Check you are eligible
In general, Google Business Profiles are for businesses that meet customers face to face. That means customers visit you at a location, or you travel to them to deliver your service. A business that only trades online, with no customer contact in person, is usually not eligible. Eligibility rules are set by Google and can change, so check them before you begin.
Search first, to avoid duplicates
Before you create anything, search for your business name on Google and Google Maps. A listing may already exist, because someone else may have added it or you may have started one long ago. If one exists, claim it instead of creating a second. Duplicate profiles confuse customers and can cause problems.
Start the profile
When you are ready, go to business.google.com/add and follow the steps. Use a Google account that you control and will keep, ideally one you can still access if someone leaves your team.
Use real details
- Use your real business name, exactly as customers know it. Do not add keywords or slogans to the name.
- Use your real address or the area you serve.
- Use a phone number that you answer.
- Choose the category that best describes what you do.
- Add true opening hours, and update them when they change.
Invented details can get a profile suspended and they mislead customers.
Verification: Google decides
Google may ask you to verify that your business is real. The method, and whether it is offered to you at all, is Google's decision. Follow the instructions that appear in your account. Nobody else can guarantee that your profile will be verified or how quickly.
Stay safe
Never share your password or a verification code with anyone, including anyone who says they can "speed up" verification. If a person needs access to help you, add them through the platform's own sharing settings instead.
After it is live
Keep your name, phone number and opening hours identical to your Facebook page and your website. Consistent details help customers trust you. If you would like help making your channels consistent, see Online Image Curation.
Before you rely on this guide
Google changes its pages and wording from time to time. The link and the steps described here should be reconfirmed against Google's own live pages before relying on them. LUKBRANDED is not affiliated with Google.
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