Short answer: go to google.com/business, sign in with a Gmail account, enter your business name, choose your main category, add your address or service area, phone number and website, then complete verification (usually a short video of your shop, signboard and proof of business). Once verified, add photos, services, hours and start collecting reviews.

A Google Business Profile (earlier called Google My Business) is the box with your name, rating, photos, phone number and map pin that appears when people search for your business or for "near me" services. It is free, and for most local businesses it brings more calls than the website itself.

Before you start: keep these ready

  • A Gmail account you will keep long term (use the business owner's or a company account, not an employee's)
  • Your exact business name as on the signboard, without extra keywords
  • Address with pincode, or the areas you serve if you visit customers
  • A mobile number that is answered during business hours
  • Proof of business: GST certificate, shop licence, utility bill or bank statement in the business name
  • A few photos: shop front with signboard, inside, products or work

Step-by-step: create your profile

  1. Open google.com/business and click Manage now. Sign in with your Gmail account.
  2. Enter your business name. If Google suggests an existing listing, check if it is yours. If it is, you can claim it instead of making a duplicate.
  3. Choose your primary category. This is the most important ranking setting. Be specific: "Dental clinic" is better than "Doctor", "Wedding venue" better than "Hall". You can add more categories later.
  4. Add your location. If customers visit you, add the address and place the pin exactly on your door. If you only visit customers (plumber, packers and movers), choose I deliver goods and services to my customers and add service areas instead.
  5. Add phone number and website. If you do not have a website yet, Google may offer a free basic page, but a proper website builds far more trust.
  6. Finish and move to verification.

How to get verified (and avoid rejection)

Google decides the verification method. In 2026 the most common one is video verification. Record one continuous video that shows:

  • The street or landmark outside and the signboard with your business name
  • The inside of the shop or office with products, equipment or work in progress
  • Proof of management: you opening the shop shutter or cash counter, or showing business documents

Other methods include phone/SMS, email, postcard or a live video call. Verification usually takes a few days, sometimes a couple of weeks.

Common reasons for rejection:

  • Name with extra keywords ("Sharma Sweets Best Sweet Shop in Jaipur")
  • Address that does not match the signboard or documents
  • Virtual offices or shared co-working desks with no signage
  • Home address shown publicly for a service-area business

Optimise the profile after verification

  1. Fill every field: hours, holiday hours, services with short descriptions, products with prices, attributes (wheelchair access, women-owned, online appointments).
  2. Upload 15–20 real photos and add new ones every month. Profiles with recent photos get more clicks.
  3. Write a 750-character description explaining what you do, where, and what makes you different, in plain language.
  4. Post weekly updates: offers, new products, events, festival greetings.
  5. Turn on messaging and bookings if you can reply quickly.
  6. Ask every happy customer for a review and reply to every review. See our guide on how to get more Google reviews.
  7. Keep name, address and phone the same everywhere: website, Justdial, IndiaMART, Facebook.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Google Business Profile free?

Yes, creating and managing the profile is completely free. Google Ads are a separate, paid option.

Can I create a profile without a shop?

Yes. Service-area businesses such as electricians, tutors and home-service providers can hide their address and show only the areas they serve.

Why is my business not showing on Google Maps?

Usually because it is not verified yet, is suspended, or is ranking low for that search. Check the status in your profile, complete all details and build reviews. Our local SEO service helps you rank in the map top 3.

Can I change the business name later?

Yes, but big changes can trigger re-verification. Change it only to match a real rebrand or new signboard.

Need help setting up or fixing a suspended profile? Our Google Business Profile management team can do it for you. Contact us.

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