When a customer in Ahmedabad searches “sweet shop near me” or “physiotherapist in Bopal”, Google shows a map with nearby businesses. To appear there, you need a Google Business Profile, which used to be called Google My Business. It is free, and it is often the single most valuable listing a local business can have.
What you need before you start
- A Google account (ideally a business Gmail you will keep long term, not a staff member’s personal account)
- Your exact business name as shown on your signboard
- Your full address with a correct map pin, or the list of areas you serve
- A business phone number that you actually answer
- Your website or a WhatsApp link, if you have one
- Good photos of your storefront, interior, team and work
Step 1: Check whether your business is already on Google
Search your business name and city on Google Maps. Sometimes a listing already exists, created by a customer, an old employee or Google itself. If it does, use the “Own this business?” or “Claim this business” option instead of creating a new one. Creating a second listing for the same business causes duplicate problems later.
Step 2: Create your Google Business Profile
- Go to Google Business Profile (google.com/business) and sign in.
- Enter your business name exactly as on your signboard. Do not add extra keywords like “Best” or your city name.
- Choose your primary business category. Pick the most specific option that describes what you are.
- Decide whether customers can visit your location. Choose Yes for a shop, clinic or office. Choose No if you visit customers, then add the areas you serve.
- Enter your address and check that the map pin sits exactly on your entrance.
- Add your phone number and website.
Step 3: Choose the right category
Your primary category tells Google which searches you are relevant for. A “Pediatric Dentist” will rank differently from a general “Dental Clinic”. Look at the businesses already ranking for your main search terms in your area, and choose the category that honestly matches your business. You can add secondary categories later for other services you really offer.
Step 4: Verify your business
Google will ask you to verify the business before it fully appears. Most businesses in India are now asked to upload a short verification video showing the location, signboard and proof that they manage the business. Read our detailed Google Business Profile verification guide before you record it.
Step 5: Complete your profile
- Hours: regular hours, plus special hours for festivals and holidays
- Services or products: add each one with a short description
- Description: a clear, natural summary of what you do and who you serve
- Photos: logo, cover, exterior, interior, team and examples of your work
- Attributes: payment options, accessibility and other details
Step 6: Start collecting reviews
Once you are live, share your review link with happy customers and reply to every review. Reviews build trust and help your ranking. Our guide on how to get more Google reviews explains how to do this without breaking Google’s rules.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding keywords or locations to the business name
- Using a virtual office or an address where you do not actually work
- Creating duplicate listings for the same business
- Using a personal Gmail that a staff member controls
- Making many edits right after creating the profile
If you would rather have it done correctly the first time, our Google Business Profile setup service covers everything from categories to verification.
Frequently asked questions
Please note: Google updates Business Profile features and policies regularly. This guide reflects our experience as of 10 October 2026. Always check the official Google Business Profile Help Centre for the latest rules.
About the author: Bhavesh Patel
Google Business Profile and Google Maps expert based in Ahmedabad, helping local businesses get verified, reinstated and found since 2007. More about Bhavesh