How to Use Google My Business to Get More Customers in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
Google My Business, now officially called Google Business Profile, is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to get new customers for free in Nigeria. Whether you’re running a POS business, a tailoring shop, a bakery, a barbershop, or a beauty brand, this tool helps people find you when they search for services in their area.
Imagine someone typing “POS agent in Ikeja” or “affordable tailor in Owerri” on Google. If your business is properly listed, it will appear on Google Search and Maps, showing your location, contact details, reviews, photos, and more. That’s why every Nigerian entrepreneur needs to take this tool seriously in 2025.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to use Google My Business to get real Nigerian customers and stand out from the competition.
Table of Contents
- What Is Google My Business?
- Why Google My Business Matters in 2025
- What You Can Do With a Google Business Profile
- How to Set Up Google My Business in Nigeria
- How to Optimize Your Profile for More Visibility
- Smart Tips to Attract More Customers
- Mistakes to Avoid as a Nigerian Business Owner
Key Takeaways
- Google My Business is a free tool that helps customers find your business on Google Search and Maps
- Every business in Nigeria, even without a website, can use it to increase visibility and sales
- You can post pictures, get reviews, chat with customers, and show your business hours
- Optimizing your profile and updating it regularly increases your chances of appearing in search results
- Many Nigerian businesses are already getting customers weekly from their free listing
How to Use Google My Business to Get More Customers in Nigeria (2025 Guide)
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What Is Google My Business?
Google My Business (GMB), now known as Google Business Profile, is a free tool that helps your business show up when people search for products or services you offer in your location. It’s especially helpful for small businesses that don’t have a website yet. With GMB, people can find you on both Google Search and Google Maps.
For example, if you run a hair salon in Enugu and someone searches “hairdresser near me,” Google will show them your business listing with your name, address, photos, phone number, reviews, and even directions.
This makes it easier for customers to trust you and take action like calling, visiting, or messaging you.
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Why Google My Business Matters in 2025
Nigerians are searching for local services every day. Whether it’s a laundry service, a phone repair shop, a pastry vendor, or even a farm produce seller, they use Google to find what they need. That’s where your Google Business Profile comes in.
Here’s why it matters:
- It gives your business instant visibility when people search for services like yours
- You appear in Google Maps, which helps customers find directions to your shop
- It builds trust through reviews, pictures, and verified contact info
- You can manage your listing directly from your phone using the Google Maps or Google Business Profile app
- It’s completely free — no monthly fee or hidden charges
In 2025, many Nigerians are winning customers online, not by running ads, but by simply showing up on Google with a complete and active profile.
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What You Can Do With a Google Business Profile
With a Google Business Profile, you can:
- List your business name, category, address, and phone number
- Add high-quality photos and videos of your shop, products, or services
- Write posts about offers, updates, or events
- Receive and respond to customer reviews
- Enable directions to your location via Google Maps
- Add your working hours so customers know when you’re open
- Provide a link to your WhatsApp, Instagram, or website
Customers don’t like stress. When your information is clear and complete, they are more likely to choose you over others.
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How to Set Up Google My Business in Nigeria
Follow these steps to create your Google Business Profile:
Step 1: Go to google.com/business and click “Manage now”
Step 2: Sign in with your Gmail account
Step 3: Enter your business name
Step 4: Choose a category that best describes what you do (e.g., hairdresser, POS agent, restaurant)
Step 5: Add your business address or service area. If you don’t have a physical shop, select the option that says you deliver or serve customers at their location
Step 6: Add your phone number and website (or WhatsApp link if you don’t have a site)
Step 7: Verify your business by following the options shown. Some get verified by SMS, email, or video call
Step 8: Once verified, start filling your profile with photos, updates, and your business hours
Verification is important. Without it, your listing may not show fully on Google.
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How to Optimize Your Profile for More Visibility
Just creating your profile is not enough. You need to make it attractive and informative so that Google shows it to more people and customers trust it.
Here’s how to optimize your profile:
- Use a clear profile photo and cover image related to your business
- Add at least 5–10 photos of your products, office, or workspace
- Write a clear and keyword-rich description. For example:
“Affordable POS agent in Ajah, Lagos offering quick cash withdrawal, deposit, and bill payments.”
- List all your services and include prices if possible
- Add your opening and closing hours for each day of the week
- Keep your phone number and address up to date
- Post weekly updates or promos to keep your listing active
- Ask loyal customers to leave honest Google reviews after doing business with you
- Reply to all reviews (good or bad) professionally and politely
The more complete and active your profile is, the higher your chances of showing up when people search.
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Smart Tips to Attract More Customers
- Promote your listing on your flyers, business cards, and social media
- Ask customers to leave a review right after purchase or service
- Use your Google review link in your WhatsApp broadcast or IG bio
- Join Facebook business groups and share your Google listing link
- Use keywords in your posts that people in your area are searching for. For example: “POS in Alimosho,” “Cake delivery Uyo,” “Recharge card seller in Warri”
- Respond quickly to messages and calls you get from Google
- Link your listing to your WhatsApp Business or Paystack Storefront to make buying easier
These tips are simple but effective. Many Nigerian small businesses are growing their customer base without spending a single naira on ads — all from Google Business Profile.
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Mistakes to Avoid as a Nigerian Business Owner
- Listing your business with an unclear or fake name
- Adding wrong contact details or address
- Leaving your profile empty without photos, reviews, or working hours
- Posting once and never updating your profile again
- Not verifying your business — unverified listings may not appear in search
- Ignoring reviews — especially negative ones
- Trying to manipulate reviews by writing fake ones (Google may delete your listing)
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your business professional and trusted by both Google and your customers.
Final Thoughts
Google My Business is a free but powerful tool every Nigerian entrepreneur should be using in 2025. With more people turning to Google to find what they need, your business must show up when they search.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for years. With a complete and optimized profile, you’ll gain visibility, build trust, and attract new customers consistently.
If you do it right, your business could start showing on the first page of Google when people search for services you offer — and that could mean more calls, more messages, and more money in your bank account.
Need Help Starting Your Business?
At Dayo Adetiloye Business Hub, we help Nigerians like you start and grow profitable businesses — no matter your budget. From writing business plans to getting registered and finding the right business idea, we’ve got your back.
Call or WhatsApp us on +234-806-077-9290
Let’s build your dream business — together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Google My Business really free to use?
Yes, it’s 100% free. You don’t pay to create, list, or update your Google Business Profile.
2. Can I use Google My Business without a physical shop?
Yes. Just select the option that says you offer services at customer locations or deliver goods.
3. How long does it take to start getting customers from Google?
Some people see results in days. Others take weeks. It depends on your location, your niche, and how well you optimize your profile.
4. What kind of business can use Google Business Profile?
Any kind — POS, salon, tailoring, catering, photography, logistics, printing, digital services, even farming.
5. Do I need a website to use GMB?
No. You can add your WhatsApp link, Instagram page, or a Paystack Storefront instead.
6. Can I use Google My Business on my phone?
Yes. Download the Google Maps app or use your Chrome browser to manage and update your listing.
7. How can I get more reviews on my Google profile?
Ask happy customers to leave a review. You can also send them the direct review link to make it easy.
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