Google Business Guide

Google Business Maps

Help customers find the correct business, reach the right entrance and understand exactly where you operate.

Why Google Maps matters

A verified Google Business Profile controls important information customers see on Google Maps and Search. Depending on how your business operates, the profile can show a public street address, a service area or both.

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Find you

A correct address and pin help customers navigate to the real entrance rather than a nearby street or building.

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Visit confidently

Accurate opening and special hours prevent wasted journeys and protect customer trust.

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Take action

Customers can call, visit your website, request directions, review the business and use other eligible profile features.

Choose the correct business type

Storefront

Customers visit a genuine, staffed business location during the stated hours. Show the complete public address and place the pin at the correct location.

Service-area business

You travel or deliver to customers and do not serve them at your address. Hide the address and enter the areas you genuinely serve.

Hybrid business

Customers can visit your staffed location and you also travel or deliver to them. Show the address and add realistic service areas.

Do not show a private address: If customers are not served at your address, remove it from public display. Do not use a virtual office, post-office box or borrowed address to create false map visibility.

Add or correct your address

Open the profile

Edit the location

Open Location, select the edit control beside Business location and enter the complete official address.

Check and save

Review every address field, adjust the map pin if needed, save the change and watch for requests to verify or provide evidence.

Use address fields properly: Include building, suite, floor or unit information in the correct fields. Do not add directions, promotional wording or unnecessary landmarks to the address.

Place the map pin accurately

The pin should identify the actual business location. It is especially important for large sites, rural addresses, new developments and places where Google cannot interpret the street address correctly.

Adjust the pin

Open Edit profile and then Location.
Edit the business location.
Select Adjust beside the map.
Move the map so the pin points to the business.
Select Done, then save.

Test it as a customer

Open the listing from another device or account.
Request directions from several approaches.
Check the destination is the correct entrance.
Confirm unit and floor information is visible.
Add exterior and entrance photos for recognition.

Set a service area

Service areas tell customers where you travel or deliver. They do not move your underlying business location or guarantee ranking throughout every selected area.

Open Location

Select Edit profile, then Location and edit the Service area.

Add real areas

Choose cities, postal codes or other supported areas you genuinely serve. Google allows up to 20 service areas.

Keep it realistic

Google recommends an overall service area generally no more than about two hours’ driving time from the business base.

Google no longer uses an editable radius for service areas. Be specific, remove places you no longer cover and allow time for approved edits to appear.

Complete the customer journey

Profile detail	Why it matters on Maps	What to check
Business name	Helps customers recognise the correct organisation.	Use the real-world name without added keywords.
Category	Explains the main type of business.	Select the most accurate primary category.
Hours	Shows whether the business is open.	Maintain regular, holiday and special hours.
Phone and website	Let customers confirm details or contact you.	Test all numbers and links on mobile.
Photos	Help visitors recognise the building and entrance.	Add current exterior, interior and access photos.
Attributes	Can answer practical questions before arrival.	Keep access, parking and other available details accurate.

Fix common Maps problems

The pin is wrong

Edit the location and adjust the pin. Test directions after the change is approved. Avoid creating a second profile.

The address will not save

Check the official address format, remove unsupported wording and provide complete unit details. Google may require verification.

There is a duplicate profile

Do not manage both as separate versions of the same business. Identify the verified profile and follow Google’s process to resolve the duplicate.

A customer changed information

Google uses owner information and other sources. Review updates, correct inaccurate details and keep your website consistent.

The profile is missing

Confirm it is claimed, verified and compliant. Search for the exact name and address before adding a new profile.

An edit is pending

Some changes appear quickly, while others can take considerably longer. Avoid repeatedly submitting conflicting edits.

Monthly Maps checklist

Accuracy

The address or hidden-address setting is correct.
The pin marks the real business location.
Service areas match where the business operates.
Regular and special hours are current.
Phone, website and booking links work.

Customer experience

Directions lead to the right entrance.
Exterior images still match the location.
Parking and accessibility details are accurate.
Recent reviews and questions are monitored.
No unexpected duplicate profile has appeared.

Frequently asked questions

Should a home-based service business show its address?

Only if customers are genuinely served there during the stated hours and the location meets Google’s eligibility rules. Otherwise, hide the address and use service areas.

Can I use a virtual office to appear in another town?

Generally no. A service-area business cannot list a virtual office unless it is genuinely staffed during business hours and meets Google’s guidelines. False locations risk suspension.

Will adding many service areas improve ranking everywhere?

No. Service areas inform customers where you operate; they do not create physical locations or guarantee ranking in every selected place.

How long do Maps edits take?

Google says many profile changes appear in about 10 minutes, but some can take up to 30 days. Approved service-area edits may take up to 48 hours.

Can I create a profile for every suburb I serve?

No. A service-area business normally has one profile for the central business location. Create additional profiles only for separate eligible and genuinely operated locations.

Official guidance: Follow Google’s current instructions for managing a business address and map pin, setting service areas and representing a business correctly.