In today’s digital-first world, local businesses cannot afford to overlook their online presence. A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is one of the most essential tools for improving local search engine optimization (SEO) and boosting online visibility. With over 88% of local searches resulting in a call or visit within 24 hours, having an optimized Google Business Profile can significantly impact your business’s success.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing profile, this guide walks you through How to Create a Business Listing on Google, and the steps of setting up, verifying, and optimizing your Google Business Profile in 2025.
Is Google Business Listing Free?
Yes, creating and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free. Google offers this tool to help businesses improve their visibility in local searches, Google Maps, and even the Local 3-Pack. The 3-Pack is the featured set of local businesses that appear at the top of Google’s search results when users search for products or services nearby. Having a listing here can directly impact your business’s success by driving traffic and generating leads.
How Do I Create a Google My Business Listing?
Creating a Google Business Profile involves several simple steps that require accurate information about your business. Here’s how you can set it up:
Sign in to Google Account
To start, you’ll need a Google account. If you already have one, simply log in. If not, you can create a free Google account that you’ll use to manage your business profile.
Enter Business Information
Once signed in, visit the Google Business Profile page. Click the “Manage now” button and follow the steps below:
- Business Name – Ensure that your business name is accurate and reflective of your brand. This will be what customers search for when looking for your business online.
- Primary Business Category – Choose a category that best describes your business. Google uses this to understand what services you offer, which helps determine which search results you will appear in.
- Business Address – If you have a physical location where customers can visit, you’ll need to provide this information. If your business is a service area business (SAB), meaning you deliver goods and services to customers, you can choose to hide your address.
- Phone Number and Website – A phone number allows potential customers to reach you directly. Adding a website is optional, but it’s highly recommended as it strengthens your SEO and provides more information to customers.
- Service Area – For service area businesses, you’ll need to specify the locations where you provide your services. Google uses this to show your business to customers searching in those areas.
Choose Profile Type
If your business operates from a physical storefront, select the option that allows customers to visit. For service area businesses, you’ll specify your service areas instead.
Complete Profile Information
After entering the basic details, you’ll be asked to complete additional information about your business, such as:
- Business Description – This section is a great opportunity to tell potential customers what makes your business unique. Focus on providing useful information without overstuffing it with keywords.
- Business Hours – Add the hours your business operates, including any special hours for holidays or events.
- Logo and Photos – Including high-quality photos of your business, staff, and products helps create a visual connection with potential customers. Listings with photos are proven to receive more engagement.
How Do I Get a Free Listing on Google?
Getting a free listing on Google requires claiming your business and verifying it. Here’s how you do it:
- Claim Your Business – If your business is already listed on Google, you can claim it by signing in to the Google Business Profile Manager and clicking on “Claim this business.” If your business isn’t listed, follow the steps to add it.
- Complete Your Profile – The more information you provide, the more complete your profile will be. Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and category are accurate.
- Verification – To prove that you own the business, you’ll need to verify your listing. Google offers several verification methods, such as a postcard, phone call, or email. For many businesses, the postcard option is the most common. This verification process ensures your business is authentic and helps prevent spammy listings.
How to Create a Google Page for Business for Free?
Creating a Google Business Profile is entirely free, and it’s one of the most effective ways to market your business online. Here’s how you can do it:
- Sign In to Google – Log into your Google account (or create one if you haven’t already).
- Go to Google Business Profile – Head over to the Google Business Profile manager and click on the “Manage now” button.
- Enter Business Details – Add your business name, address, category, and contact information.
- Verification – Complete the verification process as described above. Once verified, your business profile will be fully active and searchable.
Google also offers the ability to list your business on Google Maps, further enhancing your visibility. You can do this by opening Google Maps, entering your business name in the search bar, selecting your business, and clicking on “Claim this business.”
Verification Process
Google requires businesses to verify their listing to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. Here are the verification methods:
- Postcard Verification – The most common method, is where Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This can take anywhere from 5 to 21 days to arrive.
- Phone Verification – Some businesses can verify their listing by phone. Google will send a code via a phone call or text.
- Video Verification – In some cases, Google may offer video verification, where you show your business’s physical location to prove you are the owner.
- Email Verification – Some businesses can verify via email, but this is less common and usually available for businesses that have been verified previously.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Once your Google Business Profile is set up and verified, it’s time to optimize it to ensure you get the most visibility and engagement. Here’s how:
Add Photos and Videos
Adding high-quality photos of your business, staff, and products is crucial for attracting customers. Listings with photos receive more clicks and engagement than those without. Make sure to upload images that represent your business well.
- Image Sizes – Google recommends uploading photos at least 720px by 720px, in JPG or PNG format.
- Videos – You can also upload short videos (less than 30 seconds, under 100MB) to further showcase your business.
Utilize Google Business Categories
Your business categories influence the searches that will trigger your listing. Choose a primary category that best describes your business, and consider adding up to 9 secondary categories. This improves your chances of showing up in relevant searches.
Add Business Details
Make sure your profile is complete with relevant business details such as:
- Business Hours – Clearly list your business hours to let customers know when you’re open.
- Service Offerings – Include a list of your products or services to help potential customers understand what you offer.
- Business Description – Although it doesn’t directly impact SEO, a well-crafted description helps customers know more about your business.
Add Attributes
Attributes are specific features of your business that can help attract customers. For instance, restaurants can specify whether they offer delivery or takeout. Attributes can also help businesses appear in certain search results, like “women-led” or “wheelchair accessible.”
Manage Your Google Business Profile
Once your profile is set up and optimized, you can manage it directly through Google Search or the Google Business Profile Manager. Be sure to update your profile regularly, especially during special events, promotions, or holidays. Google also gives you insights into how your profile is performing, so you can track customer interactions and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile is a critical step toward improving your local SEO and ensuring your business gets noticed by potential customers. By following the steps outlined above, you can claim, verify, and optimize your listing to ensure maximum visibility and engagement.
At Click Typhoon, we specialize in creating customized Local SEO in Delta BC strategies that help businesses like yours thrive online. If you need help setting up your Google Business Profile or want to boost your SEO efforts, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us help you grow your business and reach new customers through effective digital marketing solutions. Contact us today for all your SEO needs!
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