How to Create a Google Business Page (Google Business Profile): Setup, Verification and Optimisation
How to create a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) step by step
In this article
To create a Google business page, go to google.com/business (or search your business name on Google or Maps and choose "Add your business"), sign in with a Google account, enter your business name, category, location or service area, phone and website, then verify the business (by video, phone/text, email or postcard, depending on what Google offers). Once verified, complete every section (hours, photos, services, products, description) and collect reviews to rank in local search and Google Maps.
Who can create a Google Business Profile?
Businesses that have in-person contact with customers during stated hours: either at a physical location (shop, clinic, restaurant) or by travelling to customers (service-area businesses like plumbers or cleaners). Purely online businesses without customer contact generally aren't eligible. Follow Google's guidelines for representing your business accurately.
Step-by-step: create your Google Business Profile
- Go to google.com/business and click Manage now (or "Add your business" on Google Maps).
- Sign in with a Google account, ideally a business account you control long-term.
- Enter your business name exactly as used in the real world (no keyword stuffing).
- Choose a primary category (e.g., "Dentist", "Plumber"); you can add secondary categories later.
- Location: add an address if customers visit you; otherwise choose service areas and hide your address.
- Contact details: phone number and website URL (see How to create a website for your business).
- Verify: follow the method Google offers, commonly a video recording showing your location, signage and business tools, or phone, text, email or postcard.
- Complete your profile while verification is pending.
Verification can take from minutes to several days (or longer for video reviews).
Optimise your profile to rank higher
| Section | Best practice |
|---|---|
| Categories | Most specific primary category; relevant secondary categories |
| Description | 750 characters: what you do, specialities, location, what makes you different |
| Hours | Accurate, including holiday hours |
| Photos and videos | Exterior, interior, team, work samples; add regularly |
| Services/products | List each with descriptions and prices where possible |
| Attributes | Accessibility, women-owned, online appointments, etc. |
| Booking link | Connect your booking system |
| Messaging/chat | Where available, respond quickly |
| Posts | Updates, offers and events (keep active) |
| Q&A | Add and answer common questions |
| Reviews | Ask every happy customer; reply to all |
How Google ranks local results
Google says local results are based mainly on relevance (how well your profile matches the search), distance (how close you are to the searcher) and prominence (how well known your business is, including reviews, links and articles). A strong website and consistent citations support prominence (see What are local citations?).
Getting more reviews
- Share your review link (from the profile's "Ask for reviews" option) via text, email or WhatsApp after each job (see How to schedule a WhatsApp message)
- Put a QR code at reception or on invoices
- Never buy reviews or offer incentives against Google's policies
- Reply professionally to every review, including negative ones
Connect your profile and website
- Link to the most relevant page (homepage or location page)
- Keep name, address, phone consistent between profile and site
- Add LocalBusiness structured data and an embedded map on your contact page
- Use UTM parameters on the website link to track profile traffic in analytics
Common problems
- Suspended profile: often due to guideline violations (virtual offices, keyword-stuffed names)
- Duplicate listings: request removal or merging
- Someone else claimed your business: request ownership through the profile
- Edits by the public: check and correct suggested changes
(Local marketing more broadly: How to promote your business locally.)
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a Google business page?
Visit google.com/business, sign in, enter your business name, category, location or service area, phone and website, then verify the business and complete your profile.
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free.
How long does Google Business Profile verification take?
It varies: instant in some cases, a few days for video or postcard verification, and longer if Google needs further review.
Can I create a Google Business Profile without an address?
Yes, if you serve customers at their locations. Set service areas and hide your address.
How do I rank higher on Google Maps?
Complete every section accurately, choose the right categories, add photos, collect and respond to reviews, keep information consistent online and link to a strong website.
Do I still need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
Yes. A profile shows basics; a website provides detailed services, trust signals, booking and SEO that support your profile's rankings.
Want a website for your Google profile built for your business?
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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