A Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for local businesses. It’s how you appear on Google Search, Google Maps, and in the Local Pack results. This guide walks you through creating your profile from scratch.

Before You Start

You’ll need:

A Google account (personal Gmail works fine)
Your business name, address, and phone number
A way to receive verification (usually video verification)
About 15-30 minutes to complete the initial setup

Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile

Visit business.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

Click Manage now or Get started to begin.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

Type your business name exactly as you want it to appear on Google.

Important: Use your real business name—don’t stuff keywords. “Joe’s Plumbing” is correct. “Joe’s Plumbing Best Cheap Plumber in Dallas” violates Google’s guidelines and can get your listing suspended.

If your business already exists (created by Google or a previous owner), you’ll see it as a suggestion. Click it to claim the existing listing instead.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

Select the primary category that best describes your business.

Start typing and Google will suggest categories
Choose the most specific option available
You can add more categories later (up to 10 total)

Examples:

“Plumber” not “Home Services”
“Hair Salon” not “Beauty Salon”
“Italian Restaurant” not just “Restaurant”

Step 4: Add Your Location

If customers visit your location:

Select Yes and enter your full address:

Street address
City, State, ZIP
Suite/unit number if applicable

If you go to customers (service-area business):

Select No for a physical location, then define your service area:

Enter cities, ZIP codes, or regions you serve
You can list up to 20 service areas
Your address won’t be shown publicly

Step 5: Add Contact Information

Enter your business phone number and website:

Phone: Use a local number when possible
Website: Enter your full URL (e.g., https://yourbusiness.com)

If you don’t have a website yet, you can skip this and add it later.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google needs to confirm you’re the real owner. Verification options vary by business.

Video Verification (Most Common)

Video verification is the primary method Google uses for most new profiles. You’ll record a video showing:

Your location – Street signs, nearby landmarks, and your building/address number
Business signage – Your storefront sign or business name displayed
Proof of management – Access to restricted areas like behind the counter, kitchen, or office

Video requirements:

Must be at least 30 seconds long
Recorded on a mobile device through the Business Profile app
One continuous, unedited recording
Don’t include sensitive information or other people’s faces

Other Verification Methods

Depending on your business type and history, Google may offer:

Phone verification – Google calls or texts a code to verify
Email verification – Code sent to your business email (must match your website domain)
Postcard verification – A postcard with a verification code mailed to your address (5-14 days)

The method available to you depends on your profile and what information Google already has.

Step 7: Complete Your Profile

After verification (or while waiting), fill out your complete profile:

Business Hours

Add regular hours for each day
Mark days you’re closed
Add special hours for holidays later

Business Description

Write a compelling description (750 characters max):

Explain what you do and who you serve
Include your main services
Mention what makes you different
Don’t include URLs, phone numbers, or promotional language

Photos

Add photos to make your profile stand out:

Logo: Square format, represents your brand
Cover photo: Shows your business at its best
Interior/Exterior: Help customers recognize you
Team photos: Build trust
Work samples: Show what you do

Services

List all services you offer:

Add service names
Include descriptions
Add pricing if appropriate

Attributes

Select all applicable attributes:

Payment methods accepted
Accessibility features
Service options (online appointments, etc.)
Amenities

After Setup: What’s Next

Monitor for Verification

If you’re waiting on verification:

Check your email and Business Profile dashboard for updates
For video verification, review typically takes a few business days
You’ll receive notification once verified

Respond to Suggested Edits

Google and users can suggest edits to your profile:

Check your dashboard regularly
Accept accurate suggestions
Reject incorrect ones

Common Issues

Profile suspended

Usually means a guideline violation:

Review Google’s Business Profile Guidelines
Fix any issues (name stuffing, fake address, etc.)
Submit a reinstatement request

SmartWebsite Pro Clients

If you’re a SmartWebsite Pro client, we’ve got you covered. Once you complete your onboarding form, our team will begin optimizing your Google Business Profile before your live onboarding session. By the time we meet, your profile will already be set up for success.

Questions? Reach out to our support team:

Email us at support@getamplifiedmkg.com

How to Create a Google Business Profile