SEO Services
How to Claim Your Google Business Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide
We set up and manage Google Business Profiles for businesses across Lancashire. This guide is for owners who have not yet claimed their listing or found it claimed by someone else. It covers the claim, the verification and the details to complete afterwards. Follow it step by step, so your business appears correctly in Google Maps and local results.
How to claim your listing
Google often creates a basic listing for a business before the owner claims it. Claiming it gives you control over the details customers see. If no listing exists, you create one through the same process. Follow these steps from a computer or phone.
- Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account you will keep.
- Search for your business name and choose it from the list.
- Select the option to claim or manage the business.
- Add a new listing instead if your business does not appear.
- Enter your business category, contact details and the areas you serve.
Use a business Google account rather than a personal one where possible. Add a second owner or manager so access never depends on one person. Keep the login details somewhere safe and shared.
How to verify your business
Google needs to confirm the business is real and that you represent it. Verification options vary by business type, location and history. Google shows the available methods once you start. These are the methods you are most likely to see.
- A short video showing your premises, signage and proof of management.
- A phone call or text message with a verification code.
- An email to an address on your business domain.
- A postcard with a code, sent to your business address.
- Instant verification when your website is already linked to Search Console.
Follow Google's instructions exactly, as small mismatches cause rejections. Your business name must match what customers see on signs and invoices. Verification can take from a few minutes to several days. Do not edit key details while the review is in progress.
What to complete after you verify
A verified but empty profile does little for your rankings. Complete every relevant section, because each one helps Google and customers understand your business. Accurate details also stop customers calling the wrong number or visiting at the wrong time. Complete these sections first.
- Primary category, plus secondary categories that match your real services.
- Opening hours, including holiday hours when they change.
- Services or products, with short descriptions in plain language.
- A business description that explains what you do and where you work.
- Photos of your premises, team and recent work.
- Your website link, pointing to the most relevant page.
Post updates, answer questions and reply to reviews every month. Activity shows customers the business is active and responsive. Our local SEO guide explains how your profile works with your website. Our SEO services page covers our profile management service.
Google Business Profile checklist
Use this checklist when you claim or review your profile. Each item helps your listing appear and convert in local searches. Check it again every few months.
- Profile claimed with a business Google account
- A second owner or manager added
- Verification completed successfully
- Primary and secondary categories chosen
- Hours, services and description completed
- Photos added and updated regularly
- Website link pointing to the right page
- Reviews answered and updates posted each month
Good to know
Google Business Profile FAQs
Is a Google Business Profile free?+
Yes, creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free. Google does not charge for the listing, verification or updates. Some businesses pay agencies to manage their profile for them. Ads that appear on Google Maps are a separate, paid service.
How long does verification take?+
Some methods verify instantly, while others take several days. Video reviews and postcards usually take longest. Google sometimes asks for extra evidence before it approves a profile. Check your email and the profile dashboard for updates during this time.
What if someone else has already claimed my business?+
Google lets you request access from the current owner through the profile. The owner has a set period to respond to your request. If they do not respond, Google often lets you continue with your own claim. Keep proof of your connection to the business ready.
Can I list a business without a shop or office?+
Yes, service-area businesses can hide their address and list the areas they cover. You still need a real location for verification purposes. Your service areas then show instead of an address. This suits trades and mobile services.
Keep this guide with your business account details. Share it with anyone who helps manage your online listings. So you can control how your business appears in Google and turn local searches into calls.
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