Adding your business to Google Maps can help local customers find your location, contact you, and learn about your services. You do this by creating or claiming a Google Business Profile. Setting up a profile is free, but eligibility and verification requirements apply.
Google Business Profiles are generally for businesses that meet customers in person—at a business location or by travelling to customers. Online-only businesses are usually not eligible. Google’s interface and verification options can change, so follow the instructions shown in your account.
Step 1: Check whether your business is already listed
Search for your business name and address on Google Maps before creating a new listing. If a profile already exists, you may be able to claim it instead. This helps prevent duplicate listings, which can confuse customers.
If someone else manages the existing profile, use Google’s process to request access or ownership rather than creating another profile.
Step 2: Sign in and add or claim the profile
Sign in to the Google Account you want to use to manage the business. Visit the Google Business Profile website or use the business-management options in Google Search or Maps. Choose the option to add your business or claim an existing one, then follow the prompts.
Use an account that the business owner or an authorized manager can continue to access. Keep login details secure and give staff access through Google’s user-management features instead of sharing a password.
Step 3: Enter your business name and category
Enter the business’s real-world name as customers know it. Do not add extra keywords, locations, phone numbers, or promotional phrases to the name unless they are genuinely part of the business name.
Choose the category that most closely describes what the business does. You can add relevant additional categories where available. Categories help Google understand the business, but they do not guarantee a particular position in search results.
Step 4: Add your location or service area
If customers visit your premises, enter the address accurately and make sure the map pin is in the right place. A business that serves customers at its address should use a location where it is genuinely staffed and able to receive customers during its stated hours.
If you travel to customers and do not receive them at your address, set the business up as a service-area business. You can specify the areas you serve; you generally should not display a private residential address to customers when they do not visit it. Choose the setup that reflects how the business actually operates.
Step 5: Add contact details and business information
Provide a phone number and website that belong to the business and that customers can use. Add accurate opening hours, services, and other requested details. If your hours change for holidays or special events, update them in the profile.
Write a clear description of what the business offers. Keep it factual and useful, and avoid promotional claims, excessive keywords, or information that does not describe the business.
Step 6: Verify the business
Google will ask you to verify that you are authorized to manage the business. Available methods can vary by business and location and may include options such as phone, email, video, or mail. Use the method shown in your account and provide the requested information.
Do not create several profiles or repeatedly change key details while verification is in progress. If verification fails or is unavailable, follow the troubleshooting instructions in your account or contact Google Business Profile support through its official help channels.
Step 7: Complete and maintain the profile
After verification, add useful photos, review your details, and check that your map pin and contact information are correct. You can also use available profile features to share updates, answer common questions, or list services and products.
Monitor the profile for customer reviews and questions. Respond politely and professionally, and do not offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Keep the profile current when your address, phone number, hours, or services change.
A complete profile can make it easier for people to understand and contact your business, but it does not guarantee a particular ranking or number of customers. Before you begin, gather your exact business name, address or service area, phone number, website, hours, and a few clear photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to add a business to Google Maps?
Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is generally free. Be cautious of companies that claim you must pay them to place your business on Google Maps. You may choose to pay a consultant for help, but that is separate from Google’s profile service.
How long does it take for my business to appear on Google Maps?
Timing varies. The profile may need to be verified or reviewed before it becomes visible, and Google can take additional time to process changes. Follow the status and instructions shown in your account.
Can I add a home-based or service-area business?
A home-based business may qualify if it meets Google’s eligibility rules and serves customers in person. If customers do not visit your home, set it up as a service-area business and hide the residential address when prompted. Online-only businesses are generally not eligible.
What should I do if my business is already on Google Maps?
Use the existing profile and request access or claim it through Google’s official process. Avoid making a duplicate listing, since duplicate profiles can confuse customers and may be subject to removal.
