How to Get Your Business on Google Maps for Free

1. Add or claim your Business Profile (free)

You need a Google Account to manage a Business Profile. It can use a Gmail address or another email address you already have.

If your business isn't on Google yet: go to business.google.com/add (opens in a new tab), choose to add your business, follow the on-screen steps, then pick a verification option.

If your business already shows up but isn't claimed: open Google Maps, search for your business name and city, select it, then choose Claim this business and Manage now. If someone else already verified it and you're authorized to manage the business, you can request ownership from the current owner.

Only businesses that are eligible for a profile can be added. Google's guidelines say a business needs a real location customers can visit, or it must travel to customers where they are.

2. Get verified

You need to verify your business before you can edit things like your name and hours. Google picks which verification methods you're offered, based on things like your business type, public info, region and hours, and you can't change them. Some businesses need more than one method.

• Options can include phone or text, email, a video recording, a live video call, or a postcard by mail. Google recommends video verification if you're eligible.
• For phone or text, make sure you can answer your business phone or get texts. Automated phone menus (IVR) won't receive the code.
• If you get a postcard: don't edit your business name, address or category while you wait, and don't request a new code, or the one in the mail won't work. Google says most codes arrive within 14 days, and codes expire after 30 days.
• Never share your verification code. Google says it will never ask you for it.
• After you finish, Google's review can take up to 5 business days, and occasionally longer. You'll get a confirmation email when you're verified.

3. Choose the right category

Google asks you to use as few categories as possible, and to pick the most specific ones that describe your core business. A good test: the category should finish the sentence "This business IS a...", not "This business HAS a...".

Don't use categories as keywords, and don't add categories that belong to a nearby or related business.

4. Keep your name, address and phone consistent (NAP)

Use your real-world business name, the way it appears on your sign, website and stationery. Google doesn't allow extras in the name like taglines, phone numbers, website addresses, location details or service keywords, and adding them can get a profile suspended.

Use a precise, real address. P.O. boxes, remote mailboxes and virtual offices aren't eligible. If you travel to customers and don't serve them at your address (for example, a plumber working from home), set a service area and hide your address.

Use a phone number that's under your business's direct control and reaches that location. Google prefers a local number over a central call center line.

Have only one profile per business location. Duplicates can cause problems with how your business shows on Maps and Search.

Outside Google, use the same name, address and phone on your website, social pages and directory listings, so customers aren't confused by mismatched details.

5. Add accurate hours

List your regular customer-facing hours. You can set special hours for holidays or events, and mark the business temporarily closed during an off-season.

Some businesses shouldn't list hours at all, such as those that only work by appointment or have varied schedules like classes.

6. Add photos

Photos show on Google only after your profile is verified. You can add a logo, a cover photo, and photos of your storefront, products and services. An exterior photo helps customers recognize you when they arrive.

• Google's photo guidelines: JPG or PNG, between 10 KB and 5 MB, recommended 720 x 720 pixels, minimum 250 x 250.
• Photos should be in focus, well lit, and represent reality, without heavy edits or filters.
• New photos can take 24 to 48 hours to appear.

7. Ask for reviews the right way

Reviews show next to your profile on Maps and Search. Google suggests reminding customers to leave a review with a Google link or QR code, replying to reviews, and valuing honest feedback, including negative reviews.

Don't offer anything for reviews. Google strictly prohibits offering incentives, like free or discounted goods or services, in exchange for posting, changing or removing reviews.

When you reply, keep it short, polite and specific. Don't share a reviewer's private information, and don't use replies to push deals.