How To Create Google My Business Account (Step-By-Step Guide)

Quick steps to create a Google Business Profile 

1. Visit business.google.com/create and sign in to your Google Account. 

2. Search for your business to check whether a profile already exists. 

3. Enter your business name and select the most relevant category. 

4. Choose the correct business type and add your address or service area, where applicable. 

5. Add your contact details, website and other requested information. 

6. Complete the verification method Google provides. 

7. Review your profile and keep the information accurate and up to date. 

Google may request additional information or verification before your profile becomes fully available. Creating a profile does not guarantee a particular position in local search results.

What do you need to set up a Google Business Profile? 

Prepare the following information to make the process easier: 

• Business name: Your real-world business name, used consistently across your website and other business materials. 

• Business address or service area: Your genuine customer-facing premises or the areas you serve, depending on your business model. 

• Phone number: A working number which customers can use to contact you. 

• Website: Your official business website, if you have one. 

• Business category: A category that accurately describes your main activity. 

• Opening hours: Your regular hours and any relevant seasonal or holiday changes. 

• Verification evidence: Be ready to demonstrate your location, business operations or authority to represent the business if Google requests it. 

You do not need to prepare a verification video in every case. Google determines which verification methods are available for your profile. 

What is a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)? 

Google Business Profile is a free tool that eligible businesses use to manage their business information across Google Search and Google Maps. You can provide details such as your address, opening hours, contact information, services, photos and customer reviews. 

The service was previously called Google My Business, which is why older guides and searches still use the term GMB. 

A complete profile helps potential customers understand what your business offers and how to contact or visit you. It also gives Google more accurate information when matching businesses with relevant local searches. 

However, a profile is not a substitute for a useful website, strong customer service or a wider local SEO strategy. 

Who is eligible for a Google Business Profile? 

Google requires eligible businesses to make in-person contact with customers during their stated business hours. The right setup depends on how your business operates. 

Storefront businesses 

If customers visit your premises during opening hours, you can generally display your eligible business address. Use the genuine location where your business operates, and ensure that customers can find the premises. 

Service-area businesses 

If you visit customers at their homes or business premises rather than receiving them at your own location, you may qualify as a service-area business. 

You can specify the areas you serve. If customers do not visit your premises, hide your residential or other non-customer-facing address rather than displaying it publicly. 

Hybrid businesses 

If customers visit your premises and you also travel to provide services, you may be able to display your address and set a service area, provided the setup meets Google’s guidelines. 

Online-only businesses and virtual offices 

An ecommerce shop that sells products exclusively online, without qualifying in-person customer contact, is not eligible for a Google Business Profile. 

Do not enter a home address, virtual office or fabricated business location simply to obtain a listing. Using a physical address for an online-only business does not make it eligible and may result in profile suspension. 

Read Google’s business eligibility and ownership guidelines.

How to add your business to Google: step by step 

Step 1: Open the official setup page 

Visit business.google.com/create and sign in to the Google Account you want to use to manage the profile. 

Use an account controlled by the business owner or an authorised representative. Keep access secure and ensure the business can retain ownership if staff or agencies change. 

Step 2: Search for your business 

Before creating a new listing, check whether Google already has a profile for your business. 

Search for the business name and location. If a suitable profile exists, follow the claiming process rather than creating a duplicate. 

If no existing profile matches your business, continue with the creation process. 

Step 3: Enter your business name and category 

Enter the name customers recognise from your real-world business identity. Do not add extra locations, services or keywords to the name unless they are genuinely part of the business name. 

Select the primary category that most accurately describes what the business does. You may be able to add relevant secondary categories later. 

Avoid choosing categories simply because they appear popular. Accuracy is more important than trying to target every possible search. 

Step 4: Add your business to Google Maps or set a service area 

Follow the prompts to specify whether customers can visit your business. 

If you operate a qualifying storefront, enter the genuine address and check the map pin. Use the correct UK address format, including the building or unit number, street, town or city and postcode where applicable. 

If you travel to customers and do not receive them at your premises, select the appropriate service-area setup and enter the areas you serve. Do not display an address that customers cannot visit. 

Step 5: Add contact details and your website 

Provide a working business phone number and your official website, if available. 

Check that these details match the information published on your website and other business listings. Inconsistent contact details can confuse customers and make it harder to maintain accurate business information. 

