smallbusiness-google-business-profile
Google Business Profile
Learn how a free Business Profile helps eligible local businesses manage how they appear to customers on Google Search and Google Maps.
Get StartedWhat Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is the information panel customers may see when they search for a local business or view it on Google Maps.
Business Information
Display the business name, category, address or service area, phone number, website and opening hours.
Products and Services
Help customers understand what the business offers before they call, visit, book or buy.
Photos and Updates
Show the real business through photos and publish useful updates where the feature is available.
Customer Reviews
Customers can share experiences, and the business can respond professionally to build trust.
Search and Maps
Accurate profile information helps Google connect relevant local searches with the business.
Performance Information
Eligible profiles can review information about how customers discover and interact with the listing.
Who Can Use One?
A Business Profile is intended for an eligible business that meets customers in person.
Storefront Business
A business with a real location customers can visit during its stated opening hours.
Service-Area Business
A business that travels to customers, such as a mobile trade or home-service provider.
Hybrid Business
A business that serves customers at its location and also visits or delivers to customers.
The Basic Setup Process
Create or claim the correct listing, verify the business and complete the information carefully.
Profile Information Checklist
A trustworthy profile should be complete, consistent and useful to customers.
Good Management Habits
A profile is not a one-time setup task. It is an active business asset.
Keep Details Consistent
Use the same core name, phone, website and location information across the website and trusted directories.
Protect Access
Give each authorised person their own account access and use multi-factor authentication. Never share passwords.
Represent Reality
Avoid keyword-stuffed names, false locations, misleading categories, fake reviews and content that does not represent the real business.
Respond Professionally
Reply calmly to reviews and customer contact without exposing personal, confidential or account information.
Monitor Changes
Google may receive information from other sources. Regularly check that public details remain accurate.
Measure Results
Review performance information and focus improvements on genuine customer needs rather than shortcuts.
Common Questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Google currently provides Business Profiles without a listing fee. Optional services such as Google Ads or third-party booking systems may involve costs.
Do I need a website?
A website is not always required to create a profile, but a professional website gives customers more information and provides a business-controlled destination.
Can a home-based business create a profile?
An eligible service-area business may qualify without displaying its home address publicly. It must genuinely travel to customers and follow Google’s service-area rules.
Should I create a profile for every service?
No. A business should not create separate profiles merely for different services. Add those services to the eligible business’s main profile.
What if a profile already exists?
Do not immediately create another one. Request ownership or claim the existing profile using Google’s process.