A Google Business Profile (GBP) is the business information that may appear when customers search for your company on Google Search or Google Maps.

It can display important information such as:

• Business name
• Business category
• Address or service area
• Phone number
• Website
• Opening hours
• Services
• Products
• Business description
• Photos and videos
• Customer reviews
• Business attributes
• Social media profiles
• Other category-specific information

Keeping this information accurate is important because potential customers frequently use Google Search and Google Maps to decide where a business is located, when it is open, what it offers, and how to contact it.

Google also recommends keeping Business Profile information complete and accurate as part of improving a business's visibility in local search results.

Google Business Profile vs Google My Business

You may still see people using the term Google My Business (GMB).

Google My Business was the earlier name of Google's business listing management platform. Google now calls the service Google Business Profile.

Therefore, searches such as:

Google My Business → Google Business Profile

generally refer to the same business-listing ecosystem.

What Information Can You Change?

Depending on your business category, location, eligibility, and features available to your profile, you may be able to modify information including:

Information	Typical Action
Business name	Edit
Primary category	Edit
Additional categories	Add/remove
Address	Edit
Map pin	Adjust
Service area	Add/edit
Phone number	Add/change
Website	Add/change
Business hours	Edit
Special/holiday hours	Configure
Services	Add/edit
Products	Add/edit where supported
Description	Edit
Attributes	Configure
Photos/videos	Add/manage
Social profiles	Add/edit where available

Some options depend on the type of business and the country or region.

Before Editing Your Google Business Profile

Before making important changes, confirm that you are signed in using a Google Account that has Owner or Manager access to the correct Business Profile.

This is particularly important if your organization manages several businesses or locations.

Also verify that the information you plan to enter represents your business accurately.

Do not add unnecessary keywords merely to try to improve rankings.

Step 1: Sign In to the Correct Google Account

Sign in to the Google Account associated with the Business Profile.

You can then locate your profile through Google Search or Google Maps.

For example, while signed in, search for:

my business

or search for your exact business name.

If your account manages the profile, Google should provide management controls for the business.

Step 2: Select the Correct Business

If you manage multiple Business Profiles, make sure you are editing the correct location.

This is especially important for:

• Businesses with several branches
• Franchise locations
• Companies managing profiles for customers
• Marketing agencies
• IT administrators managing profiles for multiple organizations

Changing the wrong location can cause inaccurate information to appear publicly.

Step 3: Open "Edit Profile"

From the Business Profile management interface, select:

Edit profile

You can then review the available information and make the required changes.

Google's current instructions use the Business Profile itself on Search/Maps for many management tasks rather than relying solely on the older Google My Business dashboard workflow.

Step 4: Change the Business Name

Locate the Business name field and enter the correct name.

Important: Do Not Stuff Keywords into the Business Name

The business name should represent the real-world name customers recognize.

For example, if the actual business name is:

ABC Computers

avoid changing it to something such as:

ABC Computers Best Laptop Repair Computer Repair Delhi Cheap Laptop Service

simply for SEO.

Google's guidelines require businesses to represent themselves accurately, and unnecessary information in the business name can create compliance problems.

Good Example

ABC Computers

Poor Example

ABC Computers Best Laptop Repair & Computer Dealer Cheapest Service Delhi

Use your genuine business identity rather than turning the name field into a keyword list.

Step 5: Change the Business Category

The category tells Google what type of business you operate.

Examples might include:

• Computer repair service
• Accountant
• Restaurant
• Software company
• Computer store
• IT consultant
• Chartered accountant

Choose the most specific category that accurately represents your primary business activity.

Google allows a primary category and additional categories where appropriate. The primary category should describe the core business, while additional categories should represent genuine additional business activities.

Avoid Category Stuffing

Do not select unrelated categories simply because you want your business to appear for more searches.

Categories should describe the business, not act as SEO keywords.

Step 6: Change the Business Address

If your business has moved, you can update its physical address.

Enter the complete and accurate address.

Depending on the profile, Google may also allow you to adjust the map pin so that it accurately identifies the location.

Important

A major location change can trigger re-verification.

Google specifically states that when a verified business moves to a new address, it may need to verify the business again.

