What is a Google Business Profile, and is it free?
A Google Business Profile is the free listing that shows your business on Google Search and Google Maps: your name, hours, phone number, location, photos and reviews. It's what people see when they search for you or for a business like yours nearby. It costs nothing to create, claim or verify. It used to be called Google My Business.
What it does for your business
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Business information | Your hours, phone number, website and location (a street address, a service area or both), kept up to date |
| Photos and videos | Show your premises, team, products and work |
| Reviews | Customers leave reviews and you can reply to them |
| Getting found | Appear on Search and Maps, with links to your website, social media or booking page |
| Ads (optional, paid) | Location-based ads that use your profile details |
Is it really free?
Yes. Google says a Business Profile lets you manage how your business shows on Maps and Search at no charge, and adding or claiming one is free. Ads are the only paid part, and they're optional.
Who can have one
- Businesses that meet customers in person during their business hours: shops, clinics, salons, restaurants and offices.
- Service-area businesses that visit customers, such as plumbers, cleaners and mobile mechanics.
- Multi-location businesses, which can manage their locations together in Business Profile Manager.
Google says Business Profiles aren't for online-only businesses, or for properties for rent or sale. Online-only businesses are pointed to Google Ads instead.
How to get started
- Sign in to a Google Account, or create one. Any email address works; a business email makes it easier to hand over later.
- Search Google Maps for your business. Claim it if it's there; add it if it isn't.
- Verify the profile. Until then, you can't make most changes.
- Fill in every section, add photos and start asking customers for reviews.
- Add a second owner, such as a business partner, so you're never locked out.
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help: Get started with Google Business Profile
- Google Business Profile Help: Add or claim your Business Profile
Citing these figures? Please link to this page. If you spot a figure that's out of date, email hello@flexilocal.com.
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