Business Information
Display the business name, category, address or service area, phone number, website and opening hours.
Google Business Guide
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.
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.
Important: Online-only businesses, lead-generation listings and ineligible virtual locations generally do not qualify. Always check Google’s current eligibility and representation guidelines before creating a profile.
The Basic Setup Process
Create or claim the correct listing, verify the business and complete the information carefully.
Use the correct Google account. Choose a secure account controlled by the business rather than a temporary employee or outside supplier.
Search for the business first. Check Google Search and Maps to avoid creating a duplicate of an existing profile.
Add or claim the profile. Enter the real-world business name and follow Google’s ownership process.
Complete verification. Use the verification method Google offers and provide accurate evidence when requested.
Complete the profile. Add accurate categories, contact details, hours, description, services, photos and other available information.
Maintain it. Review the profile regularly, respond to reviews and update information whenever the business changes.
Profile Information Checklist
A trustworthy profile should be complete, consistent and useful to customers.
The business name matches real-world branding.
The primary category describes the main business.
The address or service area is accurate.
Normal and special hours are current.
Phone and website links work correctly.
The description explains the business clearly.
Products or services are up to date.
Photos accurately represent the business.
Owners and managers still require access.
Reviews and customer activity are monitored.
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.
Official guidance: Review Google’s current Business Profile introduction and business representation guidelines.