How to create a Google Business Profile in a few simple steps
Want your customers to find you easily on Google and Maps?
Opening a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the first essential steps to boost your online visibility.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to do it, step by step. It’s a free and accessible tool that can truly make a difference for your business.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is Google’s free tool that allows you to manage your business’s online presence on:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
Basically, when someone searches for your business name or a product/service category related to your activity, your profile appears among the top results — complete with:
- Useful information (address, hours, contacts)
- Reviews
- Photos
- Offers and updates
Why is it important?
- Helps you appear in local searches on Google
- Boosts your online credibility
- Makes it easier to manage reviews and reputation
- Allows you to post updates and offers
- It’s completely free
How to create a Google Business Profile
Step 1. Go to google.com/business
Visit https://www.google.com/business
Click on “Manage now”.
Step 2. Sign in with your Google account
Log in using a Google account.
We recommend using a dedicated business account to keep it separate from your personal profile.
Step 3. Search for your business or create a new one
Enter your business name:
- If a profile already exists, you can request to manage it.
- If not, create a new profile by clicking “Create a business with this name.”
Step 4. Choose the right category
Select the category that best describes your business (e.g., Italian restaurant, marketing consultant, beauty salon).
This choice is important to help Google rank you properly in search results.
Step 5. Add physical location or service areas
- If you have a public location → enter the full address.
- If you offer home services → specify the geographic areas served.
Step 6. Add contact details and website
Include:
- Business phone number
- Website (if available)
Step 7. Verify your profile
Google requires verification to confirm you own the business.
Common verification methods include:
- Postcard sent to your address with a verification code
- SMS or phone call (if available)
- Email or video call verification (for some categories)
Step 8. Complete your profile with photos, description, and hours
Once verified, it’s important to fully complete your profile:
- Updated business hours
- Business description (max 750 characters, use relevant keywords)
- Quality photos: logo, cover, interior, products
- Enable messaging (optional)
How to optimize your Google Business Profile
After creating your profile, keeping it updated and optimized is essential to get the best results.
Practical tips:
- Regularly update photos and hours.
- Post updates (offers, events, news).
- Carefully respond to all reviews — both positive and negative.
- Monitor the Insights section to analyze how people interact with your profile.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to open a Google Business Profile? Nothing. It’s a free service provided by Google.
- Can I open one without a website? Yes, you can create a profile even without a website. However, it’s recommended to add one if you have it.
- How long does verification take? It depends on the method. Postcards can take up to 14 days; other methods are faster.
- Can I manage the profile from a smartphone? Yes, there’s a dedicated Google Business Profile app to conveniently manage your profile from mobile.
Conclusion
Having a well-maintained Google Business Profile is essential for any business today — even for those without a website. If you want to boost your online presence and attract new customers, this is the first step to take.
And if you’d like support to optimize your presence on Google, the 226Lab team is here to help.
📩 Contact us for a personalized consultation!