How to Set Up a Google Business Profile
When people search for a service nearby, Google often shows local results first.
These results usually include:
- a map
- several business profiles
- key information like reviews, opening hours, and phone numbers
This section is called the Local Pack.
Your Google Business Profile is what allows your business to appear there.
Without it, even a great website may remain invisible to nearby customers.
Setting up your profile correctly helps your business:
- appear in Google Maps searches
- appear in “near me” searches
- receive calls and direction requests
- build trust through reviews
Below is a simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile
Visit: https://www.google.com/business/
Click Manage now.
You will be asked to sign in with a Google account.
The easiest option is usually to use a gmail.com account.
Many small businesses use a personal Gmail address to manage the profile.
What matters most is that you keep access to that account.
Step 2: Enter your business name
Type the name of your business.
If your business already exists on Google, it may appear in the list.
Two things can happen:
Case 1 — Your business already exists
You will see your business listed.
Select it and claim the listing.
You can read further how to manage your GBP profile if it exists
Case 2 — Your business does not exist
Click Create a business with this name.
You will then continue with the setup steps.
Step 3: Choose your business category
Your primary category tells Google what your business does.
Example categories:
- dentist
- hair salon
- physiotherapist
- restaurant
Choose the closest and most accurate category.
You can add additional categories later if needed.
This helps Google show your business for relevant searches.
Step 4: Add your location
Google will ask whether customers can visit your location.
If customers visit your business (clinic, office, store):
- enter your physical address
If you travel to customers instead:
- select service area business
You can then specify the cities or areas you serve.
Step 5: Add contact details
Add:
- phone number
- website (if you have one)
Your website helps strengthen your visibility in search results.
Google often uses both your website and profile to understand your business.
Step 6: Verify your business
Verification proves that you are the real owner.
Google may verify your business through:
- postcard with a code
- phone verification
- email verification
- video verification
Follow the instructions and complete verification.
Until verification is complete, your profile will not be fully visible.
Step 7: Complete your business profile
Once verified, complete your profile.
Add:
- opening hours
- services
- photos
- business description
Profiles with more information tend to perform better.
Photos are especially important.
Businesses with photos receive more clicks and requests for directions.
What to do if your business profile already exists but you don’t have access
Sometimes a business profile already exists because:
- a previous employee created it
- an agency set it up
- a marketing company managed it
- Google generated it automatically
In this case, the profile may already be visible on Google.
But you might not have access to manage it.
Check if you already have access
First, try logging in with different Google accounts.
For example:
- your main Gmail account
- an older Gmail account
- a company email that might be connected
Sometimes businesses simply forget which email was used.
If someone else created the profile
If an agency or employee created the profile, contact them.
Ask them to:
- add your account as Owner
- or transfer primary ownership
Always make sure you remain the owner.
Marketing agencies should normally be managers, not owners.
If you cannot access the account
If you cannot find the login email, you can request access.
Steps:
- Search your business on Google
- Click Own this business?
- Follow the access request process
Google will send a request to the current owner.
If the owner does not respond, Google may allow you to claim the profile after verification.
Why you should always be the owner
The business owner should always keep ownership access.
Otherwise you risk:
- losing control of your listing
- being unable to update information
- being unable to respond to reviews
- delays when changing agencies or staff
The safest structure is:
- You → Owner
- Staff or agencies → Manager
This keeps control in your hands.
How to set up Google Business Profile for multiple locations
Businesses with several locations can manage them together.
Examples:
- dental clinics with multiple offices
- restaurant chains
- retail stores
Each location needs its own profile.
But Google allows them to be managed from one account.
Option 1: Create locations individually
The simplest method is to create each location one by one.
Repeat the setup process for each location.
Each listing will have:
- its own address
- its own reviews
- its own opening hours
Option 2: Use location groups
Google also allows location groups.
Location groups help businesses:
- manage multiple listings from one dashboard
- assign managers to different locations
- organize locations more easily
This is especially useful for businesses with many locations.
Important tip for multi-location businesses
Each location should have:
- a unique address
- its own phone number
- its own local page on your website
This helps Google understand that each location serves a different local market.
It also improves local search visibility.
What to do after setting up your Google Business Profile
Creating the profile is just the first step.
To improve visibility over time you should:
- add photos regularly
- collect customer reviews
- respond to reviews
- publish updates or posts
- keep business information accurate
These actions help strengthen your local visibility and credibility.
FAQs about Google Business Profile Setup
Can I create a Google Business Profile without a website?
Yes.
A website is not required to create a profile.
However, having a website often improves visibility and credibility.
Can I manage my business profile from my phone?
Yes.
You can manage it through:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
- the Google Business dashboard
Many updates can be done directly from your phone.
What if someone else created my Google Business Profile?
You can request access.
Search your business on Google and click Own this business?
Google will guide you through the ownership request process.
Should my marketing agency own my Google Business Profile?
No.
Your business should always remain the Owner.
Agencies should be added as Managers.
This prevents losing control of your listing.
Do I need a Gmail account?
You need a Google account.
The easiest option for most businesses is using a gmail.com account.
Just make sure you keep access to it long-term.
