Being listed where people already search is the cheapest customer acquisition available to a small business. It costs time rather than money, and it keeps working after you stop touching it.

It also matters for the referrals you already earn. When someone recommends you, the next thing that person does is look you up. If there is nothing to find, the recommendation stops there.

Pick one platform your customers genuinely use, not the one you are most comfortable with. A contractor belongs somewhere different from a caterer.

Have ready: your business name exactly as you want it known, your address or service area, hours, phone, and the short description from the marketing assets step.