Storefront Business vs Service-Area Business

This distinction is extremely important.

Storefront Business

A storefront business receives customers at its physical location during its stated business hours.

Examples:

• Computer shop
• Restaurant
• Retail store
• Clinic
• Office receiving customers

Such businesses may normally display their physical address if they meet Google's requirements.

Service-Area Business

A service-area business travels to customers instead of serving them at its own location.

Examples could include:

• Plumber
• Electrician
• Mobile computer technician
• Home cleaning service
• Pest control company
• Certain onsite repair businesses

If customers do not visit your business location, Google recommends hiding the address and configuring the appropriate service area.

Important Warning About Virtual Offices

Do not use an address merely because you receive mail there.

Google states that businesses operating from a virtual office generally aren't eligible to use that location for a Business Profile. Co-working locations also have specific eligibility requirements, including factors such as signage, staffing, and receiving customers at the location.

Using an address that does not comply with Google's guidelines can lead to profile problems.

Step 7: Configure Your Service Area

For businesses that visit customers, configure the service area accurately.

Service areas help customers understand the geographic locations your business serves.

Depending on Google's available options, service areas can be based on locations such as:

• Cities
• Postal/ZIP codes
• Other geographic areas

Avoid creating an unrealistically large service area simply for SEO purposes.

Step 8: Update Your Phone Number

Make sure customers can actually reach your business using the number displayed.

Google currently allows a primary number and, where supported, up to two additional phone numbers.

Use a phone number associated with the business or individual location whenever possible.

Check the number carefully after saving it.

A wrong digit could cause prospective customers to call someone else.

Step 9: Update Your Website

Add the official website for the business.

For example:

Your Business Profile → Website → Your official company website

Make sure:

• The website opens correctly
• HTTPS/SSL works
• The site is mobile friendly
• Contact information matches your Business Profile
• Address information is consistent
• Business name is consistent

Consistency between your website and Business Profile makes the information clearer for both customers and search systems.

Step 10: Update Business Hours

Accurate business hours are extremely important.

Configure your regular operating schedule and update it whenever your working hours change.

For example:

Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Google also supports special hours for holidays or temporary schedule changes.

Use special hours for occasions such as:

• Public holidays
• Festivals
• Election days
• Company holidays
• Temporary schedule changes

Do not leave incorrect opening hours online.

Customers travelling to a closed business because Google says it is open can quickly lose confidence in the listing.

Step 11: Add or Update Services

Businesses that provide services should keep their service information updated.

Depending on your business category, you may be able to add:

• Service names
• Service descriptions
• Prices or pricing information
• Different service categories

For an IT company, for example, services could include:

• Laptop Repair
• Desktop Repair
• Network Installation
• Cloud Backup
• Server Support
• Microsoft 365
• Google Workspace
• Tally Support
• Remote IT Support

Only add services you actually provide.

Step 12: Update Products

Some Business Profile categories can display products.

Businesses may use this feature to showcase products available to customers.

Product information should be accurate and maintained regularly.

Avoid leaving discontinued products or outdated pricing visible.

Step 13: Improve the Business Description

The description should explain clearly:

1. Who you are
2. What your business does
3. Your main products or services
4. The type of customers you serve
5. Important information that differentiates the business

Example

ABC Computers provides computer sales, laptop and desktop repair, networking, software installation, cloud solutions and IT support for home users and businesses. Our team provides onsite and remote technical support with a focus on reliable and professional IT services.

Keep the description useful for customers instead of filling it with repeated keywords.

Step 14: Add Business Attributes

Business attributes provide additional information that may help customers decide whether a business meets their needs.

Available attributes depend heavily on the category and location.

Examples can include information relating to:

• Accessibility
• Amenities
• Payment options
• Service options
• Other category-specific characteristics

Google says attributes can appear on Search, Maps, and other Google platforms.

Only select attributes that genuinely apply to the business.

Step 15: Add Social Media Profiles

Google Business Profile supports social media links for eligible profiles and regions.

Where the option is available, you may be able to connect profiles from supported social platforms.

Google's current instructions place this option under:

Edit profile → Social profiles

Use only your organization's official social media profiles.

