A Simple Guide to Setting Up Google Business and Bing Places for Startups

If you're just starting out in business, one of the easiest and most effective ways to get noticed is by setting up your Google Business Profile and Bing Places for Business. These free tools help you show up when local customers search for your products or services online.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to set them up step by step, share a few essential tips to get the most out of them and explain what to do if you don’t yet have a website.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Why it’s important Your Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business) is what people see when they search for your business or something you offer. It helps you appear in local results on Google Search and Google Maps.

How to set it up

1. Go to google.com/business

2. Sign in using your Google account

3. Click "Manage now" and type in your business name

4. Choose your business category

5. Add your location or service area

6. Enter your contact details, including phone number and website if you have one

7. Choose how you’d like to verify your business

8. Once verified, add your business hours, photos and a short description
   

Essential Tips

• Include keywords people are likely to search forTip: Instead of just saying “local builder”, use “Kent-based builder for extensions and renovations”

• Add real photos of your work, team or premisesTip: Use your phone to take 3 or 4 clear photos of your products, services or setup and upload them straight away

• Ask for reviews from happy customersTip: Send a quick message after each job or sale asking if they’d mind leaving a review on Google – people are usually happy to help

• Keep your opening hours accurateTip: Set a calendar reminder once a month to double-check your listed hours, especially around holidays

• Use Google Posts to share updates or offersTip: Add a short weekly update with a photo, special offer or tip to show that your business is active and open
  

Step 2: Set Up Bing Places for Business

Why it’s worth doing Bing is still used by a lot of people, especially those using Microsoft Edge or voice search. It’s also the search engine that powers tools like ChatGPT’s browsing feature, so if someone asks ChatGPT to recommend a local business, it often pulls that information from Bing.

That means if you're listed on Bing Places, you’re more likely to be mentioned in those results.

How to set it up

1. Visit bingplaces.com

2. Click "Get Started"

3. If you’ve already set up your Google Business Profile, you can import your details directly

4. If not, enter your business info manually

5. Add your photos, contact details and working hours

6. Verify your business by phone or email

7. Once set up, check in now and again to keep your info current
   

Essential Tips

• Use the same details you used on your Google listingTip: Copy and paste your business name, phone number and description to make sure they match

• Upload high-quality photos just like on GoogleTip: Reuse the same pictures so your brand looks consistent everywhere

• Check your profile every few weeksTip: Add a diary note or phone reminder to log in once a month and make sure everything still looks right
  

What If You Don’t Have a Website Yet?

While you can still use Google and Bing without a website, having one makes a big difference. It helps build trust, gives customers more info and can turn online searches into real enquiries.

If you’re a startup and need a website, have a chat with The Wix Guys. They build professional, mobile-friendly sites that look great and are ready to support your Google and Bing listings. They can help with contact forms, search engine visibility and making sure your site works on phones and laptops.

A simple website can help you look more established and give customers the confidence to get in touch.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Google and Bing business profiles is one of the best ways to start getting found online. It’s free, doesn’t take long and can help you bring in new customers.

Follow the steps above, use the tips to make your listing stand out and don’t forget to keep it updated. And if you need help with your website, The Wix Guys are always ready to help you get started.