Set up your Google Business Profile

Follow these steps

1. Check whether your business is already listed

   Search your business name and city on Google Maps. Match the address and business details before choosing a result.

   It’s listed and you already manage it: open that profile. You can move on to checking its details.

   It’s listed but unclaimed: on desktop, choose Claim this business → Manage now, then follow the verification prompts.

   Someone else manages it: follow Google’s ownership-request process. Keep the existing listing instead of making a duplicate.

   It isn’t listed: continue to step 2.

   Search first → use the existing profile if there is one

2. Start a profile in your own account

   Open Google’s add-business page and sign in to the Google Account you want to keep as the owner. Choose Add your business to Google if prompted, then follow the setup screens.

   Your Google Account → add your business

   Already claimed the correct profile in step 1? Continue with its details and verification; you don’t need to create another.

3. Enter your business name and category

   Use the name customers see on your signage and website. Choose the category that best describes your main business. For example, a café might choose Coffee shop. Keep extra town names, slogans, and services out of the name unless they are genuinely part of it.

   Real business name → best-fitting main category

   

4. Choose where you meet customers

   The location choice decides whether customers see a street address or the area you serve. Answer based on how the business actually operates.

   Customers visit you: choose the location option and enter your exact address. A storefront needs permanent signage and must be staffed to receive customers during its stated hours.

   You visit customers: choose the service-area route and add the cities or postal codes you serve. Keep your address hidden from the public if customers do not visit there.

   You do both: use your eligible storefront address and add your service area.

   

   For a service-area business, add the places you actually serve. Google accepts named areas such as cities or postal codes, with up to 20 areas. The overall area should generally stay within about two hours’ drive of your base. If Google separately asks for an address to verify the business, provide the real one and check that it remains hidden from customers.

   

   Storefront: public address · Service area: places you serve · Hybrid: both

5. Add the details customers need

   Follow the prompts for your business phone, website, and hours. Use a number your business answers and your actual website address. If you don’t have a website, leave that optional field for later. Check the information for accuracy before continuing.

   You can finish details such as photos, services, and your description after verification. Google may show the setup questions in a different order.

   Phone + website if available + accurate opening hours

6. Complete Google’s verification

   Verification is Google’s check that you represent this business. Choose one of the methods offered on your profile. Google decides which options appear, and some businesses need more than one. Phone, text, email, mail, and video are possible; availability varies.

   If Business video is offered: use your phone at the business. Record through the verification flow in one continuous take of at least 30 seconds. Show the location, evidence the business operates there, and proof you manage it. Keep people’s faces and sensitive personal details out of the recording. A previously recorded video cannot be uploaded instead.

   Storefront example: show nearby street signs, permanent business signage, and your access to a staff-only area.

   Service-area example: show local landmarks, work equipment, and access to business assets such as a branded work vehicle.

   Get verified → Business video → Next → Start recording → review → Upload video

   Google’s demonstrations show what the recording should include:

   • Watch Google’s storefront video example
   • Watch Google’s service-area video example

   If you receive a verification code, enter it yourself in your profile. Keep it private, including from anyone helping manage the listing. Follow Google’s instructions for the method offered.

7. Wait for approval, then finish the profile

   Google says verification review can take up to five business days. Check your profile and email for the result. If Google asks for more information, complete that request.

   Once verified, check the public name, location settings, contact details, and hours. Add useful photos and complete the relevant services or products. When you want help managing it, follow our guide to adding a Manager.