How to get your business on Google Maps for free

What you need before you start

• A Google account (a free Gmail address is fine, or your business email if it runs on Google).
• Your business name exactly as customers know it.
• A phone number customers can call.
• Your website, if you have one. You can still appear on Maps without one.
• An address for Google to check, even if you will hide it.

Step 1: Create your Business Profile

Go to Google Business Profile (business.google.com) and choose to add your business. Type your business name, then choose the main category that best describes what you do, for example “Marketing agency”, “Plumber” or “Bakery”. You can add more categories later.

Step 2: Shop, office or service area?

Google will ask whether customers can visit you.

• If customers come to you (a shop, salon or office), enter your address. It will show on Maps with a pin.
• If you go to customers, or work from home or online, choose a service business. Your address stays hidden, and Google shows the areas you serve instead, such as your town and county.

You can be on Google Maps without showing your home address.

Step 3: Add your contact details

Add your phone number and website. If you use WhatsApp for business, you can add a chat link so customers can message you straight from your profile.

Step 4: Verify your business

Google needs to check that your business is real. It chooses the method, which may be a phone call, a text, an email, a short video or a postcard. For our own profile, Google asked for a short video showing our business and our area, and the profile was verified about four days later.

Our guide How long does a Google Business Profile take to show up? explains each stage in detail.

Step 5: Complete every section

A complete profile is more likely to be shown. Add:

• your opening hours
• a clear description of what you do and where
• your services, each with a short description
• your logo and a cover photo
• real photos of your work

Step 6: Keep it active

• Post an update every week or two.
• Add new photos regularly.
• Ask real customers for reviews and reply to every one. Our guide How to get more Google reviews, the honest way explains how.

Mistakes to avoid

• Adding keywords to your business name, such as “Smith Plumbing Best Plumber Aylesbury”. It breaks Google’s rules and can get your profile suspended.
• Using a PO box, or a virtual office that nobody works from. Google does not allow these as your business address.
• Creating more than one profile for the same business.
• Changing your name or address while Google is checking. It can start the checks again.
• Paying anyone who says they can “guarantee” a top spot on Maps. Nobody can.

Common questions

Is Google Maps free for businesses?

Yes. Creating, verifying and running a Business Profile is free. You only pay if you choose to run adverts.

Can I put my business on Google Maps without an address?

You need to give Google an address so it can check your business, but you can hide it. Choose a service business and list the areas you serve.

Do I need a website to be on Google Maps?

No, but a website helps customers learn more about you, and it gives Google more information about your business.

How do I show up higher on Google Maps?

Google looks at how relevant your profile is to the search, how close the business is to the person searching, and how well known and trusted the business is, which includes reviews. A complete, active profile with genuine reviews is the best place to start.

At KeyWin we set up and look after Google Business Profiles for businesses. Our free checklist covers the other steps that help customers find you.