How to Claim Google Business Profile and Set It Up

Why Google Business Profile Matters

Google Business Profile is the free listing that controls how a business appears across Google Search and Google Maps. It displays the business name, address, phone number, opening hours, photos, reviews and a link to the website.

In 2026, this listing has become even more important. Google's AI Overviews now pull information directly from verified Business Profiles when answering local search queries. A business with a complete, verified profile is far more likely to appear in these AI-generated responses than one without.

For any business that serves a local area, knowing how to add a business to Google Maps and how to claim Google My Business listing is one of the most straightforward steps in building an online presence.

How to Add a Business to Google Maps

If the business does not yet have a listing on Google, it needs to be created from scratch. This is the process for anyone looking to put a business on Google Maps for the first time.

Add a business to Google Maps step by step

Step 1. Sign in to Google

Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account. If the business does not have one, create a new Google account using a business email address. This keeps the profile separate from any personal accounts.

Step 2. Enter the business name

Type the business name into the search field. If it does not already exist in Google's database, an option to create a new listing will appear. Select it and continue.

Step 3. Choose the business category

Select the category that best describes what the business does. This is one of the most important fields for local search visibility. Google uses it to determine which searches the listing appears in. Choose the most specific option available. A general building contractor should select "General Contractor" rather than "Construction Company" if that option exists.

How to add business to Google Maps location settings

Step 4. Add the business location

If the business has a physical location that customers visit, enter the full address. If it is a service-area business that travels to customers, such as a plumber or mobile hairdresser, select the service area option instead and define the regions covered. There is no need to display a home address.

Step 5. Add contact details

Enter the business phone number and website URL. These details appear directly on the listing and are often the first point of contact for potential customers.

Step 6. Verify the business

Google requires verification before the profile becomes fully active. This confirms that the person setting up the listing is authorised to manage it. Verification methods are covered in detail below.

How to Claim Google Business Profile

Many businesses already have a listing on Google Maps without realising it. Google creates these automatically based on publicly available information. The quickest way to claim a business on Google Maps is to search for it first. If the listing exists but nobody is managing it, it needs to be claimed.

Check if the business is already listed

Search for the business name on Google Maps. If a listing appears with a "Claim this business" or "Own this business?" link, the profile already exists and is unclaimed. An unclaimed profile is a risk. Anyone can suggest edits to an unclaimed listing, which means incorrect information could be displayed without the business owner knowing.

Start the claiming process

Click the "Claim this business" link on the listing. Google will ask for a sign-in and then present a "Manage now" button. Follow the prompts to begin the claim. If another Google account has already claimed the profile, a request to transfer ownership can be submitted. Google will contact the current owner and, if there is no response within a set period, may grant access.

Verify ownership

Once the claim is submitted, Google will require verification to confirm the person requesting access is authorised to manage the business. The verification method is assigned by Google and cannot be changed by the user. It is determined by the business type, location and how much public information Google already holds.

Google Verification Methods in 2026

Google has tightened its verification process significantly in recent years. The method offered depends on the business type, location and how much public information Google already has about the business.

1. Video verification

This is now the most common method in 2026. The business owner records a continuous, unedited video on a mobile device using the Google Maps app. GPS, camera and microphone access must be enabled. The video should be between 30 seconds and two minutes. Google typically reviews it within three to five business days.

The video needs to show the surrounding area and exterior of the premises, visible business signage that matches the profile name exactly, and proof of operations such as unlocking the door or showing business documents. For service-area businesses without a shopfront, branded vehicles, tools or equipment can be shown instead. First-attempt rejection rates are high, so it is worth filming in natural daylight, starting outside and planning the route before recording. Full guidelines are available on Google's support page.

2. Phone or SMS verification

If available, Google sends a verification code via an automated call or text message to the business phone number listed on the profile. The code must be entered into the profile to complete verification. This method is instant but is not offered to all businesses. It typically appears for established listings with a strong online presence. Interactive voice response systems and call forwarding services will not receive the code, so the number must be answered directly.