Step 16: Add High-Quality Photos

Photos can make a Business Profile significantly more useful to customers.

Consider uploading genuine images of:

• Business exterior
• Business entrance
• Reception
• Office
• Store interior
• Products
• Staff
• Equipment
• Work environment
• Completed projects where appropriate
• Company logo

For businesses customers physically visit, exterior photographs can also make the location easier to identify.

Avoid misleading, unrelated, excessively edited, or low-quality images.

Step 17: Save Your Changes

After editing a section, select the appropriate Save option.

Do not assume that every change becomes public immediately.

Google may review changes before publishing them.

Why Does Google Review Business Profile Changes?

Google attempts to ensure that Business Profile information is reliable.

Information may be evaluated against data from various sources.

Therefore, an edit can sometimes be:

• Accepted immediately
• Placed under review
• Published after processing
• Modified based on other information
• Rejected
• Require additional verification

This is one reason business information should be consistent across your website and other authoritative business sources.

Changes That May Trigger Re-Verification

Certain significant modifications can result in Google asking the business to verify again.

A common example is changing the address of an already verified business.

Other substantial profile changes can also lead Google to request additional information or verification.

This does not automatically mean that something is wrong with the business. It can be part of Google's process for confirming that the profile remains accurate and controlled by the legitimate business.

Current Google Business Profile Verification Methods

A common misconception is that every business is verified by postcard.

That is no longer accurate.

Google determines which verification methods are available for each Business Profile, and businesses generally cannot simply choose any verification method they want.

Depending on the business and Google's assessment, methods may include:

• Phone or SMS
• Email
• Video recording
• Live video call
• Mail/postcard
• Other available verification methods

In some situations, Google may require more than one verification method.

Video Verification

Video verification has become an important verification method for Google Business Profiles.

You may need to demonstrate things such as:

Business Location

Show evidence that the business exists at the claimed location.

This can include:

• Street surroundings
• Building
• Business signage
• Nearby landmarks or businesses

Business Operations

Show evidence that the business actually operates.

For example:

• Equipment
• Products
• Tools
• Branded materials
• Work areas

Proof of Management

Google may require evidence that you are authorized to manage the business.

Examples can include access to employee-only areas or business equipment.

Google provides specific instructions depending on the verification method offered to the profile.

Important Warning About Verification Codes

Never give your Google Business Profile verification code to an unknown person.

Google specifically warns businesses to keep verification codes secure and not share them with anyone, including people claiming to manage the Business Profile.

Treat a verification code similarly to an account security credential.

Protect Ownership of Your Google Business Profile

A Business Profile is an important digital business asset.

The Primary Owner should ideally be a Google Account controlled by the actual business.

Do not permanently give primary ownership to:

• Temporary employees
• Freelancers
• SEO vendors
• Advertising agencies
• Website developers
• IT contractors

unless there is a genuine business reason to do so.

Instead, use Google's available Owner/Manager access controls to give appropriate access.

This helps prevent ownership disputes if your relationship with a third-party provider ends.

What If an Employee Leaves the Company?

Review Business Profile access immediately.

Remove access for users who no longer require it.

Also review access whenever:

• An employee resigns
• An agency contract ends
• A web developer changes
• An IT provider changes
• A marketing consultant leaves
• Business ownership changes

Regular access reviews reduce the risk of unauthorized changes.

What If You Don't Own the Existing Business Profile?

Do not immediately create another profile.

First search Google Maps for the existing business.

If the profile already exists, use Google's ownership/claim process.

Creating unnecessary duplicate profiles can create confusion and may complicate management.

Avoid Duplicate Google Business Profiles

Normally, a business should not create multiple profiles for the same location merely to target different keywords.

For example, do not create:

ABC Computers – Laptop Repair

and another profile:

ABC Computers – Computer Repair

at the same location merely to rank for both searches.

Google's guidelines state that businesses should not create more than one profile for each location, subject to specific exceptions such as certain departments and practitioners.

Common Reasons Google Business Profile Changes Don't Appear

If an edit does not appear immediately, possible reasons include:

1. The Change Is Under Review

Google may still be evaluating the edit.

2. Additional Verification Is Required

A major change may require re-verification.

