How to Add a Business on Google Maps- 2026
Introduction
In a world where almost every individual of different ages holds a mobile device in their hand, it is a no-brainer that you should be listing your business on local search. Research done by HubSpot has shown that 88% of searches for local businesses on a mobile device either result in a call or a visit to the business within 24 hours, and 72% of visitors who conducted a local search visited the store within five miles! These impressive figures highlight the importance of a local business developing a strong online presence.
Aren’t these stats crazy? Wouldn’t you like to get your business listed online and increase your sales? You’re in the right place!
In the first part of the blog, we learned about what Google My Business is all about. In this blog, we will learn a few tips on setting up and optimizing your Google My Business account.
The first essential step towards SEO success is creating a Google My Business profile for your business or for the local companies that you are working with. In this part of the blog, we will explain the steps to create a profile on Google My Business and get your profile listed.
Key Takeaways
- Local search is critical for business success – With 88% of local mobile searches resulting in calls or visits within 24 hours, having a Google My Business profile is essential for reaching local customers.
- Verification is mandatory – To fully manage your business listing on Google, you must complete the verification process by entering the code sent to your business address.
- NAP consistency is crucial – Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number information is accurate and consistent across all platforms to improve local search rankings.
- Visual content drives engagement – Businesses with photos receive 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks, making visual content a powerful optimization tool.
- Reviews impact rankings – Responding to customer reviews and incorporating relevant keywords in replies significantly improves your GMB profile’s visibility in local search results.
- Regular updates keep you relevant – Posting updates about offers, events, products, and services helps engage your audience and maintains your freshness on Google Search and Maps.
How to Create and Verify Your Google Business Profile
Setting Up Your Profile
Create a Google Account
The first step is to create a business Google account, or you can use your existing Google account. Google accounts are simple to create and are available to everyone.
Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
Once you create your Google Account or log in to your existing account, navigate to the Google Business Profile Manager and select your business profile option.
Enter Your Business Information
Search for your business name in the search bar. If it doesn’t appear, click “Add your business to Google” to create a new listing. If your business is already listed, claim it by clicking “Request Access” and follow the guided process.
Add Business Name and Category
Enter your business name ensuring it stands out and reflects the services you provide. Select the most relevant business category to help customers discover you when searching.
Choose Your Business Type
Indicate whether you operate an online store, have a physical location, or run a service-based business. You can select multiple types that apply to your operations.
Add Your Website
If you have a website or online store, add the URL to your profile. According to statistics, 97% of people research companies online before engaging. If you need help creating a professional website that integrates with your Google Business Profile, Digit Cure offers comprehensive web design and digital marketing services.
Enter Business Address and Contact Details
Add your physical business address where customers can visit. Ensure the information is accurate and position the map marker at your exact location. Include your business phone number so customers can easily reach you.
Video Verification Process
Google now requires video verification to confirm your business’s legitimacy. Follow these steps carefully to ensure approval.
1. Prepare Before Recording
Before starting the verification process, ensure:
- Your business signboard (flex, LED board, or shop name) is installed and clearly visible
- The signboard name matches exactly with your Google Business Profile name
- Your shop/office is physically present and operational at the registered location
- The premises are clean, open, and staffed if possible
- Good lighting is available (daylight or adequate indoor lighting)
- You’re ready to record a continuous 1-2 minute video with no cuts, pauses, or editing
2. Start the Verification Process
- Open Chrome Browser on your PC or phone
- Go to Google Business Profile Manager
- Click “Get Verified”
- Choose “Video Verification”
- Click “Start Recording”
- If using PC: Scan the QR code to open your phone’s camera
3. Record Your Verification Video
Record continuously in one single shot following this sequence:
A. Show the Outside Area
- Stand outside your business premises
- Pan to show left-side surroundings (nearby shops, street landmarks)
- Pan to show right-side surroundings (adjacent businesses, street view)
- Show your main business signboard clearly
B. Show the Entrance
- Display the door or shutter
- Open the door while recording (this is crucial)
- Enter inside the premises while recording
C. Show Inside the Business
- Walk through your interior workspace
- Show product shelves, tools, equipment, or service areas
- Display any interior branding (logo boards, wall branding, signage)
- Show employees working (avoid close-up face shots)
- If possible, show your cash counter, POS system, or computer in use
- Demonstrate active business operation
4. Complete the Submission
- Keep your video under 2 minutes
- Press “Done” after completing the recording
- Submit the video for review
How to Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
If you want to improve the chances of your Google Business Profile listing ranking well on local search results, then optimizing your GMB Profile should be at the top of your priority SEO checklist.
