Getting Businesses Online
Partner Guide
WHAT IS A BUSINESS PROFILE?
A Google Business Profile is a free tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps.
Keeping business details accurate and up-to-date can help customers find and
connect with local businesses.
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WHAT BUSINESSES ARE ELIGIBLE?
Eligible businesses must make in-person contact with
customers during stated business hours, either at a business location or at a customer’s location.
Service area businesses should create one Business Profile and set a service area within.
Read detailed guidelines here.
Eligible
Read more about ineligible businesses in this article under Ineligible Businesses.
Businesses that make in-person contact with customers during stated hours.
Home-based businesses with a service area. The home address must be hidden.
Ineligible
Businesses operating primarily by phone/email/web
Home rental, vacation, or �for-sale properties
Businesses that use a PO box
Events held at venues that the organizers don’t have the authority to represent
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STARTED BY CREATING OR CLAIMING A GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
Check out this handout. It lists the steps to setup and create a Business Profile.
Keep in mind: There might be an out-of-date Business Profile listed at your address. Do not attempt to claim it if it’s not your business. Instead, they can suggest an edit to mark the business as closed. Then, create a new Business Profile for your own business.
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WHAT IS VERIFICATION?
Verified businesses have confirmed their ownership of the Business Profile. Verified businesses are twice as likely to be considered reputable by users.
Once verified, a business can:
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HOW TO VERIFY
If you need verification help, email our team at gwgpartners@google.com
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Visit google.com/business
Claim or complete your Business Profile.
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Request a postcard.
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In the meantime, explore your Business Profile and update info.
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POSTCARD AND PO BOX SCENARIOS�
Business uses a PO Box
Use a precise, accurate address and/or service area to describe the business location. P.O. boxes or mailboxes located at remote locations are not acceptable.
If the business does not serve customers at their business address: Clear the address field and only enter a service area.
Once the profile has been created and the business is in the verification step, the business will enter their mailing address. This address doesn’t appear externally to your customers and is only used for verification.
The bottom line
Don’t use a PO Box or UPS store box for your Google Business Profile. These addresses are ineligible and the business will not be verified.
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OWNERSHIP AND ACCESS SCENARIOS �
Someone else owns the verified Business Profile.
Request an ownership transfer from the current owner. This Help Center article explains the process.
If there is no response after 3 days, they may have the option to claim the profile. To claim a Business Profile:
Sign into the Business Profile manager with the account that made the request, and look for a “Claim” or “Verify” button on the dashboard.
Business owner cannot remember username or password.
Use Google’s account recovery steps to reset the password. Click here for account recovery options.
If the username or password cannot be recovered, instruct the business to request an ownership transfer. (See the previous process.)
Did you accidentally verify a business in your own account?
No problem!
Access the Users tab in the Google Business Profile Manager and add the business owner’s email, as an owner. Ask them to check their email inbox and to accept the invitation. Click here for instructions.
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HELPFUL LINKS
Find answers to questions that start with “How Do I….”
Looking for help? Contact support at twitter.com/googlemybiz or facebook.com/googlebusinessprofile.
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READY FOR MORE?
Visit the Resources section in the Partner Community to access all the materials we offer, including step-by-step guides, video tutorials, promotional materials, and much more.
Questions? Email our team at:
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