photos and replying to reviews need a verified profile.
Sources
- Google Business Profile help: manage customer reviews, checked 11 November 2026
- Google Business Profile help: manage photos and videos, checked 11 November 2026
- Google Business Profile help: edit your Business Profile, checked 11 November 2026