How to Get Your Business on Google Maps: Google Business Profile Guide

When someone searches for “coffee near me”, “hair salon in Oran” or “phone repair open now”, Google shows a map with a few businesses at the top. Those businesses get the calls, the directions requests and the visits. The tool that puts you there is free: Google Business Profile.

This guide walks you through creating or claiming your profile, verifying it, completing every important section and keeping it active so customers can find you — and choose you.

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free business listing on Google Search and Google Maps. It can show:

your business name, category and location on the map,
your opening hours, phone number and website,
photos of your business, products and team,
reviews from customers and your replies,
buttons for directions, calls, messages and bookings.

For local businesses, it is often the first thing a new customer sees — sometimes even before your website.

Who can have a profile?

You can create a profile if your business meets customers in person: either at a physical location (a shop, restaurant or office) or by travelling to them (a plumber, cleaner or delivery service). Online-only businesses without in-person contact are generally not eligible.

If you serve customers at their location and do not want your home address shown, you can set up a service-area business: Google will show the areas you serve instead of your street address.

Before you start

Prepare your business details and write them down exactly as you will use them everywhere:

Name — your real business name, as it appears on your sign. Do not add extra keywords or cities.
Address or the areas you serve.
Phone number and website.
Opening hours.

Using the same name, address and phone number on your profile, your website and your social media helps Google and customers trust that the information is correct.

Step 1: Create or claim your profile

Search for your business on Google Maps. A profile may already exist, created automatically or by a customer.
If you find it, tap “Own this business?” or “Claim this business”. If not, choose “Add your business to Google”.
Sign in with a Google account you will keep long term — ideally one that belongs to the business, not to a single employee.
Enter your business name, main category, address or service area, phone number and website.

Step 2: Choose the right category

Your primary category is one of the most important choices you make. It tells Google what your business is, and it decides which searches you can appear for. Choose the most specific category that describes your main activity — for example “Pizza restaurant” rather than just “Restaurant”.

You can add a few secondary categories for other things you genuinely offer. Do not add categories for services you do not provide.

Step 3: Verify your business

Before your profile can appear fully on Google, you need to prove that you run the business. Google decides which verification methods you can use, based on your business type, location and history — so you may not see every option.

Video verification

Video verification is now one of the most common methods. You record a short video in one continuous take, without edits, that shows:

Your location: start outside and show the street, the building number or nearby landmarks.
Your business: show your sign with the business name, then walk inside and show where you work, your products or your equipment.
Proof that you manage it: for example unlocking the door, opening the cash register or using tools that only staff can access.

Record during business hours in good light, move slowly and pause for a few seconds on important details. Do not show private information such as bank details or ID numbers. Review usually takes a few business days.

Other methods

Phone or SMS, and email — a code is sent to your business contact. Usually the fastest option when offered.
Postcard — a code is mailed to your address. It can take days or weeks to arrive. Do not request a new postcard too early, as that can cancel the first code.
Live video call — a short call with Google support, during business hours.
Instant verification — sometimes available if you have already verified your website in Google Search Console with the same Google account. Our Google Search Console setup guide explains how.

Security tip: never share a verification code with anyone who calls or messages you claiming to be from Google.

Step 4: Complete every part of your profile

A complete profile gives customers the information they need and gives Google more reasons to show you. Go through each section carefully.

Essentials

Hours — including special hours for holidays and Ramadan. Wrong hours are one of the fastest ways to lose a customer’s trust.
Phone and website — make sure they work and that someone answers.
Description — a clear, honest summary of what you offer, who you serve and what makes you different. Write it for people, not for search engines.

Photos

Photos are often what convinces someone to visit. Add real, well-lit pictures of:

the outside of your business, so people recognise it when they arrive,
the inside and your work area,
your products, dishes or finished work,
your team (with their permission).

Avoid stock photos and heavily edited images. Add new photos regularly.

Products and services

List your main products or services with short descriptions and, where possible, prices. This helps customers understand what you offer before they contact you.

Attributes

Attributes such as “Wheelchair accessible”, “Free Wi-Fi”, “Outdoor seating” or “Online appointments” help people who search for specific needs. Add every attribute that is true for your business.

Step 5: Get and answer reviews

Reviews are one of the most important parts of your profile. They influence whether people choose you, and they are part of how Google decides which local businesses to show.

How to get more reviews

Ask at the right moment — when a customer has just told you they are happy.
Make it easy — share your review link from your profile, or print a QR code for your counter or receipt.
Ask everyone, not only the customers you think will leave five stars.

The rules you must follow

Google’s policies prohibit fake reviews, reviews written by the business owner or staff, and offering money, discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. Breaking these rules can lead to reviews being removed or your profile being restricted. Honest reviews from real customers are the only kind worth having.

How to reply

Reply to every review, positive or negative. Thank people by name if they used one, mention something specific and keep it short. For negative reviews, stay calm and polite, acknowledge the problem, explain what you have done to fix it and invite the person to contact you directly. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews themselves.

Step 6: Keep your profile active

Post updates — share offers, events, new products or news directly on your profile.
Answer questions customers ask on your profile.
Update your information whenever your hours, phone number or services change.
Check your performance — your profile shows how many people found you, called you or asked for directions. Use it to see what is working.

Common mistakes to avoid

Adding keywords to your business name (“Best Pizza Oran Cheap Delivery”). It breaks Google’s guidelines and can get your profile suspended.
Using a virtual office or fake address.
Choosing a vague main category.
Leaving hours outdated, especially during holidays.
Ignoring reviews — or arguing with unhappy customers in public.
Creating duplicate profiles for the same location.

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Creating and managing your profile is completely free.

How long does it take to appear on Google Maps?

After verification, your profile can start appearing within days, but it can take longer for it to rank well. Completing your profile, adding photos and collecting genuine reviews all help.

Can I have a profile without a shop?

Yes, if you visit customers in person. Set it up as a service-area business and hide your address.

Do I still need a website?

Your profile is a great start, but a website gives you more space to explain your services, build trust and appear for more searches. The two work best together — see our on-page SEO basics to make your website stronger.

Summary

Google Business Profile is one of the most valuable free tools for any local business. Create or claim your profile, choose the right category, verify it, complete every section with real photos and accurate details, and build a steady flow of honest reviews you reply to. Then keep it active, and let customers find you exactly when they are looking.

Want us to set up and optimise your profile for you? Our Setup package includes full profile optimisation, and our Pro package adds ongoing SEO for your website.