How do you get your business on Google Maps?
Nova “For a business with a location, the map is the first impression. An incomplete profile looks like a closed business.”
Quick answer
To appear on Google Maps you need a verified Google Business Profile with the right category, hours, photos and accurate details. Only businesses with a location customers visit, or that serve customers in a defined service area, are eligible; online-only businesses are not.
Key facts
| Who is eligible | Businesses with a location or that serve customers in a service area |
|---|---|
| Who is not | Online-only businesses and unstaffed virtual offices |
| What decides ranking | Relevance, distance and prominence |
| Can you pay to rank higher? | No; Google says you cannot pay for a better local ranking |
| At CA | Profile optimization from $125 USD |
Who can have a Business Profile?
Under Google’s guidelines, you can create a profile if your business has a location customers can visit or if you travel to customers. Service-area businesses use a profile with a service area. Online-only businesses and virtual offices that do not operate at that address are not eligible.
What decides who shows first on the map?
Google explains that local results depend on three factors:
- Relevance: how well your profile matches the search.
- Distance: how far you are from the searcher.
- Prominence: how well-known your business is, including reviews and links.
Does your business not show up when people search nearby?
See details and pricingWhat should a complete profile include?
Relevance depends on the information you provide. Make sure your profile has:
- The right primary category and services.
- Up-to-date hours, including holidays.
- Real photos of the location, products and team.
- Phone, website and address matching your website.
- Replies to reviews, positive and negative.
Which mistakes can get a profile suspended?
Adding keywords or location to the business name is not allowed and can lead to suspension. Nor can you use an address where the business does not operate. The name must be the one you use in the real world.
Frequently asked questions
Does appearing on Google Maps cost money?
Creating a Business Profile is free. What costs money is the work of optimizing and maintaining it if you hire it out.
Can I pay to show first on the map?
Not in organic local results. Google says you cannot request or pay for a better local ranking.
Can I add my city to the name to rank better?
No. The guidelines prohibit unnecessary information in the name and doing so can get the profile suspended.
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Related guides
Sources
- Business Profile Help — Guidelines for representing your business on Google
- Business Profile Help — Tips to improve your local ranking
Sources checked on the update date. This guide is informational and is not legal or tax advice.