Step 01

Go to google.com/business and Sign In

Use your business Google account — not a personal Gmail. If you don’t have a business account, create one. Search for your business name first to see if a profile already exists (Google sometimes auto-creates basic listings from public data).

Step 02

Enter Your Exact Business Name

Use your real business name — exactly as it appears on your signage, legal documents, and website. Do not add keywords to your name (e.g. ‘Sharma Lawyers — Best Divorce Lawyer Ahmedabad’). This violates Google’s guidelines.

Step 03

Choose the Right Business Category

Your primary category is the most important ranking factor in your profile. Choose the most specific, accurate category. You can add secondary categories — for example, a dental clinic might use ‘Dentist’ as primary and ‘Teeth Whitening Service’ as secondary.

Step 04

Add Your Complete Address

Enter your full address accurately. If you serve customers at your location, mark it as a storefront. If you go to customers (plumber, photographer, delivery), mark as a service-area business and define your coverage area.

Step 05

Verify Your Profile

Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address (typically arrives in 5–14 days in India). Enter the code in your profile to verify. Some businesses qualify for instant phone or email verification.

Step 06

Complete Every Section of Your Profile

Business description (750 characters, include your primary keyword naturally), website URL, phone number, business hours, opening date, and attributes (women-led, wheelchair accessible, etc.). Incomplete profiles rank lower.

Step 07

Add High-Quality Photos

Upload: exterior photo (so customers recognise your location), interior photo, team photo, and product or service photos. Minimum 5 photos to start — aim for 20+. Profiles with photos receive significantly more clicks and calls than those without.

Step 08

Start Collecting Reviews From Day One

Send every customer a direct link to your Google review page. The link format is: search your business name on Google, click ‘Write a review’, and copy the URL. Put this link in your WhatsApp, email signature, and invoices.

Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes, completely free. There is no charge to create, verify, or maintain a Google Business Profile.

How long does verification take?

Postcard verification in India typically takes 7–21 days. Phone and email verification (where available) is instant.

Can I have multiple Google Business Profiles?

Yes — one profile per business location. If you have three branches, you should have three separate profiles, each verified at its physical address.

What happens if someone else claims my business?

You can request ownership through Google. You’ll need to verify that you are the legitimate business owner. Google typically resolves disputes within a few days.

Does Google Business Profile affect my website ranking?

Your profile and website work together. A strong, verified profile with good reviews supports your overall Google authority and can improve your website’s local search rankings too.