Set up your Google Business Profile | Freedom Compass Studios

Only you can do this part. Google requires the business owner (or someone the owner authorizes) to create and verify the profile, often with a short video showing your business. No company can set it up or verify it for you. Once it's live, you can add helpers, like us, as managers.

Why it's worth it

You show up on Google Maps and in the map results at the top of Google Search.
Customers can call, get directions or visit your website in one tap.
Reviews build trust. Many people check reviews before they call anyone.
It costs nothing. Google doesn't charge for a Business Profile.

Before you start

A Google account. A Gmail address works. Use one you'll keep for the business.
Your exact business name, as it appears on your sign, truck, cards or invoices. Don't add extra words like "Best Plumber Mesa." Google doesn't allow it and can suspend the profile.
Where you serve customers. At a shop or office they visit, or at their homes and job sites (a "service-area business"), or both.
Your phone number, website (if you have one) and hours.
About 15 minutes to set it up, plus time to verify.

To qualify, you need to meet customers in person: at your location during your hours, or by going to them. A P.O. box or a virtual office address doesn't count.

Step 1: Create your profile

Go to business.google.com/add and sign in with your Google account.
Click Add your business to Google. If Google finds your business already listed, choose it and follow the steps to claim it.
Type your business name and pick the category that best describes what you do (for example, "House cleaning service" or "Landscaper").
Choose whether customers visit you. If they do, enter your address. If you go to them, add your service areas (cities or ZIP codes) instead.
Add your phone number and website, then follow the rest of the on-screen steps.

Working from home? If customers don't come to your address, remove it from the profile and list only your service areas. You can add up to 20 areas, and Google asks that they stay within about 2 hours' drive of your business.

Step 2: Verify your business

Your profile won't show to customers until Google verifies it. Google chooses which methods you're offered; you can't pick your own. You may see one or more of these:

Phone call or text with a code.
Email to an address Google shows you.
Video recording (Google recommends this one when it's offered).
Live video call with a Google support person, during your business hours.
Postcard mailed with a code. Most arrive within 14 days, and codes expire after 30 days. While you wait, don't change your business name, address or category, and don't ask for a new code.

Never share a verification code with anyone, including people who help manage your profile.

If Google asks for a video

This is the step that trips most people up. Record one continuous video of at least 30 seconds, live, with no cuts or editing. Plan it before you hit record:

Show where you are. A street sign, building number or nearby landmark.
Show your business is real. If you have a shop: your sign with your business name on it. If you go to customers: your tools, equipment, truck, branded shirt or business cards.
Show you run it. Something only staff can do: unlock a work room, use your register, open your work truck, or show a business document like a license or invoice with your business name.

Google says reviews can take up to 5 business days. If the video is turned down, you can record a new one.

Step 3: Fill it out completely

Once you're verified, go back to your profile and add:

Hours you actually serve customers.
Photos: your logo, your work, your team, your truck. Real photos beat stock pictures.
Services and a short description of what you do and where.
Your website link, so people can learn more and ask for an estimate.

Step 4: Ask your happy customers for reviews

On your profile, look for the option to ask for reviews (Google has called it Ask for reviews and Get more reviews). It gives you a link. Text or email it to customers right after a job goes well. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and briefly.

Want help keeping it up?

Our Growth and Pro care plans include a weekly post on your profile, and Pro adds replies to your reviews. To give us access, add studios@freedomcompassventures.com as a manager:

Go to business.google.com.
Click More, then Business Profile settings, then People and access.
Click Add, type our email, choose Manager, and click Invite.

Managers can post and reply to reviews, but can't remove you or delete your profile. You stay the owner, and you can remove us anytime.

Google changes its screens from time to time, so button names may differ slightly. This guide follows Google's own help pages as of November 2026: add your business, verify your business, video verification, service areas and owners and managers.