How to set up your Google Business Profile

Short answerSearch for your business name on Google, claim the profile or create a new one at business.google.com, choose accurate categories, add your hours, phone, website, services and photos, then verify it. A complete, accurate profile is the most useful single thing a local business can do for Google Maps, Search and Google's AI features.

Steps

1. Search your business name. If a profile already exists, claim it instead of creating a duplicate.
2. Add the basics exactly as customers know them: business name (no keyword stuffing), address or service area, phone, website.
3. Pick a primary category that matches your main service, then add secondary categories only if they are true.
4. Set hours, including holiday hours. Out-of-date hours are the most common AI mistake. See why AI gets hours wrong.
5. Add services or products, a short description and real photos.
6. Verify using the method Google offers (postcard, phone, email or video). We never ask for your verification codes; you stay in control.
7. Ask for reviews and reply to them. See how to get more Google reviews.

Mistakes to avoid

• Duplicate profiles for the same business.
• A different name or phone number from your website.
• Showing a home address you don't want public. See service-area businesses.

Questions people ask

Related guides

• Bing Places: why it matters for ChatGPT and Copilot
• How to set up Apple Business Connect
• Consistent business details: the NAP checklist

Sources

• Google Business Profile Help
• Google Search Central: Optimizing for generative AI features