What Is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a free tool from Google that lets you show important details about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps. With it, you can share your address, phone number, website, opening hours, photos and more so people can easily find and contact you.
Definition
Google Business Profile is a free online listing for a business that appears on Google Search and Google Maps. It is controlled by the business owner, who can update information, reply to reviews and post updates. This profile helps Google understand your business and show it to nearby customers searching for what you offer.
Why Google Business Profile Matters
Google Business Profile is important for any local or service area business because it:
- Makes your business appear on Google Maps and local search results
- Shows key details like address, phone number and opening hours
- Lets customers call you or visit your website with one click
- Helps you collect and answer customer reviews
- Improves local SEO, so more nearby people can find you
- Allows you to post news, offers and events about your business
Without a Google Business Profile, your business is much harder to find online, especially on mobile phones.
How Google Business Profile Works
Here is how it usually works:
- You sign in with a Google account and claim or create your business profile.
- You fill in details like business name, category, address, phone number and website.
- You add photos, opening hours, services, products and a short description.
- Google may ask you to verify the business, often with a code by mail, text, phone or video.
- After verification, your profile can appear in Google Search and Maps when people nearby search for your business or your type of service.
- You log in to update information, answer messages, reply to reviews and post updates.
Google uses the information in your profile, plus user behavior and reviews, to decide when and where to show your business in local search results.
Google Business Profile vs Google My Business
Google My Business was the old name for the tool that manages business listings on Google. Google Business Profile is the new name, and the system is more closely built into Google Search and Google Maps now.
- Google My Business: Old name, separate app and dashboard.
- Google Business Profile: Current name, controlled mainly from Google Search and Google Maps on desktop or mobile.
The main idea is the same. Both are about managing how your business appears on Google. Today, you should call it Google Business Profile.
Example of Google Business Profile
Imagine a local bakery called Sweet Street Bakery.
- They create a Google Business Profile and choose the category Bakery.
- They add their address, phone number, website and hours.
- They upload photos of cakes, bread and the shop front.
- Customers find them in Google Maps by searching bakery near me.
- Happy customers leave 5 star reviews and the owner replies to say thank you.
- The bakery posts weekly updates about new flavors and special offers.
Because of the profile, more people notice the bakery and visit the shop or order online.
FAQs
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes, creating and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free. You only pay if you choose to run Google Ads, which is separate.
Do I need a physical address?
If customers visit your location, you should show your address. If you only visit customers at their location, you can hide your exact address and set a service area instead.
Can an online only business use Google Business Profile?
Purely online businesses without face to face contact usually do not qualify. Google Business Profile is mainly for local and service area businesses that deal with customers in person.
How long does verification take?
It depends on the method. Phone or text can be very fast. Postcard by mail can take several days or more. Google will show the options for your business.
How often should I update my profile?
You should update it whenever something changes, like hours or phone number. Posting photos or updates once a week or once a month can also help keep the profile active and useful.
Does Google Business Profile help SEO?
Yes, it is one of the most important tools for local SEO. A complete, active profile with good reviews can help you appear higher in local search results.
