New profile setup
Set up a new Google Business Profile the right way
A Google Business Profile can help local customers find and contact you, but only if it is set up correctly from the start. We help genuine UK businesses check eligibility, choose the right profile type and prepare for verification, so the profile is built on accurate information.
- Eligibility checked before you start
- Storefront or service-area set-up explained
- Prepared for verification from day one
Independent service. Not affiliated with Google. Outcomes are decided by Google.
How do I set up a new Google Business Profile?
To set up a new Google Business Profile, you sign in with a Google Account, add the business name exactly as it is used in the real world, choose the most accurate category, and enter either a customer-facing address or a service area. Google then asks you to verify the business, which may involve video verification, before the profile can appear publicly on Search and Maps.
- Use the real-world business name without added keywords.
- Choose the primary category that best describes the core business.
- Verification is usually required before the profile appears publicly.
How your case moves forward
A clear path from problem to next step
A structured sequence, so the underlying issue is dealt with before anything is submitted.
- 01Your business
- 02Eligibility check
- 03Profile setup
- 04Verification
- 05Profile live
Illustrative sequence. Every case is different and the final decision rests with Google.
Eligibility
Who can have a Google Business Profile
If your business is not eligible, we will tell you honestly and explain why.
Google Business Profiles are for businesses that make in-person contact with customers during their stated hours. That can mean customers visit your premises, such as a shop, salon or clinic, or you travel to customers, such as a plumber, cleaner or electrician. What matters is that the business is real, serves customers face to face and can show that it operates as described.
Businesses that operate only online, rental or for-sale properties, and addresses a business does not genuinely operate from are generally not eligible. Some business types also face extra checks. Before any set-up, we look at how your business actually works and whether it fits Google's Business Profile guidelines. If it does, we help you set it up accurately from the very beginning.
- Real business with real customers
- In-person contact during stated hours
- An address you operate from, or a genuine service area
What we will not do
We do not create profiles for businesses that do not genuinely exist, and we do not set up profiles at addresses the business does not operate from. That includes virtual offices, mail forwarding addresses and borrowed addresses. We also do not add keywords to business names. We cannot guarantee verification, and the final decision rests with Google.
Choosing a set-up
Which type of profile fits your business
Getting this right early avoids many of the verification and suspension problems we see later.
Storefront business
Customers visit you at a staffed location during your opening hours. The address is shown on the profile and signage should be clearly visible.
Service-area business
You travel to customers and do not serve them at your address. The address is hidden, and you list the areas you genuinely cover.
Hybrid business
You serve customers at your premises and also travel to them. The address can be shown alongside a realistic service area.
Practitioners and teams
Some professionals, such as doctors or solicitors, may be eligible for individual profiles in certain circumstances, following specific guidelines for practitioners.
Not sure where your case stands? Send us the details for a free, no-obligation review.
Our process
How we help you set up a new profile
A careful start saves time and stress later on.
- 1
Eligibility check
We discuss how your business operates, where you serve customers and what address you use, then confirm whether a Google Business Profile is appropriate for you.
- 2
Check for existing profiles
We look for any existing or duplicate listings for your business, which may need claiming or resolving rather than starting again from scratch with a new profile.
- 3
Plan the profile details
We help you choose the correct business name as used in the real world, the most accurate categories, and the right address or service-area settings.
- 4
Prepare for verification
We explain the verification methods Google may offer, and help you prepare matching evidence and plan any verification video before you start the process with Google.
- 5
Complete the profile
Once verified, we help you add accurate hours, services, photos and a clear, honest description so customers understand what you offer and how to contact you.
Before you start
What to have ready
Having this information to hand makes the process smoother.
Use a Google account the business controls, rather than a personal account belonging to someone who may leave.
- Your business name exactly as it appears on signage and documents
- The address you operate from, or the areas you travel to
- A business phone number that customers can reach
- Your website, if you have one, with matching details
- Opening hours or hours you are available to customers
- Business registration or licence details where relevant
- Photos of your premises, signage, vehicles or equipment
- Access to the Google account that will own the profile
Avoid problems
Setting up for the long term
Some shortcuts seem helpful at first but often lead to suspensions later.
What often goes wrong
- Adding locations or services to the business name
- Using a virtual office to appear in another town
- Showing a home address when customers do not visit
- Creating a profile before checking for an existing one
A better approach
- Use your real business name only
- List only addresses where you genuinely operate
- Hide your address if you are a service-area business
- Claim or resolve any existing profile first
FAQs
Common questions
Straight answers to the questions business owners most often ask us about this.
Is my business eligible for a Google Business Profile?
Generally, if your business makes in-person contact with customers during stated hours, either at your premises or at the customer's location, it may be eligible. Online-only businesses and addresses you do not genuinely operate from are not. Some sectors have extra requirements. We can review how your business works and give you an honest answer.
Can you set up a profile at a virtual office address?
No. Google's guidelines do not allow virtual offices or mail forwarding addresses to be used as business locations, and we do not set up profiles at addresses a business does not operate from. If you work from home and travel to customers, a service-area profile with a hidden address may be the right option.
Do I need a website to have a Business Profile?
No, a website is not required. If you do have one, it helps when the business name, address and phone number match the profile. Consistent details across your website and profile can also make your evidence clearer if Google asks for verification.
Can I add keywords to my business name to rank better?
We advise against it. Google's guidelines say the business name should reflect your real-world name, as used on signage, stationery and branding. Adding keywords or locations is a common cause of suspensions. We help you use your genuine name and describe your services properly elsewhere in the profile.
What if a profile already exists for my business?
It is often better to claim the existing profile than to create a new one, because duplicates can cause confusion and policy problems. If someone else controls it, such as a former employee or agency, there are ownership request processes available. We can help you work out the right approach.
How long does it take to get a new profile live?
It depends on verification. Some profiles are verified quickly, while others take longer if Google needs to review evidence. We cannot promise a timescale because verification is controlled by Google, but careful preparation and matching evidence help avoid unnecessary delays and repeat attempts.
Free case review
Request a free case review
Tell us what is happening with your Business Profile. We will review the details and explain the likely cause and your realistic options.
- 1You send the details
Takes about two minutes. Screenshots can follow later.
- 2We review your case
We look at what has happened and what may have caused it.
- 3We talk you through it
Using your preferred method: phone, WhatsApp or email.
We never ask for your Google password. Your details are only used to respond to your enquiry.
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