Google Business Profile (earlier called Google My Business or GMB) is the free listing that appears when people search for a business on Google Search and Maps. For local businesses in India it is often the single most useful marketing asset, because customers can call, message or get directions in one tap. This guide shows how to create one correctly the first time.
Before you start: prepare these details
- Exact business name as it appears on your signboard, bills and website. Do not add keywords or a city to the name.
- Address with pincode, or your service area if customers do not visit you.
- Phone number you actually answer, ideally the same one on your website and other listings.
- Website link to a page that loads fast on mobile.
- Opening hours, including a holiday plan.
- Photos of the shopfront or office, inside, team and work. Real photos beat stock images.
Step 1: Search before you create
Search your business name on Google. If a listing already exists (many do, created from public data), claim it instead of creating a duplicate. Duplicates are one of the most common reasons for confusion and suspensions.
Step 2: Create the profile
- Sign in with a Google account that the business will control long term. Avoid a personal account of one employee who may leave.
- Open Google Business Profile and choose Add your business.
- Enter the business name exactly as it appears in real life.
- Choose the primary category carefully. It is one of the strongest signals for what you appear for. Add secondary categories only if they truly apply.
- Add the address, or choose a service area if you travel to customers. Rules for hiding the address depend on business type.
- Add phone and website.
Step 3: Complete the profile fully
- Description: up to 750 characters. Describe what you do, who you serve and where. Write naturally, no phone numbers or links.
- Services and products: list each service with a short description.
- Hours: set regular and holiday hours. Wrong hours cost customers and reviews.
- Attributes: payment methods, accessibility, languages and other options that apply.
- Photos: logo, cover photo, exterior, interior, team and work. Add new photos regularly.
- Opening date, WhatsApp and appointment links if available.
Step 4: Verify the profile
Verification proves the business is real and at the location you entered. Google chooses the method based on the business and region, and you usually cannot pick it yourself. Common methods are a video recording, a phone or email code, or a postcard. Video verification often asks you to show the premises, signage, equipment and proof that you operate there.
Tips for passing:
- Record in one continuous take, starting from the street so the location is clear.
- Show the signboard, the interior and your tools or stock.
- Keep a business document handy, such as a bill or registration, if asked.
- Do not submit the same business at several addresses or fake an address.
If verification fails, read the reason, fix the issue and try again instead of repeatedly resubmitting the same video. Read more in our guide on fixing verification problems.
Step 5: Collect genuine reviews
Ask satisfied customers after service, using your review link. Reply to every review politely. Never buy reviews, offer rewards for positive ones or review your own business. These violate Google policies and can lead to removal.
Step 6: Keep it active
- Post an update or offer every week or two.
- Answer questions people ask on the profile.
- Update hours before festivals.
- Check the profile monthly for wrong edits suggested by users.
Common mistakes that cause problems
- Stuffing keywords into the business name.
- Using a virtual office or someone else's address.
- Creating a new profile after a suspension instead of fixing the cause.
- Different phone numbers and addresses on the profile, website and directories.
- Ignoring reviews and messages.
Connect the profile to your website and ads
Your profile works best when the website matches it: same name, address and phone number, with local schema and a contact page. You can later link it to Google Ads for call and location extensions. See our local SEO guide and the Google Business Profile setup service if you would like us to do it for you.
Need help?
We create and verify profiles, make your phone number and hours live, and keep them updated. Book a free consultation and we will review your current listing.