Create or claim your Google Business Profile, verify it and complete it. Eligibility usually requires in-person contact with customers. Pick the most accurate primary category. Show your address only if customers visit you; otherwise use service areas. Remove duplicate profiles. Rules vary by state and city, so confirm requirements with the official agency.
How do I put my business on Google?
Create or claim a Google Business Profile, verify it, and complete categories, hours, services and photos. Use your real business name, address or service area and phone exactly as customers see them.
Am I eligible for a business profile?
Businesses that make in-person contact with customers during stated hours are generally eligible; Google's guidelines define the rules. Online-only businesses without in-person contact are generally not eligible; read the current guidelines before creating a profile.
Which category should I choose?
Choose the primary category that best describes your core business, and add secondary categories sparingly. Categories should describe what the business is, not every service; add services in the services section instead.
How do I represent my address correctly?
Show your address only if customers visit you there; otherwise hide it and set service areas. Do not use a virtual office or mailbox as a public address if customers do not visit it.
How do service areas work?
Service-area businesses list the areas they travel to instead of showing an address. Google limits how far areas should extend. List the cities, ZIP codes or regions you actually serve regularly.
What should I do about duplicate profiles?
Duplicate profiles for the same location go against Google's guidelines. Claim the duplicate and request removal or merging through Google support. Keep records of ownership and verification in case you need support to resolve it.
Worked example
A mobile mechanic who meets customers at their homes sets up a Google Business Profile as a service-area business, hides his home address, and lists the towns he serves. He chooses the category that best describes his core business and adds services in the services section instead of extra categories. When he finds an old duplicate profile from a previous business name, he claims it and requests removal through Google support.
Common questions
How do I put my business on Google?
Create or claim a Google Business Profile, verify it, and complete categories, hours, services and photos.
Am I eligible for a business profile?
Businesses that make in-person contact with customers during stated hours are generally eligible; Google's guidelines define the rules.
Which category should I choose?
Choose the primary category that best describes your core business, and add secondary categories sparingly.
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help: Add or claim your Business Profile
- Google Business Profile Help: Guidelines for representing your business
- Google Business Profile Help: Manage your business category
- Google Business Profile Help: Manage your service areas
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
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