3. Email verification

A verification code is sent to an email address associated with the business domain. This option appears most often for businesses that have an active website with a matching domain and have already verified ownership through Google Search Console. The code arrives within minutes and must be entered into the profile. It is not available for free email addresses such as Gmail or Outlook. The email address must match the domain of the website listed on the profile.

4. Instant verification

Businesses that have already verified ownership of their website through Google Search Console may qualify for automatic verification when claiming a listing. No code or video is required. The profile becomes active immediately. This is the fastest method but is only available when Google can confirm a strong, verified connection between the website and the business listing. It is worth setting up Search Console before claiming the profile to increase the chances of this option appearing.

5. Postcard verification

This method is now far less common than it used to be. Where available, Google sends a physical postcard with a five-digit code to the business address. It typically arrives within 5 to 14 days. The code must be entered into the profile within 30 days. Do not edit the business name, address or category while waiting for the postcard. Doing so will invalidate the code and require a new one to be sent, which extends the process further.

Optimise the Google Business Profile

A claimed and verified profile is the starting point. An optimised profile is what drives visibility, trust and enquiries.

Complete every field

Fill in every section Google offers. Business name. Address. Phone number. Website. Opening hours. Business description. Services. Products. Attributes such as wheelchair accessibility, free parking or payment methods. The more complete the profile, the more signals Google has to work with when deciding which businesses to show in search results.

Add high-quality photos and videos

Profiles with photos receive significantly more engagement than those without. Upload clear, well-lit images of the premises, the team, completed projects and any products or services. For service-based businesses, before-and-after project images or on-site photography work well. Update the images regularly. A profile with photos from three years ago does not inspire confidence.

Collect and respond to Google Maps reviews

Collect and respond to reviews

Respond to every review, positive or negative. A professional, helpful response to a negative review demonstrates accountability. A brief thank-you to a positive review shows that the business values its customers. Speed of response matters too. Google considers how quickly a business engages with its reviews.

Use Google Posts

Google Posts allow businesses to share updates, offers, events and news directly on their profile. These appear in search results and keep the listing looking active and current. Posting regularly signals to Google that the business is engaged and operational.

Monitor insights

Google Business Profile provides performance data including how many people viewed the listing, how they found it, what actions they took and where they came from. Use this data to understand what is working and what needs attention. If most visitors are finding the business through a specific search term, that term should be reflected in the website content and service descriptions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a verified profile can lose visibility if these common mistakes are not avoided.

Inconsistent information

The business name, address and phone number must match exactly across the website, the Google Business Profile and any other online directories. Even small differences like "Street" versus "St." can cause problems. Google cross-checks this information against other sources. Inconsistencies confuse the algorithm and reduce the chances of appearing in local search results.

Choosing the wrong category

The primary category has a direct impact on which searches the listing appears in. A business that selects a broad category when a more specific one exists will lose visibility to competitors who chose correctly. Review the category periodically as Google regularly updates its options and adds new ones.

Not asking for reviews consistently

Reviews do not happen on their own. Most satisfied customers will not leave a review unless asked directly. Make it part of the process after every completed job. Share a direct link to the review page to make it easy. A steady flow of recent reviews carries more weight with Google than a large number of old ones. Respond to every review, positive or negative.

Letting the profile go stale

A profile with no recent photos, no posts and no review activity sends a signal that the business may not be active. Google favours profiles that show regular engagement. Upload new photos, publish Google Posts and keep opening hours up to date. Seasonal changes and bank holidays should always be reflected on the profile.

Important

Do not edit the business name, address or category while verification is in progress. Doing so will invalidate any pending code and reset the process entirely. Make all changes before requesting verification or wait until it is complete.

Claim It Before Someone Else Does

An unclaimed Google Business Profile is an open door. Competitors can suggest edits. Customers can upload photos. Incorrect information can sit unchallenged for months. The business owner is the last to know.

Claiming and verifying the profile takes less than an hour of active effort. Optimising it is an ongoing process that pays back in visibility, trust and local search performance.

If the business does not yet have a profile, create one. If it already exists, claim it. If it is claimed but neglected, update it. The listing is often the first impression a potential customer has. It should be accurate, complete and actively managed.

Whether the goal is to claim my business on Google or add a company to Google Maps from scratch, the process is the same.