How to Create a Google Business Profile: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Creating a Google Business Profile is free and takes about fifteen minutes. It’s the prerequisite for showing up on Google Maps and in local results. Here’s how to do it, and how to avoid the most common verification blockers.

Before you start

Have ready:

a Google account (ideally a dedicated business one, not your personal account);
the exact name, address and phone number of the business;
your main business category.

Create the profile step by step

Go to business.google.com and click “Manage now”.
Enter your business name. If it already exists (created by Google or a customer), you’ll be able to claim it instead of creating a duplicate.
Pick the most precise category possible: it determines which searches you appear in.
Indicate whether you receive customers at an address (storefront) or travel to them (service area).
Add phone and website.
Start verification (see below).

Verification: the step that blocks most people

Google must confirm you’re the owner. Depending on the case, verification happens by postal mail (5-digit code, 5–14 days), phone, email or video. Tips to get it right:

Don’t wait for the code to complete the profile, but don’t change the address during the wait: it cancels the process.
For video verification, film without cuts: signage, interior, then proof of management (register, stockroom).
One request at a time: multiple attempts slow everything down.

Right after creation

Once verified, don’t leave the profile empty:

add hours, photos and a description;
check your holiday hours;
start collecting reviews (see get more Google reviews).

To understand everything a profile enables, read our complete Google Business Profile guide.

Managing several locations?

If you open several locations, create them under one account and manage them together. Horair centralizes your profiles: hours, info and reviews are managed from a single dashboard and synced to Google, Facebook, Instagram and your website. Create your free account.