How to Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile is the box that shows your business on Google Search and Google Maps. It holds your hours, phone number, photos, and reviews. Google calls it a "profile." People used to call it "Google My Business."

First, check if your business is already on Google

Search for your business name and city on Google Maps. You will see one of three things. Each one means a different next step.

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Decision chart: if your business is not on Google, create a new profile. If the listing says Claim this business, claim it. If someone else manages it, request access. Which path to take when setting up your profile. Diagram: Sac Business Launch.

How to create a new profile (on a computer)

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Six steps to create a Google Business Profile: sign in, search your name, pick a category, say if customers visit, add phone and website, choose verification. The order Google walks you through. Diagram: Sac Business Launch.

1. Sign in. Go to business.google.com/add and sign in to your Google Account, or create one.

2. Click Add your business to Google. Type your business name. If it pops up in the suggestions, select it.

3. Pick your category. This is the type of business you are, like "Plumber" or "Hair salon." Click Next.

4. Answer "Do you have a location customers can visit?"

   • Click Yes if you have a storefront with staff during your hours. Enter your address or place the map pin.

   • Click No if you go to customers. Enter up to 20 service areas, such as cities or ZIP codes.

5. Add your phone number and website. Google suggests a number that rings at your business, not a remote call center. Click Next.

6. Click Finish, then pick a verification option. Verify now with the red Verify now banner, or click Verify later. Google says customers can only find your profile after you verify.

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Google Business Profile Help page titled Sign up for Business Profile, with sections for creating a profile and best practices for service businesses. Google's official sign-up help page. Screenshot: Google Business Profile Help, Oct 2026.

How to claim a profile that already exists

On a computer:

1. Open Google Maps and search your business name and city.

2. Click Claim this business, then Manage now.

3. Pick a verification option and follow the steps.

In the Google Maps app on your phone:

1. Search your business name and tap it in the results.

2. Tap About, then Claim this business, then Manage now.

3. Pick a verification option and follow the steps.

What if someone else already controls it?

This can happen if a past employee, an old marketing company, or a past owner set it up.

1. Go to business.google.com/add and enter your business name and address.

2. Pick your business. You will see "Someone else may manage this Business Profile."

3. Click Request access, fill out the form, and click Submit.

Google emails the current owner. They have 3 days to respond. If they do not answer, you may get a Claim or Verify option. Google notes this option is not always available.

Common mistakes

• Making a second profile. Google allows one profile per business (one per location). Extra profiles can get your account suspended.

• Adding extra words to your name. Use your real name only. Do not add cities, services, or slogans.

• Showing a home address customers never visit. Hide it and set service areas.

• Paying someone who says they are Google. Google says it does not charge for a Business Profile and will never ask for your one-time codes.

• Skipping verification. An unverified profile does not show your edits to customers.

Next up: How to verify your Google Business Profile. Once you are live, our Free Website Check shows whether your website backs up your new profile.

Google changes Business Profile screens often. We checked these steps in October 2026. If a button looks different, the Google help pages below have the latest.