Set up Your Google Business Profile

00. Prepare Before You Start

Gather:

• A Google Account controlled by the business
• The real business name used on signs, invoices, licenses, and the website
• The address where the business operates
• The cities or areas served when you travel to customers
• Normal business hours
• A direct business phone number
• The business website
• The one category that best describes the main service

Google decides what evidence and verification method it needs. It may ask for registration documents, licenses, utility bills, invoices, permanent signage, tools, vehicles, or access to business-only areas.

Do not add keywords, city names, or services to the business name unless they are part of the real name.

01. Step 1. Search Before Creating

Search the business name and location on Google Search and Google Maps.

If no profile exists, go to business.google.com/add and add it.

If an unverified profile exists, choose Claim this business.

If someone else already verified the profile, request ownership. Do not create a duplicate profile. For a storefront or hybrid business, use Google's ownership-request flow. For a service-area business without a public address, contact Google Business Profile support to request ownership. The current owner normally has three days to respond, and Google may offer another claim method if there is no response.

02. Step 2. Enter the Business Type

Choose the setup that matches reality.

• Storefront:
  Customers visit the staffed address.
• Service area:
  You travel to customers and do not receive them at your base.
• Hybrid:
  Customers visit the staffed address and you also travel to them.

For a service-area business, enter the real base address when Google asks for verification, then hide it from the public. Add service areas using cities, postal codes, or other supported areas. Google allows up to 20.

Keep the total area realistic. Google says the overall area should generally remain within about two hours of driving time from the base.

03. Step 3. Complete the Core Information

Select the most specific primary category that describes what the business is.

Enter the normal hours when staff are available to serve customers. Add holiday or special hours when needed.

Use a phone number controlled by the business and the authoritative website address. Keep the same core business information across the website, profile, signage, and official documents.

04. Step 4. Complete Verification

Google chooses the methods available to you. Options may include:

• Video recording
• Phone or text
• Email
• Live video
• Postcard

Google may require more than one method. Review can take up to five business days.

For video verification, record one continuous, unedited video through the Business Profile on a mobile device. Google says it must be at least 30 seconds. Show the surrounding location, proof that the business exists, and proof that you are allowed to manage it.

A storefront can show permanent signage and access to staff-only areas. A service business can show location markers, tools, a branded vehicle, business documents, or access to business-only equipment.

Never send a verification code, one-time password, or PIN to an unexpected caller or email sender. Google does not charge to create, verify, maintain, or reinstate a Business Profile.

05. Step 5. Protect Ownership

After verification:

1. Confirm the business-controlled Google Account is Primary Owner.
2. Turn on two-step verification for that Google Account.
3. Check the recovery email and phone number.
4. Open the Business Profile, then choose More > Business Profile settings > People and access > Add.
5. Enter the professional's email address, choose Manager, and send the invitation.
6. Confirm the professional accepted the invitation with their own Google Account.
7. Remove former staff and providers.

New owners and managers may face a seven-day restriction on sensitive actions such as transferring primary ownership or removing users.

06. Step 6. Finish and Maintain the Profile

Add useful, accurate photos. Complete services and attributes that truly apply. Check the profile on Search and Maps.

Review these items at least monthly:

• Normal and holiday hours
• Phone number
• Website link
• Primary category
• Address or service areas
• New user access
• Customer reviews
• Google-suggested updates

Category and other major changes can trigger reverification. Avoid unnecessary changes to the name, address, or category while a postcard or verification review is in progress.

07. Common Mistakes

• Creating a second profile instead of claiming the existing one
• Using a virtual office or P.O. box
• Showing a home address where customers are not served
• Adding keywords to the business name
• Choosing many broad service areas that the business cannot realistically serve
• Letting an agency remain the only owner
• Paying someone who claims Google charges a profile-maintenance fee
• Offering rewards for reviews

Policy violations can lead to restrictions or suspension. Correct the underlying information before submitting an appeal. Do not create a replacement profile while an appeal is being reviewed.

08. Completion Check

You are finished when:

• The profile is verified
• The business is Primary Owner
• The public information matches the real business
• A service-area address is hidden when customers do not visit it
• Two-step verification is on
• Professionals have separate Manager access
• A monthly review reminder is scheduled