3. Information Conflicts With Other Sources

Google may encounter different information elsewhere.

4. The Edit Violates Business Profile Guidelines

Examples may include:

• Keyword-stuffed business name
• Invalid address
• Virtual office that does not meet eligibility requirements
• Incorrect category
• Misleading information

5. You Are Editing the Wrong Profile

This can happen when several locations are managed under the same Google Account.

Business Name Changed but Google Still Shows the Old Name

Check:

1. Whether the edit was saved
2. Whether it is still being reviewed
3. Whether your website shows the new name
4. Whether signage reflects the legitimate business name
5. Whether other important online business references still use the old name
6. Whether Google has requested verification

Avoid repeatedly changing the name while an important edit is being reviewed unless you need to correct an actual mistake.

Business Address Changed but Google Still Shows the Old Address

First verify that:

• The new address is accurate
• The map pin is correct
• The location complies with Google guidelines
• You are eligible to display the address
• Re-verification is not pending

If you are a service-area business that does not receive customers at the location, consider whether the address should be hidden instead.

Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist

After updating the profile, review the following:

• Business name is accurate
• Primary category accurately represents the business
• Additional categories are relevant
• Address is correct
• Map pin is accurate
• Service area is correct
• Phone number works
• Website works
• Regular hours are accurate
• Holiday/special hours are configured
• Services are updated
• Products are updated where applicable
• Description is accurate
• Attributes are accurate
• Social profiles are correct where supported
• Logo is current
• Business photos are current
• Customer reviews are monitored
• Business Profile access is reviewed
• Former employees/vendors have been removed
• No duplicate profiles exist

Does Updating Google Business Profile Improve Google Ranking?

Keeping the profile accurate and complete is useful, but there is no guaranteed setting that places a business at number one on Google Maps.

Google explains that local results are mainly based on factors including:

• Relevance
• Distance
• Prominence

Complete and accurate business information can help Google better understand the business and match it with relevant searches.

Be suspicious of anyone promising a guaranteed #1 Google Maps position.

Reviews Are Also Important

Business Profile management should not end after completing the basic information.

Monitor customer reviews and respond professionally.

Good review management can demonstrate that the company actively communicates with customers.

Never disclose private customer information when responding publicly.

Keep Holiday Hours Updated

This is one of the simplest but most commonly overlooked Business Profile maintenance tasks.

Before major holidays or planned closures:

1. Open the Business Profile
2. Review special hours
3. Enter the correct schedule
4. Save the changes
5. Verify how the hours appear publicly

This prevents customers from seeing inaccurate "Open" information.

Recommended Monthly Google Business Profile Maintenance

A Business Profile should not be treated as a one-time setup.

At least periodically review:

Contact Information

Verify the phone number, website and address.

Business Hours

Confirm regular and special hours.

Services and Products

Remove discontinued offerings and add relevant new ones.

Photos

Upload recent, genuine business photos where useful.

Reviews

Read and respond appropriately.

User Access

Remove people who no longer need access.

Google-Generated Updates

Review changes and suggestions affecting the profile.

Important Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Adding keywords to the business name that are not part of the real business name.
2. Using a fake address.
3. Using an ineligible virtual office.
4. Creating duplicate profiles for SEO.
5. Selecting unrelated business categories.
6. Showing an address where customers cannot actually visit when the profile should be configured as a service-area business.
7. Forgetting to update holiday hours.
8. Leaving an old phone number active.
9. Linking to an expired or incorrect website.
10. Giving primary ownership to an outside vendor unnecessarily.
11. Sharing verification codes.
12. Ignoring requests for re-verification.
13. Uploading misleading photos.
14. Making repeated unnecessary major changes.
15. Ignoring Google's Business Profile policies.

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Problem	What to Check
Edit not showing	Check whether edit is under review
Address change pending	Check for re-verification
Phone number rejected	Verify accuracy and business association
Wrong map location	Review address and map pin
Business name rejected	Check Google's naming guidelines
Profile asks for verification	Complete the offered verification method
Postcard option missing	Google determines available verification methods
Video verification requested	Prepare location, operations and management evidence
Duplicate listing found	Resolve duplicate instead of creating more profiles
Former employee controls profile	Review ownership and management access
Customers visit another address	Correct address/pin immediately
Home address visible	Check service-area configuration if customers don't visit there

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is Google's system that allows eligible businesses to manage information that appears about them on Google Search and Google Maps.

