How to add your business to Google Maps: step by step

What is Google Business Profile?

It is the free tool for managing your business information on Google Maps and Search. Previously called Google My Business, it lets you keep details such as your activity, opening hours and contact information up to date.

It does not replace your website. The profile brings together local information; your website can develop your services, work and original content in more detail. If you need that space, explore our web design service for small businesses.

Check whether your business is eligible

The general requirement is serving customers in person, at a business location or by visiting them. Online-only businesses do not meet this requirement.

If you visit customers without receiving them at your address, set a service area and hide your address. A mailing address or virtual office where you do not operate cannot stand in for a real location.

Some activities have specific conditions. Before creating a profile, check Google's eligibility requirements and guidelines for representing your business.

Look for an existing listing

Open Google Maps and search for your business name and city. Compare the address, phone number and activity to identify the right listing. Search on Google too if needed.

Finding a listing does not mean you already manage it. Sign in with the account you use for the business and check whether you have management controls. Avoid creating a new profile before checking the existing one.

Create or claim the right profile

• If no profile exists: go to add your business to Google using an account you control. Start the setup and follow the prompts.
• If a listing exists but is unclaimed: open it on Maps and look for “Claim this business” or the equivalent option. Choose to manage it and continue.
• If you already manage it: use that account to update it rather than creating another listing.

The official add or claim instructions explain the available options.

If someone else manages it, follow the ownership request process. For businesses that only visit customers, Google directs you to contact support. Creating a duplicate does not resolve the access issue.

Add information that reflects your business

Prepare your information before entering it, and use the fields available for your category:

• Name: your real business name, without adding cities or services as keywords.
• Category: your main activity, with additional categories only where they apply.
• Location or area: based on how you serve customers. Only display an address if it is appropriate to receive customers there.
• Hours: your actual customer service hours, including holiday changes.
• Contact: a phone number you control and your official website, if you have one.
• Description and services: explain your offer accurately, without promotions or links in the description.
• Photos: images you own or have permission to use that help people recognize your business.

Compare the details with your website and business materials. Correct differences that could confuse someone trying to visit or call you.

Follow the available verification steps

Open the verification option and follow the instructions in your profile. Google assigns the methods: options may include video, phone or SMS, email, a live video call or mail. Not every method is available to every business.

Prepare what Google requests to demonstrate your activity, location and authority to manage the business. If it asks for a video, read the instructions before recording. Enter codes yourself rather than sharing them with others.

The review may require more information or another verification. Check the status from the business account: starting the process does not mean it has been approved. Google's verification guide explains the options and troubleshooting steps.

Check what a customer sees

Once Google processes the information, search for the business on Maps and Search. Compare the public profile with the details you entered:

• Correct name, category and location or service area.
• Current opening hours.
• A working phone number and website link that lead to the intended destination.
• Images and services that reflect what you currently offer.
• An owner account and access arrangements you can keep under your control.

Repeat this check when your details change. If someone helps you manage the profile, use its access permissions instead of sharing your password.

Common issues and where to get help

A profile and search visibility are different things

A verified profile does not guarantee a top position or a number of inquiries. Google mainly combines relevance, distance and prominence to rank local results.

Keep your information complete, add useful images and respond to reviews thoughtfully. This does not let you buy or guarantee rankings. Google's local ranking documentation explains the factors involved.