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How to Sign Up for Google My Business (Now Google Business Profile)
If you are searching how to sign up for Google My Business, you are in the right place, even though the name has changed. Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile, and the sign-up takes about ten minutes. Verification is where most people get stuck, so this guide covers both, step by step, based on Google's current help pages.
Google My Business is now Google Business Profile
The short answer: To sign up, sign in to a Google Account, go to business.google.com/create, enter your business name and category, choose whether customers visit a location or you serve them in their area, add your phone and website, and click Finish. Then verify the profile using whichever method Google offers you, such as phone, SMS, email or a video recording. Your profile only appears to customers after verification is complete.
Google renamed Google My Business to Google Business Profile a few years ago, but people still search for the old name. It is the same thing: the free listing that shows your business on Google Search and Google Maps, with your address, hours, phone number, photos and reviews.
The old separate app has gone. Today you create and manage the profile from a browser at business.google.com, directly on Google Search, or in the Google Maps app.
On Google Search
Your profile appears when someone searches your name or a service near them.
On Google Maps
People find you, get directions and call with one tap.
Reviews
Customers leave ratings and reviews you can reply to publicly.
Already have a verified profile? Skip this guide and go straight to our Google Business Profile optimization checklist.
What to have ready before you start
Gather these first so you can finish in one sitting. Google's setup steps start on a computer, so use one if you can.
Ready to sign up? (tick as you go)
All set. Start the sign-up.
Storefront, service area, or both?
One question in the setup decides how your address is shown, and getting it wrong is a common reason for problems later. Take this quick check:
Which setup fits your business?
Pick the answer closest to how you work today.
1. Where do customers meet you?
2. Is your premises staffed during business hours?
Storefront business
Answer "Yes" when asked if customers can visit, and enter your full address or drop a pin on the map.
Service-area business
Answer "No" to the visit question so your address stays hidden, then add up to 20 service areas. Google advises keeping them within about two hours' drive of your base.
Hybrid business
Show your address because customers visit, and also add the areas you travel to.
Probably not eligible
Google states that online-only businesses are not eligible for verification. Put your effort into your website and search visibility instead.
How to sign up for Google My Business, step by step
These steps follow Google's current page on adding your business, checked in November 2026. Screens change from time to time, so follow the wording on your screen if it differs.
- Sign in and open the setup page
On a computer, sign in to your Google Account and go to business.google.com/create.
- Enter your business name
Start typing and pick your business if it appears in the suggestions. If Google says someone else already manages it, you will need to request ownership instead (see below).
- Choose your category
Search for the most specific category and click Next. You can add more categories later.
- Say whether customers can visit
Yes for a staffed storefront, then enter the address or place a marker. No if you only serve customers at their location.
- Add your service areas
If you travel to customers, add up to 20 cities, PIN codes or regions.
- Add phone and website
Use the direct number and the website page for this location, then click Next.
- Finish and verify
Click Finish, review your details, then choose Verify now or Verify later. Until you verify, customers cannot find the profile.
The whole journey
Some profiles verify instantly; most go through a short review.
Verification: the part that trips people up
Google decides which verification methods you see, and you cannot choose a different one. According to Google's verification help page, the options can include:
Phone or SMS
A code by call or text. IVR or automated phone systems cannot receive it.
A message sent to an address shown on the verification screen.
Video recording
A continuous, live video of at least 30 seconds, recorded on your phone through the profile.
Google recommends it if offeredLive video call
A Google representative checks your location and that you manage it. Not offered to everyone.
Postcard
A code posted to your address. Not available for all businesses; codes expire after 30 days.
Google says verification reviews take up to five business days, occasionally longer. Some profiles verify instantly, for example through website verification in Google Search Console.
Getting video verification right first time
Google's video verification page asks for three kinds of proof in one unedited clip. Plan your shot list before you press record.
- Location: street signs, building numbers, nearby shops or landmarks that match Google Maps
- The business exists: your signboard with the same name as the profile, or for service businesses your tools, equipment or branded uniform
- You manage it: unlock the shop, open the billing counter or storeroom, or show a utility bill or invoice in the business name
- Pre-recorded or edited clips
- Bank, tax or ID numbers on screen
- Other people's faces
- Empty plots or a gate with no business signage
While waiting for a postcard or a review, do not edit your business name, address or category, and do not request a second postcard. Either can cancel or slow down the first attempt.
Common problems and what to do
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Someone else already manages your listing | Go to business.google.com/add, find your business and choose Request Access. The current owner is emailed and has 3 days to respond; if they do not, you may get an option to claim it. |
| Video rejected | Read the listed reasons and record a new video that includes everything from the first one plus what was missing. |
| Duplicate profiles | Keep one profile per business per location. Duplicates in the same area can lead to suspension. |
| Working from home | Choose the service-area option so your home address is hidden, and film neighbourhood landmarks for video verification. |
Once you are live, the work moves to keeping the profile complete and active. Our optimisation checklist covers that, our guide on responding to Google reviews helps with the reviews that start arriving, and tradespeople should also read local SEO for contractors. If you would rather hand it over, see our SEO and growth service.
Frequently asked questions
How to sign up for Google My Business in 2026?
Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile. Sign in to a Google Account, go to business.google.com/create, enter your name, category, location or service area, phone and website, click Finish, and complete the verification method Google offers you.
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Business Profile is free. Google also states that there is no way to pay for a better local ranking on Maps or Search.
How long does Google Business Profile verification take?
Google says verification reviews take up to five business days after you complete the steps, and occasionally longer. Some profiles verify instantly, for example where the website is already verified in Google Search Console.
Can I create a Google Business Profile without a shop?
Yes, if you serve customers in person at their location, such as a plumber, tutor or caterer. Choose the service-area option so your address is hidden and list the areas you serve. Online-only businesses are not eligible.
Why can't I choose postcard verification?
Google decides which verification methods each business sees, and you cannot change them. Many businesses are now offered video recording, phone, SMS or email instead of a postcard.
Should my web developer create the profile for me?
They can help, but the profile should be owned by a Google Account you control. If someone else sets it up, make sure you are added as the primary owner so you never lose access.
Stuck on verification, or not sure what to choose?
Tell us where you are in the process and we will tell you honestly what is blocking it and what to do next, with a fixed quote within one business day if you want us to set it up properly. See how we help on our SEO and growth page.
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