Checked against Google’s help pages in November 2026.
When someone searches for “panadería near me” or “mechanic in Aurora,” the businesses that show up on the map have a Google Business Profile. Setting one up is free, and you don’t need a website.
What you need before you start
- A Google account. A Gmail address works.
- Your business name, written exactly the way customers know it.
- Your address, or the area you serve if customers don’t come to you.
- A phone number you can answer, because Google may send a code to it.
1. See if your business is already on Google
Search your business name and city on Google Maps. Sometimes a profile already exists because a customer added it. If you find yours, choose the option to claim it and follow the steps. If not, create a new one.
2. Create your profile
Go to business.google.com/add and choose Add your business to Google. Type your business name, pick the category that best describes what you do, and add your address.
If you work at your customers’ homes, from a truck, or from your own home without customers coming by, add the area you serve instead of showing your address. That way your home address stays private.
3. Verify it
Google has to confirm your business is real before the profile shows up publicly. Depending on your business, it may offer a call or text, an email, a short video, a live video call or a postcard by mail.
- For a video, show your sign, your tools or equipment, or your work space.
- Postcards usually arrive within 14 days. While you wait, don’t change your name, address or category, or the code may stop working.
- After you finish, Google’s review can take up to 5 business days.
- Google will never ask you for your code. If someone calls asking for it, hang up.
4. Fill in the details
Add your hours, phone number, website or social media page, and a short description in your own words. Upload real photos: your storefront, your work, your team. Customers trust photos of the actual place more than stock pictures. Remember to update your hours for holidays.
5. Ask happy customers for reviews
Reviews help you show up in search and help people choose you. After a good job, send the customer the review link from your profile. Reply to every review, good or bad, and answer in the language the customer used. Don’t offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews; Google doesn’t allow it.
One more place to be found
Customers also look for local businesses on Biz Tiendita. Add your business for free, in English or Spanish.