How To Set Up A Google Business Profile Step By Step

To set up a Google Business Profile, sign in at google.com/business with a Google account, add your business name and category, enter your address or service area and contact details, then verify that you own the business. Once verified, complete every section so your profile can appear in Google Search and Maps when local customers look for what you offer.

It is free and usually takes under an hour, plus however long verification takes. This step-by-step guide covers each stage for UK businesses, including service-area businesses without a shopfront, the verification methods Google uses, and the mistakes that most often get profiles suspended.

👉 Prefer us to set it up for you? Contact Business Mate or book a free call.

Before You Set Up A Google Business Profile

Have these ready before you start, so you can complete the profile in one go:

• A Google account you will keep, ideally linked to a business email rather than a personal one
• Your exact business name as it appears on signage, stationery and your website
• Your address, or the towns and postcodes you serve if customers don’t visit you
• A local phone number and your website address
• Opening hours, including bank holiday hours
• A short description of what you do, and a list of your main services
• Your logo and a few original photos of your premises, team or work

First, search Google Maps for your business name. If a listing already exists, use the option to claim it rather than creating a duplicate.

How To Set Up A Google Business Profile: Step By Step

Step 1: Sign In And Add Your Business

Go to google.com/business and sign in with your Google account, then choose to add your business. Type your business name. If it appears in the suggestions, select it to claim the existing listing; if not, continue to create a new one.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Category

Start typing what your business does and pick the most specific primary category, for example ‘Accountant’ rather than ‘Consultant’. You can add secondary categories later for other services you genuinely offer. The primary category strongly affects which searches you appear in, so choose carefully.

Step 3: Add Your Location Or Service Area

If customers visit you, add your full address so you appear on the map. If you travel to customers, such as trades, cleaners or mobile services, set a service area instead and hide your address. Home-based businesses usually set up as service-area businesses. PO boxes and mailbox addresses aren’t allowed.

Step 4: Add Your Contact Details

Enter your phone number and website. Use a number that is answered during your opening hours, and make sure your website shows the same business name, address and phone number as your profile.

Step 5: Verify Your Business

Verification proves you own or manage the business. Google chooses the verification method for you based on your business type and location, and you can’t change it. According to Google’s verification help page, methods include:

• Video recording: a continuous video of at least 30 seconds, recorded live on your phone, showing your location, signage and proof that you manage the business. Google’s video verification guide says reviews can take up to five business days.
• Phone or text: a code sent to your business number.
• Email: a code or link sent to a business email address.
• Live video call: a call with a Google representative during your business hours.
• Postcard: a code posted to your business address.

Follow the instructions exactly. Edits made during verification can delay it, so complete it before changing major details.

👉 Stuck on verification? Get in touch and we will help.

Step 6: Complete Your Profile

Once you are verified, fill in everything:

• Opening hours and special hours for holidays
• Business description of up to 750 characters, explaining what you do, who for and where
• Services and products, with short descriptions and ‘from’ prices where possible
• Photos: logo, cover photo, premises, team and work in action
• Attributes such as accessibility, payment options or online appointments
• Booking or extra contact links where your profile offers them

Step 7: Publish Your First Post And Ask For Reviews

Add a welcome post or current offer, then send your review link to recent happy customers. A new profile with a few genuine reviews and recent activity makes a far stronger first impression than an empty one.

Mistakes To Avoid When You Set Up A Google Business Profile

Most suspensions and ranking problems come from a handful of avoidable errors. Google’s guidelines for representing your business set out the rules.

• Adding keywords to your business name: use your real name only, such as ‘Smith Plumbing’, not ‘Smith Plumbing Emergency Plumber London’.
• Creating duplicate listings: claim an existing listing instead of making a new one.
• Using an address customers can’t visit while showing it as a shopfront.
• Choosing vague categories that don’t match your core service.
• Inconsistent details between your profile, website and directories.
• Setting it up and forgetting it: profiles need regular posts, photos and reviews.

What To Do After Your Profile Is Live

Setting up is the start. To rank in the local map results and turn views into enquiries, keep the profile active: post weekly, add photos monthly, reply to every review and check your details whenever something changes.

Our guide to Google Business Profile tips covers how to rank higher and convert more visitors, and our guide to local SEO for small businesses explains how your profile fits with your website. If you are also setting up social channels, see our business Facebook Page setup guide.

Get Help Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

Business Mate is a UK marketing agency that sets up, verifies and optimises Google Business Profiles. Profile setup and optimisation is available as a one-off add-on from £120 on our small business SEO services page, and ongoing management is part of our Google Business Profile services and Local SEO Starter plan.

👉 Ready to get found locally? Contact Business Mate or book a call.

FAQs

Is it free to set up a Google Business Profile?

Yes. Creating, verifying and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free. You only pay if you choose to run Google Ads or hire someone to set up and manage the profile for you. Be wary of anyone claiming you must pay Google to be listed.

How long does it take to set up a Google Business Profile?

Creating the profile usually takes under an hour if you have your details ready. Verification can take longer: Google says video recordings can take up to five business days to review, while phone, text or email codes are often much quicker.

Can I set up a Google Business Profile without a business address?

Yes. If you serve customers at their location, such as trades or mobile services, set up a service-area business and hide your address. You list the towns or postcodes you cover instead. PO boxes and mailbox addresses aren’t allowed.

Can I choose how my business is verified?

No. Google decides which verification methods are available based on your business type, location and other information. Options include a video recording, phone or text, email, a live video call or a postcard. Follow the instructions for the method you are offered.

Why do Google Business Profiles get suspended?

The most common reasons are keywords added to the business name, duplicate listings, addresses customers can’t visit shown as shopfronts, and details that don’t match the real business. Following Google’s guidelines for representing your business from the start avoids most problems.

Can Business Mate set up my Google Business Profile?

Yes. Business Mate sets up, verifies and optimises Google Business Profiles for UK businesses, from £120 as a one-off, with ongoing management available. Contact Business Mate or book a call to get started.