How to create a google business profile and other local listings
Setting up local listings ensures your storage facility appears exactly where local customers are looking: on digital maps and search results.
The Essentials: Get Found on Google Maps
The most effective way to attract local customers is to ensure your storage facility appears on Google Maps when they search for 'storage near me'. By creating a Google Business Profile (GBP), you establish an immediate local presence and provide essential details like your location, opening hours, and customer reviews without spending a penny on advertising.
Step 1: Setting up your Google Business Profile
To get started, head to the Google Business Profile website. This is the foundation of your local online presence.
- Sign in: Log in using your business email account.
- Add your business: Enter your business name. If it doesn't appear in the dropdown, select 'Add your business to Google'. Choose 'Self-Storage Facility' as your primary category to ensure you appear in relevant searches.
- Enter your location: Since you have a physical site, select 'Yes' when asked if you have a location customers can visit. Enter your full UK address accurately. This is what places your 'pin' on the map.
- Add contact details: Provide your business phone number and website URL. This makes it easy for customers to inquire about unit availability directly from the search page.
- Verification: Google will need to verify that you actually operate from the address provided. This is usually done via a postcard sent to your facility with a code, or a quick video verification showing the site and your access to it.
Step 2: Expanding to other directories
While Google is the most important platform, appearing in other directories improves your local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) by confirming to search engines that your business is legitimate. Focus on these UK-centric platforms:
- Yell.com: The digital version of the Yellow Pages remains a staple for UK local searches and carries significant weight with search engines.
- Thomson Local: Another high-authority directory that helps boost your online footprint.
- Bing Places: This ensures you are visible to people using the Bing search engine, which is the default on many office computers.
Best practices for local listings
Consistency is key when managing your online presence. Use the table below to ensure your profiles are optimised:
| Feature | Action |
|---|---|
| Photos | Upload high-resolution images of your storage units, the security gates, and the facility entrance to build trust. |
| NAP Consistency | Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number are identical across every single platform you join. |
| Opening Hours | Keep these updated, especially for bank holidays, so customers don't turn up when the gates are locked. |
| Reviews | Encourage your first customers to leave a review. High star ratings are the number one factor in winning local clicks. |
Pro Tip: Use the 'Updates' or 'Posts' feature on your Google Business Profile to share photos of new units or seasonal discounts. It shows Google that your business is active and well-managed.
Created by hatch. • Updated on April 30, 2026