How to get your Kampala business on Google Maps

When someone in Kampala searches “printing near me” or “hotel in Ntinda”, Google shows a map with three businesses before any websites. Those three come from Google Business Profile. Setting yours up is free, and it is often the fastest way for a local business to get more calls.

1. Claim or create your profile

1. Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account the business controls, not a personal one an employee might take with them.
2. Search for your business name. If it already exists, request access. If not, create it.
3. Choose your primary category carefully. It is the strongest signal Google uses to decide which searches you appear in. Pick the most specific match, such as “Software company” rather than “Company”.

2. Verify your business

Google needs to confirm you are real. Depending on your business, it may ask for a short video of your premises and signage, a phone or email code, or a postcard. Follow the instructions exactly; incomplete videos are the most common reason for rejection.

3. Fill in every field

• Name: your real trading name, with no extra keywords. Adding keywords can get the profile suspended.
• Address: include the building and street, for example “Mukwano Courts, William Street”. If you serve customers at their location, set a service area instead.
• Hours: including public holidays.
• Phone and WhatsApp: use a number that is answered.
• Website: link to the most relevant page, not always the home page.
• Services and products: list each one with a short description and, where you can, a price.

4. Add real photos

Upload your signage, the entrance, your team and your work. Customers trust photos taken on site more than stock images, and Google shows profiles with recent photos more often.

5. Collect reviews every week

Reviews and how recent they are strongly affect how high you appear. Make asking a habit:

• Send happy customers your review link by WhatsApp straight after a job.
• Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and within a few days.
• Never buy reviews or offer rewards for them. Google removes them and can suspend the profile.

6. Post updates

Short posts about offers, new work or events keep the profile active. One post a week is enough.

7. Keep your details the same everywhere

Use exactly the same business name, address and phone number on your website, Facebook, LinkedIn and directories. Inconsistent details confuse both Google and AI assistants that recommend businesses.

Need help?

Persmon Marketing sets up and manages Google Business Profiles as part of its local SEO packages. You can also start with a free website audit, which includes a check of your Google listing.