Enter any additional details requested by Google’s setup process. 

Step 6: Complete verification 

Follow the verification instructions displayed in your Business Profile. Google determines which methods are available for your business. 

Once you have completed the required steps, check your profile for any further instructions. Verification and profile creation are separate from achieving strong local rankings. 

How to verify your business on Google 

Google uses verification to establish that you are authorised to represent the business. The available methods depend on factors such as your business type, region, public information and opening hours. 

You cannot freely choose any method you prefer. Only use the options shown in your profile. 

Video recording 

Google may ask you to submit a video recording demonstrating your business’s existence and your connection to it. 

Depending on the business, you may need to show the surrounding area, permanent signage, business equipment, products or tools, and evidence that you manage the premises or provide the service. 

Follow Google’s on-screen instructions and make sure the recording demonstrates genuine business operations. Do not include sensitive information unnecessarily. 

Live video call 

Some businesses may be offered a live video call with a Google representative. 

You may need to show your location, signage, equipment and evidence that you are authorised to manage the business. Live video verification is not available to every business and may need to take place during the business’s opening hours. 

Phone or SMS 

If Google offers phone or text verification, ensure you can receive the call or message at the number displayed during setup. 

Enter the verification code as instructed. Automated phone systems may not be able to receive the required code. 

Email 

If email verification is available, use the email address shown on the verification screen and follow the instructions provided. 

Check that you can access the inbox before starting the process. 

Postcard by mail 

Postcard verification is available only for some businesses. If Google offers it, check the postal address carefully and request the code. 

Google says most verification codes arrive within 14 days. Avoid changing your business name, address or category while waiting, because this can invalidate the code. Enter the code through your Business Profile when it arrives. 

Important: Google may take up to five business days to review completed verification in some cases. This is a review period, not a guaranteed timeframe for every business. See Google’s official verification guide.

How to claim an existing Google Business Profile 

You may not need to create a new profile if your business already appears on Google. 

1. Sign in to the Google Account you want to use. 

2. Search for your business on Google Search or Google Maps. 

3. Open the existing profile and look for the option to claim or manage it. 

4. Follow the instructions to request access or complete verification. 

What if someone else owns the profile? 

If another person has already claimed your business listing, use Google’s ownership request process. Explain your relationship to the business and provide the information requested. 

May have to contact the current owner. If you are unable to gain access please refer to Googles steps on how to gain access or reach out to them. 

Do not open another profile to get around this. Having duplicate profiles will only lead to more issues and confusion to your customers. 

How to add multiple business locations 

Businesses with several eligible physical locations can manage their profiles through the Google Account used for business management. 

For each location: 

1. Check whether a profile already exists. 

2. Claim the existing profile or create a new one if needed. 

3. Enter the genuine business name, address, contact details and relevant category. 

4. Complete any required verification. 

5. Review the information for accuracy and consistency. 

Each location should represent a genuine, eligible business location. Do not create extra profiles for the same premises simply to target additional keywords or neighbourhoods. 

Businesses managing many locations should consult Google’s current guidance on bulk verification and multi-location management. 

How to optimise your Google Business Profile 

Verification is just one aspect to know about your listing. Make sure your listing is informative to your customers and allows them to know if your business will benefit them. 

Choose accurate business categories 

Have an appropriate main category and list other categories if it pertains to your business. 

Make edits when needed if you offer more services but try not to make too many changes. 

Complete your services and attributes 

If you have these options fill them out with any applicable services, products, or attributes that your business may have. These should be truthful and pertain to what your customer can buy. 

Retailers may also be able to show their products that they sell in store. 

Keep opening hours up to date 

Enter your normal opening hours and update special hours for bank holidays, seasonal closures and other changes. 

For UK businesses, check dates such as Christmas, Easter and bank holidays well in advance. 

Add genuine photos and videos 

Upload clear, current images that help customers understand your business. Depending on your business type, useful images may include the premises, team, products, completed work or equipment. 

Use descriptive filenames and accessible alt text on your own website when publishing related images. Do not assume that image uploads alone will improve your rankings. 

Monitor and respond to Google reviews 

Customer reviews help prospective customers assess your service. Ask genuine customers for honest feedback using Google’s review link or QR code.

Do not purchase reviews or provide any type of incentive to receive positive reviews or ask customers to revise their review. 

