Google Business Profile setup and verification guide

A Google Business Profile is a key tool for local visibility on Google Search and Maps, displaying a business’s address, contact details, services, photos and reviews. Before creating a new profile, owners should search for an existing listing, confirm the name and address, verify who is listed as the owner, and avoid duplicate entries, which Google may merge or deactivate.

Only businesses that interact with customers in person—such as storefronts, offices, clinics, or service‑area providers—are eligible for a profile; pure online‑only businesses are generally excluded. Verification is completed with a Google verification code, typically sent by SMS, and is required when a new profile is set up, after suspicious activity, or if a profile has been suspended. Enabling two‑step verification further secures the account.