Your local ranking factors are determined by the following:
Relevance: How well your Google My Business Profile listing matches a search
Distance: How far your location is from the search or searcher
Prominence: How well-known your business is (based on factors like links, number of reviews, review score, and SEO)
For more information, visit Hootsuite
Below are ways to optimize your Google My Business Profile
Analyze your Name, Address, and Phone Information
The first thing you ought to do for your GMB Profile is to review and analyze your NAP information.
Review your business name. Is your business name listed correctly? Does it match the name listed on your physical location or online store? Is it consistent on all platforms?
Check if the address information of your business is listed correctly on GMB. Make it a point to enter the correct building name or the street where your business is located. On GMB, you also have the option to hide your business address.
The next checkpoint is your phone number. A phone number is crucial since you will have a lot of potential customers calling your business to inquire about your services or products.a
Add a relevant Business Description and category
Add a brief description of your business, your business values, the products and services you offer, and the areas you serve. It’s vital to add the cities you service and the services you provide since it signals Google to rank your business for the terms mentioned in the description.
Adding a category is an important step in optimizing your GMB Profile. Categories describe your business and connect you to customers who search for your products or services. You can add a secondary category as well.
Note that Google has a predefined list of categories, and you cannot add your own category. If you cannot find your category, you may choose a general one that best describes your business.
Respond to customers' reviews
Responding to reviews, whether good reviews or negative, is crucial for your GMB profile. Adding relevant keywords in reviews and replies plays an important role in ranking your GMB profile on local ranking listings. The more times a keyword appears in your reviews, the higher the chances your listing will rank at the top of local search results.
Upload Photos and Videos of your business
Photos improve the performance of business profiles more than most business owners and marketers think.
Based on statistics, businesses with photos on their Google My Business Profiles receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps and 35% more clickthroughs to their websites.
Posting Updates on your GMB Profile
Publish offers, events, products, and services to Google Search and Maps through posts on Google Business Profile. Posting regular updates not only lets you engage with your audience but also keeps you fresh on Google.
Select all the relevant attributes and update your accurate business hours
Businesses can add new attributes or existing attributes to their Google My Business. Your business will show up in results on Google Search and Maps when customers search for places with specific attributes.
Proactively Create FAQs
You can proactively add questions and answers to your listings. You can use GMB insights, paid search, or audience data to find out the most frequently asked questions about services or products related to your business. It is vital to regularly monitor the questions and answers on your listings.
At Digit Cure, we can assist you in dominating Google Maps in your area. Our digital marketing professionals will evaluate your current profiles and give you a report on areas where you may make improvements. Get in contact with Digit Cure to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify my Google My Business profile?
Usually, it takes about 5-7 business days for the verification to be done. Google will mail a verification code to your business address, which you will have to enter to complete the verification process.
Can I manage multiple business locations on one Google My Business account?
Managing multiple business locations from one Google account is possible. However, you have to make a separate profile for each location and confirm each one individually.
What should I do if my business is already listed on Google Maps, but I don't own it?
By selecting “Request Access” when you look for your business name, you have the option to claim your current listing. After that, Google will assist you in confirming the ownership.
How often should I post updates on my Google My Business profile?
To maintain your account attractive and user-friendly, you are advised to post regularly. To keep your presence on Google active, you should post at least once a week with news, offers, events, products, or services.
Why are reviews important for my Google My Business profile?
Reviews are the main factor that influences your local search rankings and business prominence. They can convince new customers to come and try your products and services, and in case that relevant words are used in the reviews, your business can get a higher position in local searches.
