Set Up Your Business Profile

Introduction

Your profile is your free storefront on Google. A complete, accurate profile builds trust and helps Google understand your business. The exact screens change, so follow Google's current help pages as you go.

Step 1: Find or create it

1. Sign in to a Google account you control for the business, not a personal account you may lose.
2. Search for your business name on Google or Maps. If it already exists, choose the option to claim it. If not, add it.
3. Enter your business name, category and location or service area.

Step 2: Verify

Google needs to confirm that you really run the business. Depending on the business, verification may be by phone, text, email, a postcard with a code, or a short video. Follow the steps shown. Until you are verified, you may not be able to manage the profile fully.

Never pay anyone to "verify" you. The process is free.

Step 3: Fill in the details

• Business name: use your real, everyday name, exactly as it appears on your shop front or invoices. Do not add keywords or slogans.
• Primary category: this is one of the most important choices. Pick the most specific one that fits, for example "Italian restaurant" rather than "Restaurant".
• Additional categories: add only those that truly apply.
• Address or service area: accurate and real.
• Phone and website: a number you answer and a working page.
• Opening hours: correct, and updated for holidays.
• Services or products: list what you really offer, with clear descriptions and prices where you can.
• Description: a short, honest summary of who you are and what makes you different. Avoid sales language and links.
• Attributes: such as wheelchair access or free Wi-Fi, if true.

Be consistent

Make sure your name, address and phone number are the same on your profile, your website and other listings. Differences confuse both customers and search systems.

Mistakes to avoid

• A fake address, a mailbox or a shared office that is not your real place of business
• Creating several profiles for the same business
• Keyword stuffing in the name
• Wrong or outdated hours, which frustrate customers and lead to bad reviews
• Letting an old employee or agency keep sole control. Make sure you are an owner and can add or remove managers.

Breaking the guidelines can lead to your profile being suspended, which means lost customers while you fix it.

Try it yourself

Write down your business's exact name, category, address or service area, phone, website, hours and ten services. Then set up or claim your profile and check each field against your list.

Summary

• Claim or create your profile with a business-controlled Google account, and verify it for free.
• Fill in accurate, consistent details, and choose a specific primary category.
• Follow Google's guidelines to avoid suspension.