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IndexTitle: Google Business Profile Basics
IndexDescription: Basic researched source content and official links for getting established with Google Business Profile.
IndexType: Content
IndexStatus: Draft
LastEdited: 2026-05-30
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# Google Business Profile Basics

Use Google Business Profile as one practical external profile for a local
business, storefront, service-area business, or hybrid business that customers
may find through Google Search or Google Maps.

This is not a full local search plan. It is a simple starting checklist and
link set that can support a future website section, user handoff, or
Capability.

## Basic Starting Path

1. Confirm that the business is eligible for a Google Business Profile.
   Google generally requires a business to make in-person contact with
   customers during its stated hours.
2. Use a Google Account that the business owner controls. A company email
   address can be linked to a Google Account.
3. Search for the business on Google Search or Google Maps.
4. If the Business Profile already exists and is not claimed, claim it.
5. If the Business Profile does not exist yet, add the business through
   Google Business Profile.
6. Complete the verification steps Google offers for that profile. Google
   chooses the available verification methods, and review can take time.
7. Confirm the core profile information: business name, category, address or
   service area, phone number, website, hours, and contact options.
8. For a service-area business that visits or delivers to customers but does
   not serve customers at the business address, hide the address and set a
   service area.
9. Add useful real photos after verification, such as exterior photos,
   interior photos, logo, cover photo, products, services, or team photos when
   appropriate.
10. Read and respond to reviews from the verified Business Profile.
11. If requesting Google reviews, use Google's review link or QR code and do
    not offer discounts, goods, services, or other incentives in exchange for
    reviews.

## Basic Information To Gather

- Business name as it is used in the real world.
- Business category.
- Storefront address, service area, or hybrid service-area details.
- Phone number.
- Website URL.
- Hours.
- Business description.
- Services or products.
- Appointment, menu, booking, ordering, or contact links if relevant.
- Logo, cover photo, and useful business photos.
- Google Account owner and backup manager decisions.
- Verification owner: the person who can receive calls, texts, mail, or
  record required proof if Google asks for verification.

## Copy For A Website Section

Google Business Profile can be part of a basic online-presence setup for a
local business. Start by checking whether the business is eligible and whether
it already appears on Google Search or Google Maps. If a profile exists, claim
it. If it does not, add the business and complete Google's verification steps.

After verification, keep the business name, category, address or service area,
phone number, website, hours, and description accurate. Add real photos that
help customers recognize the business and understand what it offers. Respond
to reviews professionally, and if asking for reviews, use Google's review link
or QR code without offering incentives.

## Official Links

- Get started with Google Business Profile:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/7039811>
- Add or claim your Business Profile:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778>
- Verify your business on Google:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242>
- Find your business on Google:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/145585>
- Edit your Business Profile:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/3039617>
- Business eligibility and ownership guidelines:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/13763036>
- Guidelines for representing your business on Google:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177>
- Service-area and hybrid business guidance:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/9157481>
- Manage photos and videos:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/6103862>
- Tips for business-specific photos:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/6123536>
- Manage customer reviews:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474050>
- Tips to get more Google reviews:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122>
- Manage local business links:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/6218037>
- All Business Profile policies and guidelines:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/7667250>
- Google Business Profile Learning Center:
  <https://support.google.com/business/answer/15697615>

## Notes For Future Editing

- Keep Google Business Profile as one external-profile option, not the whole
  web-presence plan.
- Do not imply that paid Google Ads are required to add, claim, or maintain a
  Business Profile.
- Do not promise search ranking, calls, leads, map placement, review outcomes,
  or customer results.
- Do not store Google login credentials, verification codes, private identity
  documents, or sensitive business records in the repository.
- For a specific user business, confirm eligibility, real-world business name,
  address or service-area handling, category, phone, website, hours, photos,
  account owner, and verification owner before acting.
