A Google Business Profile (earlier called Google My Business) is the free listing that shows your business on Google Search and Google Maps: your name, address, phone number, hours, photos and reviews. For most local businesses it brings more calls than the website does. In the video above we create a profile step by step. This page gives you the same steps in writing so you can follow along.
Before you start
- A Google account you will keep long term. Use a business Gmail or your company email, not a staff member's personal account.
- Your exact business name as it appears on your signboard. Do not add keywords or city names to it.
- Your full address with pin code, or the areas you serve if customers do not visit you.
- A phone number that is answered during business hours.
- Three or four good photos: the outside of your shop, the inside, your team and your work.
Step by step
- Go to google.com/business and sign in with the account you chose.
- Type your business name. If Google suggests an existing listing with your name and address, claim it instead of creating a duplicate.
- Pick the primary category that best describes what you are, for example "Dental clinic" rather than "Doctor". You can add more categories later.
- Choose whether customers visit your location. If they do, enter the address and place the pin on the exact building. If you go to customers, add your service areas instead.
- Add your phone number and website. If you have no website yet, you can skip this step.
- Choose a verification method. Google may offer a video recording, a phone call, an SMS, an email or a postcard, depending on your business.
- Complete the rest: hours, services, a 750-character description, photos and your opening date.
Verification tips
Video verification is now the most common method. Record one continuous clip. Show your signboard, the street or a nearby landmark and the inside of the shop. Also show something that proves you run it, like opening the counter or showing equipment. Keep it steady and in daylight. Most profiles are reviewed within a few days.
Adding a second business or location
The last two videos show how to add another profile from the same account. Each real location gets its own profile with its own address and phone number. Do not create profiles for addresses where you do not have staff or signage, because Google suspends them.
Common mistakes
- Keyword stuffing the business name ("Sharma Dental Clinic Best Dentist Rewari"). This is the fastest route to a suspension.
- Using a virtual office or a co-working desk as the address.
- Letting an employee own the profile. Always keep yourself as the primary owner.
Once the profile is live, check how complete it is with our profile score checker, and share your Maps location with a link from the Google Maps link generator.
More videos: full walkthrough and adding another profile
How to Create Google My Business profile | Step-by-Step Guide | Full Guide 202411:19How to Create Google My Business profile | Step-by-Step Guide | Full Guide 2024
Add a New Business Profile in Google My Business in English1:27Add a New Business Profile in Google My Business in English
How to Add a new business Profile in Google My Business1:16How to Add a new business Profile in Google My Business
Want the full picture? This article is part of Google Business Profile: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
