How to Set Up a Business on Google

Create a Google Business Profile

To set up a business on Google, you need a Google Business Profile, which is the free listing that appears on Search and Maps. Start by going to business.google.com and signing in with a Google account. Choose your business name, and if you want to create a new location, select the option to add it. You will then enter your address, choose a business category, and add your phone number and website. The category matters a lot because it helps Google understand what you do and show your listing to the right people. Once the basic details are entered, Google will ask you to verify your business, which is the main step before your profile goes live.

Verify Your Business

Verification proves that you actually operate at the address you claimed. Google most commonly sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address, and you should wait a few days after submitting your profile for it to arrive. Enter the code in your dashboard to complete the process. In some cases, Google may offer phone or email verification instead, but the postcard method is the standard for most new listings. Until verification is finished, your profile will not appear in search results.

Optimize Your Profile After Verification

Once you are verified, make your profile useful by adding business hours, photos, a short description, and attributes like wheelchair access or free Wi‑Fi. You can also add services, products, and posts so customers see fresh, relevant information. Responding to reviews and keeping your information consistent across the web helps your listing perform better over time. Setting up a business on Google is free, and the profile works in the background every day to direct customers to you.