How to Create and Verify a New Google Business Profile in 2026

If your business isn't on Google Maps, you're invisible to the customers searching for you right now. A Google Business Profile is a free, high-intent customer channel — but only if it's set up and verified correctly. Here's the complete process.

Step 1: Create the profile

Go to google.com/business and sign in with your business Gmail. Enter your exact business name — without adding keywords or your city, which can get you suspended later.

Step 2: Choose the right category

Your primary category strongly influences which searches you appear in. Pick the most specific category that matches your core service, then add relevant secondary categories.

Step 3: Add accurate business information

Step 4: Complete verification

Google will ask you to verify — most commonly by video, sometimes by postcard, phone or email. For video verification, be ready to show your signage, premises and proof you operate the business. This is the step where most new listings get stuck.

Step 5: Optimise before you start ranking

Once verified, add 5–10 quality photos, list your services, write a strong description and publish your first Google Post. A complete profile ranks far better than a bare one.

Step 6: Start collecting reviews

Reviews drive both ranking and trust. Ask your first happy customers for a review with a direct link, and reply to every one.

Want it done right the first time?

Verification rejections and setup mistakes can cost you weeks. We create, verify and optimise brand-new Google Business Profiles for a fixed price — see our New Google Business Profile service or message us on WhatsApp to get listed.