Is a Google Business Profile free?

Yes, it is completely free. Beware of cold calls claiming, on behalf of Google, that you must pay to be visible: Google does not charge for the profile.

How long until I appear on Google Maps?

Creating the profile takes about 15 minutes. Then Google verifies the business: usually a few business days after you send the video, sometimes longer. The profile goes public once verified.

Can I create a Google profile without an address?

Yes, if you go to your customers (tradespeople, mobile hairdressers, repairs): you set a service area and the address stays hidden. You still need a real address for verification, not a PO box or a virtual office.

My profile already exists but someone else manages it. What now?

On the profile, click Own this business? or Claim this business. Google lets you request access from the current owner; without an answer, it usually lets you verify the business yourself.

Do I need a website to have a Google profile?

No. The profile works without a website. A website does help customers learn more and gives Google consistent information about your business.

Can Voisinia do the verification for me?

No, and nobody honestly can: Google asks the manager for proof, usually a short video. We prepare everything else and tell you exactly what to film.

Create a Google Business Profile, get on Maps

Before you start: check your profile does not already exist

Google sometimes creates profiles on its own, from reviews or public data. Open Google Maps and search for your business name with the city:

The profile exists and shows Own this business?: claim it instead of creating a second one. A duplicate profile can get both suspended.
Nothing shows up: you can create yours.

Have ready: a Google account (a Gmail address is enough, ideally one just for the business), the exact name on your sign, your address, phone number, opening hours and a few photos.

Create your Google Business Profile in 7 steps

Go to google.com/business and click Manage now, signed in to your Google account.
Type the business name, exactly as on your sign. Do not add a city or keywords (“Cheap Pizza Downtown”): it breaks Google's rules and is a common reason for suspension.
Pick the primary category, as precise as possible: “Italian restaurant” rather than “Restaurant”, “Hair salon” rather than “Beauty salon”. This setting matters most for showing up in the right searches. You can add secondary categories later.
Say whether customers visit you at an address. If so, enter it and place the pin carefully. If you go to your customers, choose no and set your service area (cities or regions).
Add your phone number and website (optional). A number that actually answers reassures Google and your customers.
Start verification: Google offers you a method (see below).
Complete the profile while you wait: hours, description (up to 750 characters, no links or promotions), photos of the front, the inside and what you sell, attributes (outdoor seating, wheelchair access, Wi-Fi), menu or services.

Google verification, explained simply

Google wants to make sure the business exists and that you really manage it. Google chooses the method it offers, based on your activity and profile. In 2026 the most common one for a new profile is video. You may also see a phone call or text, email, and more rarely a postcard.

Passing the verification video

The video is recorded in the Google Maps or Google app on your phone, on site, in one continuous take (no editing). Plan one to two minutes and show, in order:

Where you are: the street, a street sign or a neighbouring shop, then your shopfront and sign.
Your business: the inside, the dining room, the chairs, the shop window, the products.
That you manage it: unlocking the door with your keys, the till, the kitchen or a staff-only area.

Film in daylight, without customers in close-up, and stay on the same network while it uploads: switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data mid-upload can make the video fail. Google usually answers within a few business days.

Why verification fails

No visible sign, or a sign that does not match the profile name.
An address that does not really receive customers (home, virtual office, coworking space) while the profile says it does.
A cut, too short video, or one without proof of management.
Big changes made just before (name, address, category).

If it is refused, Google usually says whether you can try again or appeal. Do not create a new profile instead.

Ranking well on Google Maps

A verified profile appears on Google Maps. Ranking well is another matter: Google says it ranks local results on three things, relevance (does your profile match the search?), distance and prominence (reviews, mentions, activity). Nobody can guarantee you the top spot; what works is consistency:

A complete, accurate profile: right category, up-to-date hours (holidays included), a clear description.
Regular reviews, and a reply to each one. See how to get more Google reviews and our review reply tool.
Recent photos, added over the months rather than all on day one.
Posts (news, events, dishes of the moment): they show customers the profile is alive.
The same details everywhere: name, address and phone identical on your website, Facebook, Instagram and directories.

Mistakes that get a profile blocked

Putting keywords or the city in the name.
Creating a second profile when the first one has a problem.
Paying someone who promises “number one on Maps” or reviews: fake reviews break Google's rules and consumer law in many countries.
Sharing your Google account password: add managers from the profile instead (People and access), and remove them whenever you like.

Create your Google Business Profile and show up on Google Maps