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What Is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a free Google Search and Maps listing for eligible businesses that meet customers in person. Here’s what it shows and how to get started.
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A Google Business Profile is a free listing that an eligible business can manage to shape how it appears on Google Search and Maps. It can show customers practical details such as hours, contact information, location or service area, photos, and reviews. To qualify, a business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours.

How does a Google Business Profile work?

When people look for a business or a local category on Google Search or Maps, they may see its Business Profile. The profile gives customers key details and ways to contact or interact with the business. Google describes it as a local storefront or online listing; it is not a promise of a particular search position or a guaranteed source of new customers. Google’s overview of Business Profiles explains the service.

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A profile can display information such as:

  • Business name, hours, phone number, and website
  • Business location or service area
  • Photos and videos
  • Customer reviews, which the business can respond to
  • Links to options such as booking, social media, or the business website

Google may also draw on information from sources beyond the business owner, including user contributions and licensed content. As a result, the information people see may change even if the owner did not make the change. Owners can review and edit their listing, but should check it regularly for accuracy. See how to edit a Business Profile and how Google updates profile information.

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Is a Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Google says eligible businesses can add or claim a profile at no charge. The profile itself is separate from optional advertising and any third-party tools or services a business might choose to use. Google’s add-or-claim instructions cover the process and cost.

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Which businesses are eligible?

The central requirement is real-world customer contact: a business must make face-to-face contact with customers during its stated hours. A shop customers visit and a service-area business that serves customers locally may qualify. An online-only business without in-person customer contact does not qualify, and Google also excludes properties for rent or sale. Check Google’s eligibility and policy overview before creating a listing.

Business Profile versus brand profile

A Business Profile is for an eligible local business that interacts with customers face-to-face. A brand profile is a separate type of showcase for eligible brands, with more limited availability for online retailers; it is not a substitute for a local business listing. A business that meets the requirements for both may have both. Google explains the distinction in its Business Profile and brand profile overview.

How to add, claim, and verify a profile

  1. Add or claim the listing. Follow Google’s instructions to add or claim a Business Profile. If a listing already exists but is unverified, you can claim it rather than create a duplicate.
  2. Enter accurate business details. Provide the requested information and represent the business as it operates in the real world. Profile content must follow Google’s Business Profile policies and guidelines.
  3. Complete the verification option Google offers. The available method depends on what Google presents for the business. Verification is required to manage the profile; see Google’s verification guidance.
  4. Request access if someone else verified the listing. An authorized representative can request ownership rather than start a separate profile.

After verification, profile details can be managed through Google Search or Maps. Available controls may differ by device or platform, so use the options shown in the account.

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Photos and videos on a Business Profile

After verification, owners can upload photos and videos subject to Google’s content rules and media requirements. Google says approved uploads can take 24–48 hours to appear. Uploading a photo does not guarantee it will be selected as the cover image: Google may show a different image based on quality or information from other sources. Consult Google’s photo and video guidance for format, size, resolution, and duration details.

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What a profile does—and does not—promise

A Business Profile gives eligible businesses a way to manage information and customer interactions on Google Search and Maps. It can help people find and evaluate a local business, but it does not guarantee a ranking, paid placement, or a specific number of customers. Keep the listing accurate and policy-compliant, and treat it as one way customers may discover and learn about the business—not as a guaranteed marketing result.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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