Before you begin
A Google Business Profile helps customers find business information on Google Search and Maps. It is different from a website and from paid Google Ads.
Have your business name, contact number, opening hours, website if you have one, and real business photos ready. Use a Google account you control and can recover. Keep ownership with the business; give helpers their own access rather than sharing your password.
Step 1: Check whether your business is eligible
Google generally requires a business to make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours. An online-only business is generally ineligible. A business that visits customers may qualify as a service-area business even without a public shopfront. Check the rules before creating a profile. Google's eligibility guidance.
Example: a cleaner who visits customers' homes may be eligible. A business that only sells services through remote video calls should not assume it qualifies.
Step 2: Look for an existing listing
Search Google Maps for your business name and location. If the business is already listed, follow Google's claim or ownership process. Creating a second listing can leave customers looking at conflicting information.
If there is no existing listing, start the setup from Google Business Profile while signed into your business's Google account. Follow the current prompts; screen labels can change.
Step 3: Describe the real business
Use the name customers know from your signage, website and business materials. Choose a primary category that describes your main work. Don't add search keywords to the name unless they are genuinely part of it.
Choose the correct location arrangement. If you travel to customers and do not receive them at your address, hide the address and enter the places you actually serve. Don't use a virtual office to manufacture a Calgary location. Business representation rules, service-area guidance.
Step 4: Add information customers can use
Enter a working phone number, accurate hours, real services and a clear description. Add your website when it is ready. Use original photos showing your business, work or team, with permission from anyone identifiable.
Check your details against your website before saving. A different phone number or outdated opening hours creates unnecessary confusion.
Step 5: Complete Google's verification
Google chooses the available verification methods. Follow the method shown in your account and provide the evidence requested. Don't assume every business can verify by postcard, phone or video, and don't pay someone promising to bypass verification. Google's verification instructions.
Once verified, review the public profile. Verification does not guarantee a particular ranking. Update holiday hours and important business details as they change.
Final checklist
Next step
Launch your first business website. Need help with the profile? Explore Upscale's Google Business Profile support.