Log In

Google Business Profile (Google Maps)

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is Google’s official platform for managing how your local business appears in Google Search and on Google Maps. Your Business Profile powers the local pack, map results, and the knowledge panel that shows key information such as your address, phone number, hours, reviews, and photos.

For local SEO, your Google Business Profile is the single most important citation. It is often the first brand touchpoint when people search for your business name or for services like “plumber near me” or “kids summer camp in [city].” A complete and accurate profile helps you:

  • Control how your business appears in Google Search and Maps
  • Reinforce NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across the web
  • Showcase photos, services, products, and posts directly in Google
  • Collect and respond to customer reviews in a trusted environment

Every location-based or service-area business that wants visibility in Google’s local results should claim and optimize its Google Business Profile.

For Existing Listings...

Before you start

Make sure you have:

  • A Google account (Gmail or Google Workspace) that will own the listing
  • Official business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
  • Business category, website URL, and hours
  • Access to the business phone number, email, or physical mailbox for verification

Step 1: Find your business on Google Maps

  1. Go to https://www.google.com/maps.
  2. In the search bar, type your business name and city, then press Enter.
  3. Click your business in the search results to open its full Business Profile panel.

Step 2: Start the claim process

  1. On the Business Profile, look for a link such as “Claim this business” or “Own this business?” and click it.
  2. Click Manage now when prompted.

Step 3: Sign in and request ownership

  1. Sign in with the Google account you want to use to manage the profile.
  2. If someone already manages the profile, you may see a message that it’s already claimed. You can request access by filling out the form shown on screen.
  3. If the profile is unclaimed, you will be guided through the steps to become the primary owner.

Step 4: Verify your connection to the business

  1. Choose a verification method offered for your business. Common options include:
    • Postcard mailed to your business address with a verification code
    • Phone call or text message sent to the business phone number
    • Email sent to a business address
    • Instant or video verification in some cases
  2. Follow the instructions to enter your verification code or complete the verification process.

Step 5: Review and update your Business Profile

  1. Once verified, search for your business name on Google while logged in. You should see management options (such as “Edit profile”) directly on the Business Profile in Search or Maps.
  2. Update your:
    • Business name (no extra keywords; use your real brand name)
    • Address and service area
    • Phone number and website URL
    • Hours, attributes, and services
    • Photos and logo
  3. Save changes and review your profile for accuracy and completeness.

For New Listings...

Use these steps when your business does not appear in Google Maps or Google Search yet.

Step 1: Go to the Google Business Profile creation page

  1. Visit https://business.google.com/add.
  2. Sign in with the Google account you want to use to manage the business.

Step 2: Enter your business name and category

  1. Enter your business name exactly as it should appear to customers.
  2. If Google shows matches for existing businesses, double-check that none of them are your business under a slightly different name or address.
  3. If none match, choose the option to create a new business with that name.
  4. Select the primary category that best describes your business (for example, “Plumber,” “Dentist,” “Summer camp,” etc.).

Step 3: Provide location and contact details

  1. Indicate whether customers visit your location (storefront) or you serve them at their location (service-area business).
  2. Enter your business address or service area details as prompted.
  3. Add your business phone number and website URL.

Step 4: Complete additional profile details

  1. Add your regular business hours.
  2. Optionally add attributes (such as accessibility, payment types, or amenities) if available for your category.
  3. Upload a logo and a few high-quality photos if you are given the option during setup; you can always add more later.

Step 5: Verify your new Business Profile

  1. Choose a verification method (postcard, phone, email, video, or other options shown on screen).
  2. Complete the verification steps and enter any codes provided.
  3. Once verified, your Business Profile will be active and you can manage it directly from Google Search and Google Maps.

After setup, search for your business name in Google Search or Maps while logged in to access editing tools and continue optimizing your profile.

Citation Optimization

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

1. Keep NAP perfectly consistent

  • Use the exact same business name, address, and phone number across your Google Business Profile, website, and other citations.
  • Avoid keyword stuffing in the business name; use only your true brand name.

2. Choose the right categories

  • Select the most accurate primary category for what you mainly do.
  • Add a few secondary categories only if they truly apply to your services.

3. Add a strong description and key business details

  • Write a concise, benefit-focused description explaining who you serve, what you specialize in, and what makes you different.
  • Include natural, not stuffed, phrases customers might search for (for example, “emergency plumber in [city]” or “summer day camp for kids”).
  • Fill out services, products, booking links, and other fields relevant to your category.

4. Upload high-quality photos

  • Add a clear logo, cover image, exterior and interior photos, team photos, and examples of your work or products.
  • Update photos regularly so the profile looks current and active.

5. Use posts and offers

  • Publish posts about promotions, events, seasonal services, or important announcements.
  • Use offer posts for time-sensitive discounts or packages.

6. Build and manage reviews

  • Encourage happy customers to leave reviews by sending them directly to your profile link.
  • Reply to every review when possible, thanking customers and addressing any issues professionally.

7. Monitor insights and keep data fresh

  • Check your profile regularly to keep hours, services, and attributes up to date.
  • Review insights (searches, calls, direction requests) to understand how people are finding and contacting you.
About Us

We’re More Than Just Consultants… Our Own Brands Are Built with WordPress & WooCommerce.

And our founder is the coolest guy in Nashville.

Important Links
Insights
Copyright © 2025 Nacke Media, LLC.