Get your business on Google for free
You can put your business on Google Search and Maps yourself, from your phone, without paying anyone. Google says it plainly: creating a Business Profile is free. Here is how, one step at a time.
You do not need to pay anyone for this
If someone phones or messages you offering to "put you on Google" or "verify you with Google" for a fee, you do not need them. Google does not charge for a Business Profile, and you can do every step below yourself.
- A Business Profile is free. It is the box that shows your name, number, hours, photos and reviews when people search for you or look on Google Maps.
- Google Ads are different, and optional. Ads are paid placements above the normal results. You do not need ads to have a profile, and you can ignore any ad offers while you set it up.
What you need before you start
- A smartphone with data or Wi-Fi.
- A Google account. If you have Gmail or an Android phone, you already have one.
- Your business name exactly as customers know it, your business phone number, and the area you work in.
- About 15 minutes, plus a 30-second video later for verification.
Step by step
- Open google.com/business on your phone and sign in with your Google account.
- Type your business name. If it pops up already, choose it and claim it. If not, add it as a new business.
- Pick your category, the closest match to what you do, like "Plumber" or "Hair salon".
- Choose how customers reach you. If people come to your shop or office, add that address. If you go to them, like most plumbers, cleaners and builders, choose the areas you serve and leave your home address off. Google tells service businesses not to show an address customers do not visit.
- Add your phone number. For a website, you can use your BizBoost profile link if you do not have a site of your own.
- Verify. Google will ask you to prove the business is real, usually with a short video (see below). Your profile only goes fully live after this.
The verification video, made simple
Google's rules for the video are strict, so it helps to plan it before you press record:
- At least 30 seconds, in one take. No editing, and it must be recorded live in the Google app or page, not uploaded from your gallery.
- Show where you are: a street sign, a landmark or your building number.
- Show it is your business: your signage, your tools or equipment, your branded van or uniform, or an invoice or utility bill in the business name.
- Keep private things out: no bank, tax or ID numbers, and no other people's faces.
If it gets rejected, do not pay anyone to fix it. Read what Google asked for, and record again showing that.
After you are verified
- Add your hours and a few real photos of your work, your shop or your team.
- Ask happy customers for a Google review. Your profile gives you a link you can send on WhatsApp.
- Link it on BizBoost. In your BizBoost dashboard, connect your Google profile so your Google rating shows on your BizBoost page. A confirmed link also counts toward your profile completeness.
Common questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Google states that creating a Business Profile and listing your business on Google is free. Only Google Ads, which are optional, cost money.
Do I need to pay someone to put my business on Google?
No. You can create and verify a Google Business Profile yourself from your phone. If someone asks for money to list or verify you on Google, you do not need their service.
Do I need a shop to be on Google?
No. If you go to your customers, set the areas you serve and leave your home address off the profile. Google asks service businesses not to show an address customers do not visit.
What do I show in the Google verification video?
A continuous video of at least 30 seconds, recorded live, that shows where you are (a street sign or landmark) and that you run the business (signage, tools, a branded vehicle, or an invoice or bill in the business name). Keep ID and bank numbers and other people out of it.
Can I use my BizBoost page as my website on Google?
Yes. If you do not have a website, add your BizBoost profile link as the website on your Google Business Profile, so people who find you on Google can see your details and reviews there.