When someone in Muscat searches "coffee near me" or "car AC repair Ghala", Google shows a map with a short list of businesses. Those listings come from Google Business Profile. For many local businesses in Oman, this free profile brings more calls and visits than their website does. Yet many profiles are incomplete, outdated or not claimed at all.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (previously called Google My Business) is the free listing that appears on Google Maps and in local search results. It shows your name, location, opening hours, phone number, photos, reviews and more. Customers can call you, get directions or visit your website in one tap.
How to set it up
- Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with a Google account that belongs to your business.
- Search for your business. If it already exists, request ownership. If not, create a new profile.
- Choose the most accurate primary category, such as "Dental clinic" rather than just "Clinic".
- Add your location. If you visit customers rather than receive them, set a service area instead of showing your address.
- Complete verification. Google may ask for a video, phone call or other method.
How to optimise your profile
Complete every field
Add your opening hours (including special hours for Ramadan, Eid and National Day), phone number, website, services, products and attributes. A complete profile ranks better and answers customers' questions before they call.
Use your real business name
Do not stuff keywords into your business name, for example "Best Car Repair Muscat Cheap". It breaks Google's guidelines and can get your profile suspended.
Add Arabic and English details
Write a clear business description that mentions your main services and areas you serve. Many Omani customers search in Arabic, so make sure your services and posts are understandable for Arabic speakers too.
Upload real photos regularly
Add photos of your storefront (so people can recognise it from the street), interior, team, products and completed work. Profiles with fresh, real photos tend to attract more clicks than those with a single logo.
Add a WhatsApp option
Include your WhatsApp number and link to it from your website and posts. Many customers in Oman prefer messaging to calling.
Reviews: your most powerful asset
Reviews influence both your ranking and the customer's decision. To build them:
- Ask satisfied customers directly, ideally right after a good experience
- Share your review link by WhatsApp or on your receipt
- Reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and quickly
- Never buy fake reviews. They break Google's rules and damage trust
A calm, professional reply to a negative review often impresses future customers more than a perfect five-star record.
Use Google Posts
You can publish updates, offers and events directly on your profile. Use posts for Ramadan timings, seasonal offers, new products or announcements. They keep your profile active and give customers another reason to choose you.
Common mistakes in Oman
- Wrong pin location, sending customers to the wrong building. Check your map pin carefully.
- Old phone numbers that no longer work.
- Not updating holiday hours, leading to frustrated customers at a closed door.
- Duplicate profiles created by staff or customers over the years.
- Profile owned by an ex-employee. Make sure the owner account belongs to the business.
Measure the results
Your profile's performance section shows how many people found you, called you, requested directions and visited your website. Check it monthly to see the effect of new photos, posts and reviews.
Get it done properly
Fanar Star sets up and optimises Google Business Profiles for businesses across Oman, including categories, photos, review strategy and monthly posts. Ask for a free audit and we will check your current listing.