How to Claim a Business on Google

Claiming your business on Google gives you control over the information people see when they search for you, including your address, hours, phone number, and customer reviews. This guide walks you through the entire process, from creating an account to verifying your listing, and covers common problems you might run into. You will need a Google account (like Gmail) and proof that you operate or own the business.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (Gmail, Workspace, or any Google login). If you don’t have one, create it at accounts.google.com.
• Your business name, physical address, and phone number.
• A way to verify your business, usually a phone that can receive a text or call, or a mailing address for a postcard.
• Access to the business’s official email (if you want to use email verification, which is available for some businesses).

Step-by-Step

1. Go to Google Business Profile. Open your browser and go to business.google.com. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account. If you are not signed in, do so now.
2. Enter your business name. On the main page, type your business name into the search box. If your business already appears in Google’s database, it will show in a dropdown list. Click on it to select it.
3. If your business is not listed, add it. If nothing comes up, click “Add your business” or “Create a business with this name.” Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your storefront or website, and click “Next.”
4. Choose your business category. Select the category that best describes your business. This helps Google show you in the right searches. Be specific (e.g., “Pizza restaurant” rather than “Restaurant”). You can change this later.
5. Add your location. Enter your business address. If you serve customers at your location, check “Yes” for “Do you have a location customers can visit?” If you are a service-area business that works at customers’ locations, choose “No” and enter the areas you serve instead.
6. Add your contact details. Enter your phone number and website URL (if you have one). These will show publicly on your listing.
7. Review and submit. Google will show you a summary of the information you entered. Check everything is correct, then click “Continue” or “Finish.”
8. Choose your verification method. Google will offer one or more ways to verify you own the business. The most common options are:
   • Phone verification: Google calls or texts you a code. This usually takes a few minutes.
   • Postcard verification: Google mails a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This takes 5–14 days.
   • Email verification: Google sends a code to the email associated with your business website domain. Not all businesses get this option.
   • Instant verification: If you already verified your business website with Google Search Console, you may be able to verify instantly. This option appears automatically if it’s available.
9. Complete the verification. Follow the on-screen instructions for the method you chose. For phone, enter the code you receive. For postcard, wait for it to arrive, then enter the code on the verification screen in your Business Profile dashboard.
10. Confirm your listing. Once verified, your business is live. You can now add photos, respond to reviews, update your hours, and edit any other details.

Common Mistakes

• Creating a duplicate listing. If your business already exists, claiming it is better than creating a new one. Duplicates confuse customers and split your reviews. Before adding a new listing, search for your business name in Google Maps to see if it’s already there.
• Using an inconsistent name or address. Use the exact same name, address, and phone number that appear on your website and in the real world. Small differences (like “St” vs “Street”) can cause verification problems or lower your ranking.
• Choosing the wrong category. A vague category makes it harder for customers to find you. Pick the most specific category that applies. You can add secondary categories later.
• Skipping the verification code. If you request a postcard, you must enter the code within 30 days of receiving it. If you miss the window, you’ll need to request a new one.
• Using a personal address for a service-area business. If you don’t want your home address public, select “No” when asked about a customer-visited location and list your service areas instead.

Tips

• Fill out every field. Businesses with complete profiles—including photos, hours, and descriptions—rank higher and get more clicks. Add your logo, cover photo, and a few interior/exterior shots.
• Keep your hours updated. Especially around holidays. Customers trust your listed hours, and showing up to a closed business is a fast way to lose them.
• Respond to reviews. Thank positive reviewers and politely address negative ones. This shows you’re engaged and can improve your reputation.
• Use the free website option. If you don’t have a website, Google offers a simple one-page site builder through Business Profile. It’s basic but free and gets you online quickly.
• Check your profile regularly. Log in at least once a month to see if customers have asked questions or if Google has flagged any issues with your listing.

Troubleshooting

• You don’t see a verification option. Some businesses are not eligible for phone or email verification. If you only see the postcard option, that’s normal. If you see no option at all, you may have already claimed the listing with another Google account. Try logging in with a different account or check if the listing says “Claim this business” on Google Maps.
• The postcard never arrives. Postcards can take up to 14 days. Make sure your business address is exactly as it appears on your mail. If it’s been over 14 days, go to your Business Profile dashboard and click “Request another code.” You can also try a different verification method if one is available.
• You entered the wrong code. Double-check the code on the postcard. Codes are case-sensitive. If you’ve entered it incorrectly too many times, you may need to request a new postcard.
• Your listing says “Suspended” or “Disabled.” This usually happens if Google thinks your listing violates their guidelines, like using a P.O. box as a street address or having a keyword-stuffed business name. Review Google’s quality guidelines, fix the issue, and submit a reinstatement request from your dashboard.
• You can’t access the Google account that claimed the listing. If you lose access to the email that claimed the business, you’ll need to go through Google’s Business Profile support to request ownership transfer. You’ll need to provide proof of business ownership, like a utility bill or business license.
• Someone else already claimed your business. If you see “This business is already claimed,” request access from the current owner through the listing. They’ll get a notification to approve or deny. If they don’t respond, you can contact Google support to escalate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to verify my business?
Phone and email verification are usually instant. Postcard verification takes 5–14 days for delivery, plus the time it takes you to enter the code.

Is claiming my Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Google Business Profile is completely free. You never have to pay to create or claim a listing.

Can I have more than one location on one account?
Yes. You can add multiple locations under the same Google account. Each location gets its own listing and verification.

What if I don’t have a physical storefront?
If you’re a service-area business (like a plumber or dog walker), you can still claim a listing. Choose “No” when asked about a customer-visited location and define your service area instead.

Do I need a website to claim my business?
No. A website is optional. You can add one later, or use Google’s free website builder.

Can I change my business name after claiming?
Yes, but major changes may trigger re-verification. Small edits are fine, but a full name change may require you to verify again to prevent fraud.

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