Add your business to Google Maps through Google Business Profile

You add your business to Google Maps by creating a Google Business Profile, which is Google's free tool for businesses to appear on Maps, Search, and Google's other services. When you set up a profile, you control what information shows up — your address, phone number, hours, photos, and customer reviews. Google Maps pulls this information directly from your Business Profile, so updating one updates the other.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have your business information ready. Google will ask you to verify that you own or manage the business, usually by mail or phone, before your listing goes live on Maps. Until verification is complete, your business won't appear to other people searching on Maps.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a Google Business Profile at google.com/business, not directly on Google Maps, and your listing appears on Maps automatically once verified.
  • Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address, which you enter to confirm you own or manage the location.
  • You can add photos, hours, services, and a description to your profile, and customers can leave reviews that appear on both Maps and Google Search.
  • If your business has multiple locations, you create a separate Business Profile for each one.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you open Google Business Profile: your business name exactly as it appears on your legal documents or storefront, your street address, phone number, and website if you have one. If your business operates from home and you don't want your home address public, Google has options for that — you can hide your address and show only your service area instead.

You'll also need access to the email address you want to use for your Business Profile account. This email is how Google contacts you about your listing and how you log in to make changes. Use an email you check regularly, because Google sends verification codes and important updates there.

Steps to create your Business Profile

Go to google.com/business and click "Start now" or "Create an account." Sign in with a Google account — create one first if you don't have one. Google will ask you to enter your business name and choose whether you have a physical location customers visit, you travel to customers, or you deliver to customers.

Enter your business address. If you're a service business that travels to customers (like a plumber or house cleaner), you can select "I deliver to customers" and then choose which areas you serve instead of listing a street address. Enter your phone number and website, then select your business category from Google's list — search for words like "restaurant," "plumber," or "dental office" and pick the closest match.

Review the information you entered, then click "Finish." Google will show you a verification screen. Most businesses receive a postcard in the mail within 5 to 7 business days with a verification code. Enter that code into your Business Profile to complete verification and make your listing live on Google Maps.

Verify your business by mail or phone

Google's default verification method is a postcard mailed to your business address. The postcard arrives in 5 to 7 business days and contains a unique code. Log back into your Business Profile, go to the verification section, and enter the code. Your listing goes live on Google Maps when ready after verification.

If you need your listing to appear faster, some business categories allow phone verification. During setup, Google may offer you the option to receive a call instead of waiting for the postcard. A Google representative calls the phone number you provided, reads you a verification code, and you enter it right away. Not all business types support phone verification — Google will tell you during setup whether it's available for yours.

If you don't receive the postcard after 10 days, log into your Business Profile and request a new one. You can also contact Google Business Profile support through your account if the postcard is lost or the address on file is wrong.

Add photos, hours, and other details to your profile

After verification, log into your Business Profile and add photos of your storefront, interior, products, or services. Google shows these photos to people searching for your business on Maps and Google Search. Upload at least 5 to 10 photos so customers get a clear picture of what to expect. You can add photos from your phone or computer, and you can replace or delete them anytime.

Add your business hours by day of the week. If you're closed on certain days, mark them as closed. You can also add special hours for holidays — click "Add special hours" and enter the date and hours for that day. If your hours change seasonally, update them when the season changes so customers see accurate information.

Fill in the "About" section with a short description of your business, your services, and what makes you different. Add attributes like "outdoor seating," "wheelchair accessible," or "accepts credit cards" so customers know what to expect. The more complete your profile, the more information Google has to show people searching for businesses like yours.

Manage customer reviews and respond to feedback

Once your profile is live, customers can leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. These reviews appear on Google Maps, Google Search, and your profile page. You can't delete reviews, but you can respond to them — both positive and negative. Responding shows customers that you read their feedback and care about their experience.

Check your Business Profile regularly for new reviews and messages. You can set up email notifications so Google alerts you when someone leaves a review or sends you a message through your profile. Responding within a few days is better than waiting weeks, and keeping your tone professional and helpful builds trust with potential customers reading the reviews.

Update your profile when things change

Your business information changes over time — you move locations, change your hours, add new services, or update your phone number. Log into your Business Profile anytime to make these changes. Updates appear on Google Maps and Google Search within a few hours, though sometimes it takes up to a day for all of Google's systems to reflect the change.

If you close your business permanently, you can close your Business Profile through your account settings. Google will remove your listing from Maps and Search. If you're temporarily closed (for renovations, a holiday, or bad weather), you can mark your profile as "temporarily closed" instead, and it will reappear when you mark it open again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost money to add my business to Google Maps?

No. Creating a Google Business Profile and appearing on Google Maps is free. Google doesn't charge for listings, though you can pay for Google Ads to promote your business separately if you want.

How long does it take for my business to appear on Google Maps?

After you verify your Business Profile, your listing usually appears on Google Maps within a few hours. If you choose mail verification, the whole process takes 5 to 7 business days for the postcard to arrive, plus a few hours after you enter the code. Phone verification is faster — you can be verified the same day.

Can I add my business if I work from home?

Yes. During setup, select "I deliver to customers" or "I serve customers at their location" instead of entering your home address. You can then choose the areas you serve, and your home address won't appear publicly on your listing.

What if someone else already created a listing for my business?

You can claim the existing listing by going to google.com/business, searching for your business name, and clicking "Claim this business." Google will ask you to verify that you own or manage it. Once verified, you'll have control of the listing and can update the information.

Can I have multiple locations on Google Maps?

Yes. Create a separate Google Business Profile for each location. Each profile has its own address, phone number, hours, and reviews. If you have many locations, you can manage them all from one account by adding team members with different permission levels.