How to Create a Google Business Profile

1. Sign in or create a Google Account

1. Go to google.com/accounts and click “Create account” → "For work or my business" if you don’t already have one.

2. Follow the prompts to choose your email, name, password, and complete verification.

3. If you prefer, you can also use an existing email address to link to your Google Account.

2. Access the Business Profile Manager

1. Visit business.google.com or search “Google Business Profile” in Google and click “Manage now”.

2. Sign in with your Google Account to proceed.

3. Add or claim your business

1. Enter your business name. If Google finds an existing listing, select it to claim; otherwise, choose to create a new profile.

2. Make sure to enter your business name exactly as you want it displayed. Title case is recommended (i.e. Capitalize Each Word).

4. Specify location and service areas

1. Choose whether you have a physical storefront or are a service-area business (working at customers’ locations).

2. For storefronts, enter your full, accurate address (PO boxes not permitted); include suite/office numbers if applicable.

3. For service area businesses, hide your address if necessary and specify the cities/codes you serve, not exceeding roughly 2 hours’ travel.

5. Choose your business category and contact info

1. Select a primary category that best describes your business (e.g. "Cleaning services", "Auto repair shop"); you can add up to 9 secondary categories later.

2. Enter your business phone number and website URL for tracking and customer contact.

6. Add services, hours, and description

1. Specify the services you offer (especially useful for service‑area businesses).

2. Set your regular hours, and include holiday or special hours if known.

3. Write a clear business description to tell potential customers what makes you unique (avoid keyword stuffing).

7. Verify your business

1. Google will recommend the best verification method available (postcard, phone, SMS, email, or video call).

2. Follow the prompts to receive and enter the verification code.

3. Verification typically takes up to 7 business days; once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

8. Finalize and optimize your profile

1. Add photos and logo (cover image, interior/exterior, product/service shots) to stand out.

2. Enable messaging if you want customers to contact you directly via chat.

3. Regularly post offers, events, updates, and respond to customer reviews and questions.

4. Monitor the Insights tab to see how customers found your profile and what actions they took, like calls, clicks, or directions.