How can i add my business to google maps?
Adding your business to Google Maps is free and super important for visibility! Here's how:
- Go to Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
- Sign in with your Google account
- Click "Add your business to Google"
- Enter your business name and category
- Add your location - whether you have a physical location or service area
- Fill in contact details - phone number, website
- Verify your business - usually by postcard sent to your address
The verification process takes 5-14 days typically. Once verified, you can add photos, business hours, services, and respond to reviews. This puts your business on Google Maps and in local search results - crucial for attracting customers in your area!
As a small business owner who recently did this, here are my tips for adding your business to Google Maps:
- Use Google Maps app on your phone - tap your profile picture → "Add your business"
- Be accurate with location - drag the pin exactly to your building
- Choose the right category - this affects who finds you
- Add great photos - inside and outside your business
- Set complete hours including holiday hours
- Enable messaging so customers can contact you directly from Maps
The verification postcard will come from Google with a code - enter it online to complete setup. Once live, encourage happy customers to leave reviews! This dramatically improves your visibility. It took about 8 days for my verification card to arrive in Mumbai. Well worth the effort - we get several customers weekly who find us through Google Maps now!