How to Add Your Business to Google (and Google Maps)

Here's how to add business to Google: create a free Google Business Profile at google.com/business, enter your business name and category, add your address or service areas, your phone number and website, then verify that you own the business. Once Google verifies it, your business can appear in Google Search and on Google Maps. The whole process is free and usually takes a few days, most of it waiting for verification.

How do I add my business to Google?

You add your business to Google by creating a Google Business Profile (it used to be called Google My Business). It's the listing that shows your hours, phone number, reviews and photos when someone searches your business name or a service near them.

Before you start, have these ready:

• A Google account (use a business email you'll keep, not a staff member's personal one)
• Your exact business name, as it appears on your signage and paperwork
• Your address, or the suburbs and towns you serve if customers don't visit you
• Your phone number and website
• Your opening hours

How do you create a Google Business Profile?

1. Go to google.com/business and sign in with your Google account.
2. Search for your business name. If it already exists, you'll be asked to claim it. If not, choose to add it.
3. Choose your business category. Pick the one that best describes your main service, such as "Plumber" or "Accountant". You can add more categories later.
4. Add your location. If customers visit you, enter your address. If you travel to customers, list your service areas instead.
5. Add contact details: phone number and website.
6. Verify your business. Google will offer one or more ways to verify, such as a phone call or text, an email, a short video showing your business, or a postcard. The options depend on your business.
7. Complete your profile while you wait: hours, services, photos and a description.

How do you add a business to Google Maps?

Adding your business to Google Maps happens through the same Business Profile. Once your profile is verified, your business appears on Google Maps automatically. You can also start from the Google Maps app: tap your profile picture, then "Add your business", and follow the same steps.

If you only serve customers at their location, Google can hide your address and show a service area instead. Your business still appears in Maps searches in those areas.

How long does it take to get my business on Google?

Creating the profile takes about 15 minutes. Verification can happen straight away, take a few days, or longer if Google asks for a postcard or a video review. After verification, changes can take a few days to show. If your verification is stuck, check that your business name, address and category match your signage and website exactly.

What we see when regional businesses add themselves to Google

Many of the businesses we talk to in Mildura and across Sunraysia already have a Google listing they didn't create. Google sometimes builds one from public information, and a customer may have added the business to Maps. In that case, claim the existing listing rather than creating a second one, because duplicates confuse Google and split your reviews.

The other common problem is a profile created by a past employee or web designer who has since moved on, leaving nobody able to log in. If that's you, Google lets you request ownership from the profile's page. Our Google Business Profile optimisation service sets up and verifies profiles (set-up is $500 + GST), and sorts out ownership problems like these.

How do you make your Google Business Profile work harder?

Many owners search "how to get my business on Google", but getting listed is only step one. To show up for more searches:

• Choose accurate primary and secondary categories
• List every service you offer
• Add real photos of your premises, team and work
• Post updates and offers regularly
• Ask every customer for a review and reply to every review. Our guide to getting more Google reviews explains how.
• Keep your hours up to date, including public holidays

Our guide to optimising your Google Business Profile covers each of these in detail, and our article on what local SEO is explains how your profile and website work together. Our SEO services cover the website side.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to add my business to Google?

Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free. Be wary of calls claiming to be from Google that ask for payment to list or verify your business: Google doesn't charge for Business Profiles.

How do I make a Google business page without an address?

Choose the option that you deliver goods and services to customers, then list your service areas instead of an address. You'll still need to verify the business, but your address won't show publicly.

How do I register my business on Google if it's already listed?

Search your business name on Google or Maps, open the listing and choose "Claim this business" or "Own this business?". Follow the steps to verify. If someone else already manages it, you can request access.

Can I list a home-based business on Google?

Yes. Most home-based businesses set themselves up as service-area businesses and hide their home address. If customers do visit your home, you can show the address.

Why isn't my business showing on Google after verification?

New profiles can take a few days to appear, and they show for your business name first. Showing up for broader searches like "electrician near me" depends on your categories, details, reviews and distance from the searcher.

Want help getting listed properly? Contact Rock Solid Marketing and we'll set up your profile with you.