How to get your business on Google Maps, step by step
To show up on Maps you need a Google Business Profile. It’s free, but you have to create or claim it, then verify it.
When someone searches for “bakery near me” or “plumber in” plus their city, Google shows a map with businesses. Those businesses come from Google Business Profiles. If your business doesn’t have one, or you haven’t claimed it, you’re leaving that spot to your competitors.
The steps
- You need a Google Account. It can be a Gmail account or one created with your business email.
- Search for your business on Google Maps. If it already shows up (sometimes customers add it), claim it. If it doesn’t, add it.
- Choose your primary category carefully and use your business’s real name, the same as on your sign.
- Verify the profile. Google decides which methods you get: phone or text, email, video call or mail.
- Wait for the review. Google says it can take up to 5 business days.
Once you’re verified
Fill in everything: hours, phone, website, services and photos. Google explains that local results depend on relevance, distance and prominence. A complete, well-described profile helps with relevance.
If you serve customers at their location and not at your address, you don’t have to show it. We cover that in the guide on service-area businesses.