How to Get Your Business Listed on Google Maps

Appearing on Google Maps is one of the most powerful things a local business can do for its online visibility. When someone searches for a service near them — whether that’s a restaurant, a solicitor, or a plumber — the results that appear in the map at the top of the page get the lion’s share of clicks. Getting listed there starts with one thing: a verified Google Business Profile.

The process is free and accessible to any legitimate business, whether you operate from a fixed address, work from home, or travel to your customers. This guide covers every step, from creating your profile to completing verification and making your listing as strong as possible from day one.

Step One: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile

Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account. Search for your business name. If a listing already exists — Google sometimes auto-generates entries from public data — claim it rather than creating a duplicate. Duplicate listings confuse Google’s algorithm and can result in both being suppressed.

If no listing exists, click "Add your business to Google" and follow the prompts. Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your shopfront or letterhead. Select the most accurate primary category — this is one of the most important choices you’ll make, as it tells Google what type of searches to show you for. Choose whether you have a physical location customers visit, operate as a service-area business, or both.

Step Two: Verify Your Listing

Google requires verification before your listing goes live on Maps. The most common method is a postcard sent to your business address containing a five-digit code, which typically arrives within five business days. Some businesses are offered faster alternatives: a phone call, SMS, email, or instant verification if your website is already verified in Google Search Console.

Until verification is complete, your listing won’t appear publicly on Google Maps. If your postcard doesn’t arrive after two weeks, log back into your Business Profile and request a new one. Make sure the address you entered is fully accurate — a minor error can delay or prevent delivery.

Step Three: Optimise Your Listing Before It Goes Live

While waiting for verification, use the time to complete your profile. Add your phone number, website URL, opening hours, and a business description. Upload at least five high-quality photos: an exterior shot so customers can find you, an interior shot, and images that represent your products or services. The more complete your profile is at launch, the faster Google will begin ranking it for relevant searches.

After verification, encourage your first customers to leave reviews. Even a handful of genuine five-star reviews in the early weeks can significantly accelerate your ranking progress. Reviews are one of the top three local ranking factors Google uses, alongside relevance and distance from the searcher.