# Google Business Profile

Category: [Local SEO](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/category/local-seo/) › [Business Profile & Maps](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/category/local-seo/business-profile-maps/)

**Google Business Profile** (formerly Google My Business) is the free business listing that appears in Google Search and Google Maps. Google says it lets businesses keep their hours, website, phone number and location current, post photos and respond to reviews.

## Who can have a profile?

Google states that only businesses with in-person contact with customers are eligible. That includes shops and service providers who visit customers. Businesses that operate only online and have no place where customers meet them are not eligible. Adding or claiming a profile is free. After adding or claiming it, you verify ownership with one of the verification options Google shows during setup.

## How is local ranking determined?

Google names three factors for local results.

- **Relevance** is how well a profile matches the search. Complete and accurate business information helps.
- **Distance** is how far the business is from the searcher or the searched location.
- **Prominence** is how well known the business is. Google says this depends on how many websites link to the business and how many reviews it has.

Google also states that there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking.

## Example

A dental practice fills in its category, opening hours, photos and website URL. Someone nearby searches for "dentist" and can see the practice in the local results and in Maps. The order depends on where the searcher is.

## Checklist

- Check eligibility: in-person contact with customers at a location, or visits to customers (online-only businesses are not eligible).
- Add or claim the profile and verify the business.
- Enter the name as the business presents itself in the real world, without taglines, opening hours, phone numbers or service details.
- Choose as few categories as possible that describe the core business.
- Enter an address where the business operates (no P.O. box). If customers are not served at the location, remove the address and list service areas.
- Keep opening hours (including special hours), website and phone number current.
- Add photos and videos.
- Respond to customer reviews.

## Common mistakes

- **Extras in the business name.** Taglines, opening hours, phone numbers or location details in the name are not permitted by Google and can lead to suspension.
- **Duplicate profiles.** Google asks for one page per location, also across several accounts.
- **A P.O. box or virtual office as the address.** Google does not accept either. For co-working spaces Google requires clear signage and customer reception during business hours.
- **Not verifying the profile.** Verification tells Google that the person is authorized to represent the business, so it is more likely to show up in results.
- **Outdated details.** According to Google, businesses with complete and accurate information are more likely to appear in local results.

## FAQ

**What is Google My Business called now?** Google Business Profile.

**Does a Business Profile cost anything?** Google says adding or claiming a profile is free of charge.

## Related terms

- [Local SEO](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/local-seo/index.md)
- [Local pack](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/local-pack/index.md)
- [Service area business](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/service-area-business/index.md)
- [Business directory](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/business-directory/index.md)
- [Online reviews](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/online-reviews/index.md)
- [NAP (name, address, phone)](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/nap/index.md)
- [LocalBusiness schema](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/localbusiness-schema/index.md)
- [Google Maps SEO](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/google-maps-seo/index.md)

## Sources

- [Get started with Google Business Profile – Google Business Profile Help](https://support.google.com/business/answer/7039811)
- [Add or claim your Business Profile – Google Business Profile Help](https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778)
- [Tips to improve your local ranking on Google – Google Business Profile Help](https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091)
- [Guidelines for representing your business on Google – Business Profile Help](https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177)

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Last updated: October 8, 2026
URL: https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/google-business-profile/