Creating Your Profile

This guide walks through creating a new Google Business Profile or claiming an existing one.

Before You Start

Gather this information:

Business legal name (as it appears on signage)
Complete address
Phone number
Website URL
Business category
Business hours
High-quality photos

Check for Existing Listing

Before creating a new profile, check if one exists:

Go to Google Maps
Search for your business name
If found, you'll claim it (not create new)

Creating a duplicate listing violates guidelines and can result in suspension.

Creating a New Profile

Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile

Visit business.google.com and sign in with a Google account.

Use a business Google account, not a personal one. This simplifies access management.

Step 2: Enter Business Name

Enter your exact business name as it appears on:

Storefront signage
Legal documents
Marketing materials

Do not add keywords, locations, or taglines. "Joe's Plumbing" is correct. "Joe's Plumbing - Best Emergency Plumber in Chicago" violates guidelines.

Step 3: Select Business Category

Choose your primary category from Google's list of 4,000+ options.

Be specific. "Italian Restaurant" is better than "Restaurant" if that's what you are.

Step 4: Add Location

For businesses with a physical location:

Enter your complete street address
Confirm location on map
Adjust pin if needed

For service-area businesses:

Skip physical address
Define service areas instead

Step 5: Add Contact Information

Business phone number
Website URL (if you have one)

Use a local phone number when possible. It reinforces geographic relevance.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google requires verification to prove you own/manage the business.

Most common methods:

Postcard: Google mails a code (5-14 days)
Phone: Automated call with code
Email: Code sent to business email
Video: Record and submit video tour

See the Verification page for details on each method.

Claiming an Existing Listing

If your business already appears on Google:

Step 1: Find the Listing

Search for your business on Google or Google Maps.

Step 2: Click "Claim this business"

Or "Own this business?" depending on display.

Step 3: Follow Verification Steps

Same verification process as new listings.

If Already Claimed

If someone else has claimed your listing:

Click "Request access"
Google contacts the current owner
If no response in 7 days, you may gain access
If disputed, provide documentation proving ownership

After Creation

Once your profile is created:

Complete all sections: Add hours, description, photos, services
Verify: Complete the verification process
Wait: Profile typically appears within 1-3 days after verification
Optimize: See the Optimization section

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong Business Name

Don't add keywords or location to your name. Use only your real business name.

Wrong Category

Choose the most specific category. You can add additional categories later.

Duplicate Listings

Never create a second listing. Claim or update the existing one.

Virtual Address

Don't use a virtual office, coworking space, or P.O. box unless you meet customers there.

Wrong Address Format

Use the USPS-standardized address format. Match exactly what appears on your signage.