Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important pieces of your online presence. When someone searches "laundromat near me," Google often shows local results prominently, and those results come from GBP listings. Here's how to set yours up properly.
Step 1: Claim or create your listing
Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it already exists (Google often creates listings automatically from public data), claim it. If not, click "Add your business" and follow the prompts.
Verification methods vary by business and market. Google may offer phone, text, email, video, or postcard verification. Do not skip this step because an unverified listing gives you less control over the information customers see.
Step 2: Choose the right categories
Your primary category should be "Laundromat" if you're a self-service laundromat. Not "Laundry Service," not "Coin-Operated Laundry." Google matches search queries to categories, and "Laundromat" matches "laundromat near me" exactly.
Add secondary categories for other services you offer: "Laundry Service" if you do wash and fold, "Dry Cleaner" if you offer dry cleaning. You can add up to 9 secondary categories.
Step 3: Fill out every field
This sounds obvious, but most laundromat GBP listings we audit have blank fields. Fill in your business description (750 characters max, include your city name and services). Set your hours accurately, including holiday hours. Add all your services with prices if possible.
Set your attributes: Wi-Fi available, wheelchair accessible, card payments accepted, whatever applies. Each attribute is another signal to Google about what your business offers.
Step 4: Add photos regularly
Upload at least 20 photos to start: exterior (from the street so customers recognise it), interior, your machines, folding area, any seating area, your signage, and your team if they're comfortable being photographed. Then add 2-3 new photos every week.
Avoid stock photos. Real photos of your actual business build trust and give customers a clearer reason to choose your location.
Step 5: Get reviews and respond to them
Reviews influence both trust and local visibility. Google says more reviews and positive ratings can improve local ranking, so ask happy customers to leave a review. The easiest way is a QR code printed on a small sign near the register or folding tables. Link it directly to the review form.
Respond to every review within 48 hours. Thank the 5-star reviewers by name. For negative reviews, apologise, explain what you've done to fix the issue, and invite them back. Never get defensive in a public review response.
Step 6: Post weekly
Google Posts appear in your listing and tell Google your business is active. Post about promotions, new machines, seasonal tips ("how to wash winter coats"), or community events. Each post can include a photo, text, and a call-to-action button.
Weekly posting keeps your profile current and gives customers a reason to act. It takes a few minutes per post and it is free.
That's the complete GBP setup for laundromats. If you want a professional to handle this for you, our GBP optimisation service covers everything above plus ongoing management and review strategy. Or start with a free audit to see where your current listing stands.