How to create a Google Business Profile in India, step by step

Before you start: what you need

• A Google account

  Any Gmail address works. Google suggests using a business email if you have one. Use an account you'll keep, not a staff member's personal ID.

• Your exact business name

  The name on your signboard, GST certificate or shop licence. Nothing added, no area name, no list of services.

• Your address or service area

  The full shop or office address with landmark and PIN code, or the areas you travel to if customers don't come to you.

• The phone number customers call

  A number you or your staff answer during business hours. Google may send a verification code to it by call or SMS.

• Your main category

  The one category that best describes what you are, like "Dentist" or "Sweet shop". You can add more later.

• Hours and a few photos

  Your regular opening hours, plus clear photos of the outside with the signboard, the inside, and your work or products.

How to create your Google Business Profile account

1. 1

   Sign in to your Google account

   Open business.google.com/create on a computer or phone and sign in with the Google account that will own the profile.

2. 2

   Enter your business name and category

   Both are on the first screen. Type the name exactly as it appears on your signboard. If Google suggests your business as you type, it may already be on Maps: select it to claim it instead of making a second one. For the category, pick what describes your whole business, not one product or service. Google notes you can change it and add more later.

   

3. 3

   Say whether customers can visit you

   Google asks if you want to add a location customers can visit, like a shop or office. Choose Yes if you have a staffed shop, clinic or office with a signboard, then enter the address or place a pin on the map. Choose No if you go to customers or deliver.

   

4. 4

   Add the areas you serve

   If customers don't visit you, Google asks where you serve them. The screen marks this as optional, but add your cities, PIN codes or localities so the right people find you. Google allows up to 20 areas and suggests keeping them within about two hours' drive of where you're based.

   

5. 5

   Confirm your region

   Google asks which region your business is based in. Choose India.

   

6. 6

   Add your phone number and website

   Enter a phone number that reaches this business directly, not a call centre or an IVR menu. Add your website if you have one. There's also an optional chat setting that lets customers message you by text.

   

7. 7

   Enter your address for verification

   If you chose that customers don't visit you, Google still asks for your postal address to verify the business. The screen says this address will be hidden from the public, so home-based businesses can use their real home address. Post office boxes aren't accepted.

   

8. 8

   Choose a verification option

   Google then shows the verification methods available for your business. You can verify now or later, but your profile won't appear publicly until you're verified. Review your details first. If you're verifying by postcard, editing the name, address or category while you wait can delay it.

Complete your profile after setup

A bare profile with just a name and number rarely gets calls. Fill these in next.

• Services or products

  Google suggests services based on your category. Tap the ones you actually offer, and use "Add custom service" for anything missing. This is where services belong, not in the business name.

  

• Opening hours

  Every day starts as Closed, so switch on the days you're open and set the times. Later, set special hours for Diwali, Eid, Christmas or other days you're closed or open late.

  

• Business description

  You get up to 750 characters. Write a few honest sentences about what you do, who you serve and your history. Google doesn't allow links, sale offers or prices in the description.

  

• Photos

  Google asks for a shop front photo first, then photos of your business. Start with the outside showing your signboard, then the inside, your team at work and your products. If customers don't visit you, skip the shop front and add photos of your work instead. Real phone photos are fine.

  

• Skip the Google Workspace offer

  Near the end, Google offers a paid Google Workspace trial for business email and storage. It's optional. Your Business Profile works without it, so you can select Skip.

• Your edits go live after verification

  Google confirms that you can keep editing your profile, and everything becomes visible to customers once you're verified.

  

• Your review link

  Make a short link that opens the review box directly, and send it to happy customers on WhatsApp after a visit.

How Google Business Profile verification works

Google decides which verification methods you get. It depends on your business type, location and other details, and you can't pick a method that isn't offered. Some businesses are asked to verify more than once.

• Video recording

  You record one continuous video showing your location, your business and proof that you manage it. Google recommends this method when it's offered.

• Phone call or SMS

  A code is sent to your business phone. An IVR menu can't receive it, so make sure a person or a mobile can answer.

• Email

  A code or link is sent to the email shown on the verification screen.

• Live video call

  A Google support person checks your location and business with you on a call. It's only offered to some businesses, during your business hours.

• Postcard

  A code is posted to your address. Google says most arrive within 14 days and codes expire after 30 days. Don't edit your name, address or category while you wait.

If verification goes wrong

• Video verification requirements: what your video must show
• Video verification rejected: what to show in your next video
• Verification video not uploading: how to get it through
• Verification code not received: what to do next
• Verifying without a video: what options you really have
• Not showing on Google Maps after verification: what's going on

Common setup mistakes

• Adding keywords or areas to the name

  "Sharma Dental Clinic" is fine. "Sharma Dental Clinic - Best Dentist in Lajpat Nagar, Root Canal" breaks Google's rules and can get the profile suspended.

  Suspended for deceptive content: what to fix before you appeal

• Using a virtual office or someone else's address

  If you don't operate from the address, it isn't eligible. Service businesses should hide their address and use a service area instead.

• Creating a second profile for the same business

  Only one profile per business per location is allowed. If an old listing already exists, claim it or remove the duplicate rather than starting fresh.

  Duplicate Google Business Profile: how to remove it

• Changing many details at once

  Editing the name, address, category and phone together can trigger a re-check or suspension. Make one change at a time, and only when the real world has changed too.

  Profile suspended after changing your address: how to get it back

• Using a call centre or IVR number

  Google wants a number that connects to this business location. IVR systems also can't receive verification codes.

  Google Business Profile phone number not approved: how to fix it

Questions