Claiming a Google Business Profile gives an authorized business owner control over the information shown on Google Search and Maps. It is a prerequisite for replying to Google reviews, but it is not a guarantee of visibility, leads, or a particular search position.
Google changes interfaces and verification methods from time to time. Its Add or claim your Business Profile help page is the source of truth; follow the on-screen options Google presents to your business.
Before you start
Confirm that the business is eligible for a Google Business Profile and that you are authorized to manage it. Gather the information Google may ask you to verify:
- the real-world business name used on signage and customer materials;
- the physical address, or eligible service-area details;
- a phone number, website, and current business hours;
- access to the Google Account that should own the profile.
Use individual Google Accounts and add managers through Google's access controls rather than sharing one password. Google's owner and manager guide explains the roles and their permissions.
1. Check whether a profile already exists
Search Google Maps for the business name and city. If the correct profile appears but is unverified, Google may show an option such as “Claim this business” or “Manage now.” Choose the exact location carefully: duplicate or similarly named businesses require different handling.
If the profile is already verified by another party and you are authorized to represent the business, use Google's ownership-request process rather than attempting to create another profile. Creating duplicate profiles can make management harder and may trigger policy issues.
2. Claim the existing profile or add a new eligible business
For an existing unverified profile, follow the claim flow in Google Maps or Search. If no profile exists, Google directs businesses to add one through its Business Profile flow. Enter only accurate business information. Do not add marketing keywords to the business name, use an address the business does not operate from, or represent a virtual office as a staffed customer-facing location.
The pages, menus, and labels may differ by device and country. That is normal; the reliable step is to follow the official Google flow, not an old screenshot.
3. Complete the verification Google offers
Google chooses the available verification method. Depending on the business and context, it may offer video, phone, email, live video call, or another method. Do not assume a postcard or a fixed timetable will be available.
Follow the requirements shown in the account and provide only genuine evidence of the business. If video verification is offered, Google may ask for proof such as permanent signage, access to staff-only areas, or evidence that the business operates at the stated location. If the option fails or changes, use Google's current verification help rather than repeatedly creating profiles.
4. Check the information after verification
Once Google confirms the profile, verify the practical details a customer will see:
- business name and primary category;
- address, service area, phone number, and website;
- regular and holiday hours;
- photos, attributes, products, or services where they accurately apply;
- the owners and managers who should retain access.
Set a routine to update these details when the business moves, changes hours, or changes how customers contact it. Accuracy is useful to customers even though Google ultimately decides how and where profile information is shown.
5. Reply to reviews responsibly
After verification, a business can reply to reviews. Google says that replies are public and must follow its content policies. Keep replies short, relevant, and free of private information. For a detailed workflow, see Google's review-management guidance.
If the business uses FullReviews, it can connect its Google Business Profile to draft responses and publish approved or scheduled replies. The product supports rating thresholds, publication delays, publishing windows, brand guidance, and a human-review route for replies flagged as aggressive, legal, health or safety-related, or naming a staff member. Read the automation guide before enabling automatic publication.
Common issues
Another person owns the profile
Use Google's ownership-request process. Do not create a duplicate as a workaround. Keep any evidence of your authority available in case Google asks for it.
Verification options are unavailable or fail
Follow the exact option Google shows and use the official verification support flow if it does not work. Eligibility, account history, and location details can affect the options available.
Information is wrong on Search or Maps
Edit the information in the verified profile and allow Google to process the change. Check that the source details on the business website and customer materials are current as well.
A review seems to violate policy
Use Google's reporting process. Do not offer an incentive for its removal and do not disclose private facts in a public response.
Claiming checklist
- Confirm the business is eligible and you are authorized to manage it.
- Search for an existing profile before adding a new one.
- Use the real business name and operational details.
- Complete the verification method Google actually offers.
- Give responsible teammates their own manager or owner access.
- Keep public information current.
- Establish a human-reviewed workflow for sensitive reviews.
For the companion setup guide, read how to create a Google Business Profile. For current FullReviews features and pricing, see the product reference.
