You've got to get on Google Maps for your Home Food Business

Ever wonder how some home cafes seem to have customers lining up while despite not having the largest following on social media? One secret might be sitting right in your pocket: Google Maps.

When someone in your neighborhood types "cafes near me" or "best bakery near me," do you show up? If not, you're missing out on thirsty and hungry customers who might be just a few blocks away.

Why Google Maps matters for your home kitchen business

Let's be real. We all use Google Maps to find, well, everything and anything these days. That one search bar has become our usual way (aside from acuppa!) to discover what's around us. If your home food business isn't there, you're invisible to countless potential customers.

Here's what a Google Maps listing does for you:

• Makes you discoverable to people specifically looking for what you offer

• Builds trust (people trust businesses they can find on Google)

• Lets customers leave reviews, creating social proof

• Helps locals find you, even if they don't know your business by name

The best part? It costs absolutely nothing. Zero dollars. Free marketing that works 24/7.

Getting your home kitchen on the map (literally)

Setting up your home food business on Google Maps is surprisingly simple. You'll need to create what Google calls a "Business Profile" (they used to call it Google My Business).

Here's how to do it:

1. Head over to the Google Business Profile page and click that big "Manage now" button

2. Enter your business name – this is where you need to think about how you're operating

A quick note on names: we'd recommend typing (home based) within the name if you're planning to hide your unit number, so that people don't get mixed up and frustrated after looking around your void deck.

1. Choose the right business type – for most home food businesses, "cafe" works best since you're likely offering delivery or pickup rather than having customers visit

2. Tell Google where you deliver or provide pickup services – be specific about neighborhoods or postal code ranges in Singapore where you operate

Don't worry – the next steps keep your home address private while still letting customers find you:

1. Add your contact details – phone number, website, Instagram, or Facebook page

2. Verify your listing – Google will send a verification code (usually by mail, sometimes by phone or email) to confirm you're legit - sometimes they've just magically approve your listing.

3. Make your listing shine – add mouthwatering photos of your dishes, set your operating hours, and write a description that makes people hungry

The privacy question: "But I don't want strangers knowing where I live!"

I hear this concern a lot from home bakers and cooks. The good news: you don't have to put your unit number in the address bar - just like how you'd do in acuppa.app! We'd recommend you to put your block number (or the place that you're going to do your pickups), and it's all good and jiffy!

After verification, simply choose the option to hide your address, and you're all set. You get the benefits of Google visibility without compromising your privacy.

Beyond the basics: Making your Google listing work harder

Once your basic listing is up, take it to the next level:

• Ask your satisfied customers to leave Google reviews (print a QR code!)

• Post updates about new menu items or special offers

• Add appetizing photos regularly

• Respond to questions and reviews promptly

Each of these actions signals to Google that your business is active and engaged, which can boost your visibility in local searches.

The needle in the haystack problem

Let's be honest about one challenge with Google Maps – it's crowded. Really crowded.

When someone searches for "bakery near me," they'll see everything from massive chain stores to small cafés to home bakers all mixed together. Your delightful homemade pineapple tarts might get lost among dozens of commercial establishments with bigger marketing budgets.

This is exactly why we created acuppa.app. Unlike Google Maps, we exclusively feature home-based food businesses. When customers browse acuppa, they know exactly what they're looking for – authentic, small-batch food and drinks made by talented home based talents like you. No more competing for attention with the big commercial players.

Think of it this way: Google Maps is like a massive food court with hundreds of options. Acuppa is the specialized artisanal food market where each vendor has a story and a passion for what they create.

That's why we recommend a two-pronged approach: list on Google Maps for broad visibility, and join acuppa.app for targeted exposure to customers specifically seeking home-based food experiences.

Making your mark

Getting your home food business on Google Maps is one of those small steps that can lead to big results. It takes less than an hour to set up, costs nothing, and can bring customers to your virtual doorstep for years to come.

At acuppa.app, we're all about connecting talented home cooks with hungry neighbors. Your Google Maps listing is another powerful tool in making those connections happen, while our platform helps you stand out in a more focused marketplace.

So go ahead – put yourself on the map. Your next customer might be just around the corner, thumbs hovering over their phone, wondering where to find exactly what you're making.

Have you listed your home food business on Google Maps? What results have you seen? Let us know in on our Instagram and TikTok accounts!