How do you set up and verify a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is the card that appears on Google and on Maps when someone searches for your business's name or for something like "glass balcony company near me". Your phone number, directions, opening hours, photos and reviews are on this card. Opening one is free. But getting a few settings right from the start prevents suspension and visibility problems later.

Prepare before you start

• Your business's real name (the name on your sign and on your invoices)
• The primary category that best describes your work
• Do customers come to you, or do you go to them?
• Phone number and website
• A few real photos: outside, inside, your work, your team

Step by step

1. Sign in with a Google account. Use an account that belongs to the business and that you won't lose. You can add your agency as a manager later; you remain the owner of the account.
2. Enter the business name. Only your real name. Names stuffed with keywords, such as "Ahmet Usta Cam Balkon İzmir Ucuz" ("Master Ahmet Glass Balcony İzmir Cheap"), break the rules and are a reason for suspension.
3. Choose the primary category. This decides most which searches you appear in on the map. You can add secondary categories for your other work later.
4. Set the location. If customers come to your address, enter it. If you go to your customers (installation, renovation, servicing), hide the address and choose a service area.
5. Add your contact details. Phone and website. They should match the details on your site exactly.
6. Verify. Google offers different methods depending on your business, such as a video recording, phone or email. For video verification you are usually asked to show your sign, your premises and a document that belongs to the business.
7. Fill in the profile. Opening hours, description, services or products, photos. An empty profile falls behind on the map.

Common mistakes

• Opening a second profile for the same business. Duplicate profiles put both at risk.
• Using a virtual office address. Under Google's rules, virtual offices aren't eligible unless someone works at that address and receives customers there.
• Changing your details often. New profiles and big changes can go under review; constant editing makes this process longer.
• Buying reviews. It breaks the rules; the profile can be restricted.

What should you do next?

The real work starts once the profile is open: adding photos regularly, asking customers for reviews, replying to reviews and keeping the profile consistent with your site. If your profile still isn't showing on the map, see the post where we explain the possible reasons. If you'd like to open or claim the profile together with us, see the Google Business Profile setup page; verification still depends on Google's own process.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to open a profile?

No, it's free. It isn't possible to pay Google to rank higher on the map either. Ads on the map are separate and are marked 'Sponsored'.

How long does verification take?

It depends on the method used and on the review. Some profiles are verified quickly; others need extra review. It wouldn't be right to give a fixed time.

Can I open a profile without an address?

If you go to your customers yourself, yes: you hide the address and choose the areas you serve. But Google may still ask for a real business or work address for verification.

Cover photo: Kampus Production / Pexels