Think you need a website before your business can get listed on Google and you can appear on search? Think again.
In Nigeria today, thousands of businesses are discovered through search — not ads. From salons in Surulere to shawarma spots in Garki, your buyers are asking: “Where can I find [X] near me?”
If your business doesn’t show up, you’re not even in the race.
Why Google Matters More Than Instagram for Local Search
Most small business owners post consistently on Instagram but forget one thing: Your customer isn’t always on Instagram. But they are always on Google.
When someone searches:
- “Makeup artist in Ikoyi”
- “Cakes near me”
- “Quiet café in Yaba”
Google pulls up its Maps listings first. That’s where your business should be. If you want to grow your business in 2025, you should get your business listed on Google Maps. Here’s how to do it.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Listed on Google Maps Without a Website
Create or claim your Google Business Profile
→ Go to google.com/business
→ Use your business Gmail address to sign in. You will be taken to a page to add your business.
Add real, searchable details
✅ Name, category, physical address
✅ Business hours and days
✅ Phone number customers can reach
Once you type in your name, if your business had a prior listing which you haven’t claimed, Google will show it to you, you can then add a business category to update your profile.
You may notice at this time that someone has either claimed your business profile or the address is old, as your business has moved. You can contact Google to help you reclaim your profile or update your listing. You may also be required to verify your profile before it becomes visible to the public.
Read: Case Study: Reigniting Foot Traffic for a Local Restaurant
Upload clear photos
📸 Logo, inside/outside of your space, products/services. Remember that you are using your Google Business Profile as your digital store front. You want people to know that this is a real business. So, show the inside and outside of your business, display your products/services clearly. You find that most businesses just have a 3D street view attached to their business profile, this does not inspire confidence, nor does it help you with visibility.
Write a bio with local keywords
Your bio should be keyword rich. It should describe your business using the words that your customers would likely search when trying to find your product or service. For example: “Unisex hair salon on Adelabu Street, Surulere” — not “Best salon in Nigeria.” Think local when you are optimising your Google profile. People near you are more likely to buy from you. Even when you run an online business, remember that the cost of logistics might stop people from buying from you except you offer a service that is so unique that no one around them can beat your price or quality.
Write a bio with local keywords. For example: “Unisex hair salon on Adelabu Street, Surulere” — not “Best salon in Nigeria.”
Slvr Wlf
Ask real customers for reviews. Your page ranks higher on the SERP if you have reviews from real people. You must set up a review request system to succeed in building up your Google Profile. If you were searching for a product or service on Google and you saw a profile with 2 reviews and another with 50, who would you do business with? To get reviews:
→ Start with friends or loyal clients
→ Google prioritises businesses with reviews
FAQ
How do I make my small business visible on Google in Nigeria?
Start by creating/claiming your Google Business Profile. Optimise your profile by updating your business address, writing a local-focused but keyword-rich bio and keep it active with posts, photos and reviews.
Can I get listed on Google without a website?
Yes. Google Maps listings don’t require a website. They require accurate local information. You can even get a free website from Google if you want to display more information.
Why is my business not showing up on Google?
The most common reason is that your business profile is not verified. It could also be that you are missing info, or you have poor listing quality.
Final Word
Google isn’t just for big brands. It’s for anyone who wants to be found — today, in their city, by a real customer.
If your business isn’t showing up when people search…
It’s not a branding problem.
It’s a visibility problem.
Read: Why Great Businesses Still Get Ignored
Contact Slvr Wlf and let us help you show up where it matters.
Meet Abigail Anaba—your go-to expert for mastering digital strategy. With a postgraduate award in Creating Strategic Advantage from Warwick University, Abigail transforms complex digital challenges into clear, actionable insights. Her unique blend of storytelling and journalistic precision not only makes her strategies engaging and relatable but also drives real results.