Reply to all reviews good and bad. When receiving a bad review tell the customer that you will take care of it and proceed to the next step. Do not give out personal customer information. 

See Google’s review management guidance. 

Maintain accurate business information 

Ensure that your businesses name address phone number web address and trading hours are all correct.  

Show the same contact details on your website and on relevant location or service pages. If you are a UK business, check that your postcode is correct. Our local SEO checklist covers the other consistency checks worth doing.

Keep your profile updated 

Check the features available on your profile and keep information current. Respond to customer enquiries where the relevant feature is available, and review your profile periodically for outdated details or incorrect user-suggested changes. 

How Google Business Profile Affects Local SEO and Rankings 

A Google Business Profile can help eligible businesses appear in Google Search and Maps, including local results for relevant searches. 

Google identifies three main factors in local ranking: 

• Relevance: How well your profile matches what someone is searching for. 

• Distance: How far your business is from the searcher or the location used in the search. 

• Prominence: How well-known your business is, based on signals that can include links and reviews. 

Complete, accurate information helps Google understand your business. However, no agency or business owner can guarantee a particular local ranking or pay Google for a better organic local position. 

For a broader approach, combine profile management with useful location pages, technically sound website development, relevant local content and a consistent approach to customer reviews. 

Read Google’s official guidance on improving local rankings and explore our local SEO guide.

Common Google Business Profile problems and how to fix them

Verification failed

Check the reason Google gives you and follow the instructions to correct the issue or try another available verification method. 

When verifying your account with a video please make sure to show the location that you are trying to verify. As well as your business and that you have management access. 

Your profile is not showing on Google

First, confirm that your profile is verified and that there are no suspension or policy notices. 

New profiles may take time to appear in search results. Google notes that rankings for new businesses can take up to a month to appear, while changes to business information can take up to three days to appear in search results. 

Check that your business is eligible, your details are accurate and your profile complies with Google’s guidelines. 

Google Business Profile suspended: how to fix it 

Suspensions can occur when Google identifies a possible violation of its Business Profile policies. Inaccurate business details, ineligible locations, duplicate listings and misleading business information are issues worth checking. 

Review Google’s guidelines, correct any genuine problems and use the official appeals process when eligible. Prepare supporting evidence, such as business registration documents, licences or utility bills that match your business details. 

Do not create a replacement profile while an appeal is under review. 

For UK businesses, Google’s appeal process has specific provisions for the UK and European Economic Area. Follow the instructions in the official appeals guidance. 

Your business has duplicate profiles 

Look to see if there are any other profiles out there before creating one. If you find a duplicate, please use what google tells you to do to fix it or report it. Do not create more profiles.  

 Make sure to look up what to do if your business relocated or changed owners. There may be an option to keep your old profile. 

Your business information is incorrect 

Once you have opened your listing. Make sure to correct any information that may need to be updated. Once submitted to Google it can take some time to show up on the search results. 

If your edit has been declined. Please refer to our policy and follow instructions on how to appeal or contact support. Do not expect all changes to reflect right away. 

Google Business Profile Optimisation Checklist 

Use this checklist to confirm that your profile is ready for customers. 

• Business name and primary category are accurate. 

• Address or service area follows Google’s eligibility rules. 

• Phone number and website work correctly. 

• Opening hours and holiday hours are current. 

• Relevant services, products and attributes are complete. 

• Genuine photos and videos represent the business accurately. 

• Review requests follow Google’s policies. 

• Customer reviews are monitored and answered professionally. 

• Available profile questions and updates are checked regularly. 

• Website contact details and location information are consistent. 

• Any duplicate listings or unresolved verification issues are addressed. 

• Profile traffic is tracked by connecting Google Business Profile to GA4.

Final Thoughts 

A Google Business Profile gives eligible businesses a practical way to manage their information on Google Search and Maps. The process starts with the right business details, continues with verification and depends on ongoing accuracy to remain useful to customers. 

For UK businesses, the next step is to connect your profile with a website that clearly explains your services, locations and value to customers. If you want to improve your visibility beyond the listing itself, explore RVS Media’s Local SEO services to discuss a local SEO audit and identify opportunities across your website and local search presence. 

Editorial note: Google updates its interface and verification requirements. Always follow the instructions currently displayed in your Business Profile.