How to Set Up or Claim Your Google Business Profile

Step 1: Visit Google Business Profile

Go to the Google Business Profile website. You will need a Google account to log in. If you already have a Google account, use your existing credentials. If you don’t have one, you will need to create a new account by clicking on "Create account." Follow the prompts to set up your account, ensuring you have access to the email and phone number associated with the account for verification purposes. Once logged in, you'll be ready to search for or set up your business profile.

Step 2: Search for and Claim Your Business

In the search bar, type your business name. If it appears in the search results, confirm the details are correct. To claim the business, follow the provided instructions, which will likely include verifying ownership through a code sent to your business via mail, phone, or email. Once verified, you'll have control over the profile to manage your business information.

Step 3: Set Up a New Profile (if your business is not listed)

If your business is not listed, select the option to create a new profile and follow these steps

Enter your business name as it should appear to customers.
Provide your accurate business address for verification and customer navigation.
Choose the appropriate business category to help customers find you.
Add your contact information, including phone number and website, for customer inquiries.

Ensure all details are correct, as this information will be visible on your Google Business Profile.

Step 4: Verify Your Business

Google will require you to verify that you are the legitimate owner or authorized representative of the business before you can manage the profile. Depending on your location and the information you’ve provided, verification can be done through a few different methods:

Mail: Google will send a postcard to your business address with a verification code. Once received, you’ll need to enter the code in your account to confirm ownership. This method usually takes 5–14 days.
Phone: In some cases, you may receive an automated phone call or text with a verification code. Simply enter the code into your account to complete the process.
Email: If available, Google may send a verification code directly to the email address you’ve associated with your business.

After selecting the available method, follow the instructions provided by Google to complete the verification process. Once verified, you will gain full access to manage your business profile.

You're Done!

Once your business is verified, you'll gain full access to manage your Google Business Profile. This means you can:

Update Information: Keep your business details up to date, including your address, hours of operation, contact information, and any special offerings like services or products.
Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers by replying to their reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. This helps build trust and shows that you value customer feedback.
Add Photos: Showcase your business with images of your location, products, or services to help attract potential customers.
Track Performance: Access insights to see how customers find your business, what actions they take, and how your profile is performing over time.