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

A Google Business Profile, previously known as Google My Business, allows your business to appear and manage its information across Google Search and Google Maps.
If you are setting up your marketing accounts before working with Avocadots, follow the steps below to create your Google Business Profile. You can also watch our video guide and follow the process on screen.

What You Need Before You Start

You will need a Google Account to create and manage a Google Business Profile.
We recommend using a Google Account that belongs to your business rather than an employee's personal account. This helps keep ownership of the profile with your company and makes it easier to provide access to your marketing partners later.
You should also have the following business information available:
 

  1. Business name: Your official business name

  2. Business type: The option that best describes how you serve customers

  3. Business category: The category that best represents your core business

  4. Address: Your physical business address, where applicable

  5. Phone number: Your main business contact number

  6. Website: Your business website

  7. Photos: Exterior and interior photos, if available

How to Create a Google Business Profile Step by Step

1. Visit Google Business Profile and Sign In

  • Visit Google Business Profile.

  • Sign in with the Google Account you want to use for your business.

  • Enter your business name.

    • If your business already appears, check whether an existing profile belongs to your business.

    • If the correct profile already exists, do not create a duplicate. You may need to claim the existing profile instead.

2. Choose Your Business Type

  • Select the business type that best represents how your business operates.

  • You may be able to select multiple options depending on your business.

  • Continue to the next step once you have selected the relevant options.

3. Select Your Business Category

  • Start typing your business category.

  • Review Google's suggested categories.

  • Select the category that most accurately describes your core business.

    • Choose the most specific relevant category available.

    • Focus on what your business primarily does rather than trying to cover every service you offer.

4. Enter Your Business Address

  • Enter your business address.

  • Check the address carefully before continuing.

  • If Google shows businesses that may match yours:

    • Select your business if the correct profile already exists.

    • If none of the profiles matches your business, select the relevant option to continue creating a new profile.

  • If requested, position your business correctly on the map.

5. Add Your Contact Information

  • Enter your business phone number.

  • Enter your business website.

  • Check that both details are correct before continuing.

  • Make sure the information matches the contact details you use on your official website.

6. Verify Your Business

  • Google will require you to verify that you are authorised to manage the business.

  • Follow the verification method Google makes available for your profile.

  • Depending on the business, Google may offer verification through:

    • Video recording

    • Phone or SMS

    • Email

    • Live video call

    • Mail

  • Complete the verification instructions shown on screen.

  • The verification methods available are determined by Google and may differ between businesses.

7. Add Business Photos

  • If you already have suitable photos, upload them to your profile.

  • Useful photos can include:

    • Exterior photos of your premises

    • Interior photos

    • Photos that help customers identify or understand your business

  • If you do not have the photos ready, you can skip this step and add them later.

8. Skip the Remaining Optional Setup

  • You do not need to complete every optional setting during the initial account creation.

  • Skip the remaining optional steps if Avocadots will be setting up and optimising your profile.

  • Make sure you have:

    • Created or claimed the correct business profile.

    • Completed Google's required verification.

    • Retained ownership of the profile.

Video Guide

​Give Avocadots Access to Your Google Ads Account

  • Once your Google Business Profile is ready, give Avocadots access to manage it.

  • You do not need to share your Google Account password with us.

  • Follow our Google Business Profile access guide to add Avocadots to your profile.

  • Once access has been provided, our team can proceed with the relevant setup and optimisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google My Business the same as Google Business Profile?

Yes. Google My Business is the former name of what Google now calls Google Business Profile. If you are looking to create a Google My Business account, you are now looking for Google Business Profile.

Is it free to create a Google Business Profile?

Yes. Google allows eligible businesses to create and manage a Business Profile on Google Search and Maps at no charge.

Do I need a Gmail account to create a Google Business Profile?

You need a Google Account, but it does not necessarily need to use a Gmail address. An existing email address can be associated with a Google Account.

Why can't I choose a Google Business Profile verification method?

Google determines which verification methods are available for each Business Profile. The available methods can depend on factors including the business type, public information, region and business hours.

What if my business already appears on Google?

Do not create a duplicate profile. If the correct business already exists, you may need to claim the existing Google Business Profile. If somebody else has already verified it, Google provides a process for requesting ownership.

Can Avocadots set up the rest of my Google Business Profile?

Yes. Once the profile has been created and the required access has been provided, Avocadots can handle the remaining profile setup and optimisation.

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