The problem
Customers search for businesses like yours on Google and Maps, but you don't have a properly claimed and verified Business Profile.
Set Up a Free Google Business Profile — Step by Step
Create or claim an eligible Google Business Profile for free, add the information customers need, and prepare it for verification and discovery on Google Search and Maps.
What you'll need
- A Google Account
- An eligible business that meets Google's Business Profile requirements
- Your real business name, category, contact details, hours, and customer-facing location or service-area information
- Access to any verification method Google offers your business
Fix it
Check that your business is eligible
Before creating a profile, review Google's current Business Profile eligibility rules. Online-only businesses that never make in-person contact with customers are generally not eligible.
Keep in mind: Don't create a fake storefront or address just to qualify.
Search for your business first
Search Google and Maps for your business name and location to see whether a profile already exists. If it does, use Google's claim/ownership process rather than creating a duplicate.
Keep in mind: Duplicate profiles can create headaches later.
Add or claim the business
Use Google's Business Profile setup flow, sign in with the Google Account you want associated with the business, and follow the prompts to add or claim the profile.
Keep in mind: Use the real-world business name customers actually see.
Choose the most accurate primary category
Select the category that best represents the core business. Add other relevant information Google currently allows, but don't choose unrelated categories simply to appear for more searches.
Keep in mind: Your primary category should describe what the business is, not every service it offers.
Complete customer-facing information
Add accurate hours, phone, website, services, business description, and the location/service-area information appropriate for how the business actually serves customers.
Keep in mind: Consistency matters: make sure important details agree with your website.
Complete Google's verification process
Choose from the verification methods Google makes available to your specific profile and follow the current on-screen instructions.
Keep in mind: Verification options vary by business; you may not be offered the same method someone else was.
Finish the profile instead of abandoning it after verification
Add strong, accurate photos and review the profile from a customer's perspective. Correct incomplete information and keep hours and contact details current.
Keep in mind: A verified but neglected profile can still be unhelpful to customers.
Test it before you trust it
Search for your exact business name on Google and Maps after setup/verification is complete. Confirm the correct profile appears and that the website, phone, hours, service/location information, and customer-facing photos are accurate.
Rather not do this yourself?
Want us to do it for you?
You can use the steps above completely free. If you'd rather hand the setup, copy, workflow or implementation to us, we'll help you scope the smallest useful solution.
Want us to help improve your visibility?