Create a new Google Business Profile from scratch using a Google account.
Module 2 · Lesson 1
Account Creation
Create your Google Business Profile account step by step with confidence.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the difference between a personal Google account and a business Google account.
Complete the initial profile setup form accurately and completely.
Avoid the most common mistakes made during account creation.
Key Concepts
Before You Begin
To create a Google Business Profile you need a Google account. You can use a personal Gmail account, but it is strongly recommended to use a dedicated business email address where possible. Using a business email (e.g. [email protected]) makes it easier to manage access, keep business and personal activities separate, and look professional when sharing management access with staff or agencies.
Starting Your Profile
Navigate to business.google.com and click "Manage now" or "Add your business". You will be asked to sign in with a Google account if you are not already signed in. Once signed in, you will be guided through a setup wizard that collects your business information step by step.
Business Name Entry
Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your signage, website and official documents. Google is strict about business name accuracy — adding keywords to your business name (e.g. "Smiths Plumbing - Best Plumber Auckland") is against Google's guidelines and can result in your listing being suspended. Enter your real, legal business name only.
Business Type Selection
During setup, Google will ask whether your business has a physical location customers can visit, whether you operate as a service-area business (you go to customers), or both. Choose the option that accurately reflects how your business operates. This affects how your address is displayed and whether a map pin is shown on your listing.
Multiple Locations
If you have multiple business locations, each location needs its own separate Google Business Profile. You cannot use a single profile to represent multiple addresses. Multiple profiles can be managed from a single Google account using the Business Manager dashboard at business.google.com.
Step-by-Step Practice
Go to business.google.com and start the account creation process.
Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your official signage and website.
Select your business type — storefront, service area, or both.
Complete all required fields in the initial setup form.
Do not submit yet — review every entry before proceeding to verification to ensure all information is accurate.
Ian's practical tip: I have started the Google Business Profile creation process. I have entered my business name exactly as it appears officially. I have selected the correct business type. I understand the difference between a storefront and service-area business.
Practical Activity
Complete and record this task
Before creating your profile, search for your business name in Google to check whether a listing already exists. Sometimes Google automatically creates basic listings for businesses from public data. If one exists, you can claim it rather than creating a duplicate.