2. Is Google Business Profile the same as Google My Business?

Google My Business is the former name. The current name is Google Business Profile.

3. Is Google Business Profile free?

Creating and managing an eligible Google Business Profile is generally free.

4. How do I edit my Google Business Profile?

Sign in with the Google Account that manages the profile, locate the Business Profile through Google Search or Maps, and select Edit profile.

5. Can I change my business name?

Yes, but the new name should accurately represent your real-world business name and comply with Google's guidelines.

6. Can I add keywords to my business name for SEO?

You should not add unnecessary keywords that are not genuinely part of the business name.

7. Can I change my Google Maps business address?

Yes. However, changing the address of a verified business can require re-verification.

8. Will changing my address remove my reviews?

A legitimate address update to the same business should be handled by updating the existing profile rather than automatically creating a new one. Avoid creating a duplicate profile simply because the business moved.

9. Why is Google asking me to verify again?

Google may require re-verification after important changes or when it needs additional evidence that the business information and management are legitimate.

10. Can I choose my verification method?

Not necessarily. Google determines which verification methods are available for a particular Business Profile.

11. Is postcard verification compulsory?

No. Postcard verification is only one possible method and is not available for every business.

12. What is Google video verification?

It is a verification method where Google may ask you to demonstrate the business location, business operations, and evidence that you manage the business.

13. Can I use a virtual office for Google Business Profile?

A virtual office that does not meet Google's eligibility requirements should not be used as the business location.

14. I work from home and visit customers. Should my home address be visible?

If customers do not visit your address and you operate as a service-area business, Google recommends hiding the address and configuring your service area.

15. Can I add multiple phone numbers?

Google currently supports a primary phone number and up to two additional numbers where available.

16. Can I change my business category?

Yes. Select the most accurate primary category and use relevant additional categories where appropriate.

17. How many additional categories can I add?

Google's current guidance says you can select up to nine additional categories in addition to the primary category.

18. Why are my Google Business Profile edits pending?

Google may review edits before they appear publicly. Important changes may also result in additional verification.

19. Can I add social media profiles?

Google supports social profile links for eligible Business Profiles and regions. Availability can vary.

20. Can I add WhatsApp to my Google Business Profile?

Google currently offers customer contact options including WhatsApp or text messaging for certain eligible businesses and regions, so availability depends on your profile.

21. Can I have two Google Business Profiles at the same address?

Normally you should not create multiple profiles for the same business/location simply for SEO. There are legitimate exceptions for certain separately operated businesses, departments and practitioners.

22. What should I do if someone else owns my Business Profile?

Use Google's ownership request process rather than immediately creating a duplicate listing.

23. Should my SEO company be the Primary Owner?

It is generally safer for the actual business to retain primary ownership and give external providers only the access required to perform their work.

24. How often should I update my Google Business Profile?

Update it whenever important business information changes, and review it periodically to make sure hours, contact information, services, photos and user access remain accurate.

25. Will a complete Google Business Profile improve local SEO?

Complete and accurate information can help Google understand your business and match it with relevant local searches. Local ranking, however, also depends on factors such as relevance, distance and prominence.

Conclusion

Your Google Business Profile is one of your company's most important public information sources on Google Search and Google Maps.

It should therefore be treated as an actively maintained business asset rather than a listing that is created once and forgotten.

Keep your:

Business Name → Category → Address/Service Area → Phone → Website → Hours → Services → Description → Attributes → Photos → Reviews → Ownership

accurate and current.

Most importantly, follow Google's Business Profile guidelines. Avoid keyword stuffing, fake addresses, duplicate profiles, misleading categories and unauthorized ownership arrangements.

A well-maintained Business Profile makes it easier for customers to find your business, understand what you offer, contact you, visit you, and decide whether to do business with you.

For current procedures and policy changes, consult the official Google Business Profile Help Center because individual features, verification methods, and management interfaces can change over time.

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