Step 1: Claim your listing
Search for your business on Google. If a listing already exists, click "Claim this business." If not, create one from scratch at business.google.com.
Step 2: Verify your business
Google sends a verification postcard to your business address. It arrives in 5–14 days. Some categories qualify for instant phone or email verification — try those first.
Step 3: Fill out every field
Address, phone, website, hours, services, attributes, business description. Empty fields hurt your rank. Filled fields signal trust.
Step 4: Upload a starting set of photos
Upload your logo, a cover photo, and 5 to 10 project photos. Geotag them. Photo posts are a separate signal from text posts.
Step 5: Post your first update
Use Google Business' "Post" feature for your first project update. Goal: prove the profile is active. Then schedule weekly going forward.