Google Company Profile.

A Google Business Profile is a free listing on Google that makes your business visible on Google Maps and in Google Search. Anyone searching for a nearby business will see its name, address or service area, phone number, a link to its website, and reviews—often before they even open a website. According to Google, the profile is intended for businesses that have in-person contact with their customers—either in a physical store or in a service area where they travel to customers. According to Google, purely online businesses without this type of contact are not suitable. The service was previously known as “Google My Business.”

How the Google Business Profile Works

You create the profile using a Google account and then confirm that you truly own the business. When creating the profile, you enter the name, category, address or service area, phone number, and website. Only after confirmation can you fully manage the profile, add photos, and respond to reviews.

Google uses this information to display your business in relevant local search results. That’s why it’s so important that the data is accurate and matches your website. Our article , “The Google Business Profile: Set It Up, Verify It, and Get Leads From It,” shows you step by step how to set up and maintain your profile.

What Your Business Should Keep in Mind

Enter your name, address, and phone number exactly as they appear on your website. Discrepancies between your profile, legal notice, and business directories make it harder for Google and customers to identify you clearly. Compare the three entries side by side and make sure they match.

Select the main category based on how you earn your income. A plumbing business that also services heating systems should not list that secondary service as its main category. You can list additional services as well.

If you drive to your customers, specify a service area. According to Google's help center, the service area feature is designed specifically for businesses like yours. Enter the locations where you actually work.

Link to a page that immediately shows how to contact you. People who click through to your website from your profile usually want to call or send an inquiry right away. With the Speed Check, you can see how fast that page loads on a cell phone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Business Profile

Does the Google Business Profile cost anything? No, according to Google, the profile is free. The only cost is the time you spend maintaining it, adding photos, and responding to reviews.

Can I take over a profile that someone else created? Yes, according to Google, you can request ownership of an existing profile if it pertains to your business. This might happen, for example, if a former employee or an agency created the profile.

Does the profile replace my website? No. The profile directs searchers to you, but only your website explains your services, process, and service area in enough detail to prompt an inquiry. Together, they form the foundation of local SEO.

If you want your profile and website to appear together in regional search results, take a look at how we approach SEO support for local businesses.