Complete Guide to Google My Business Profile for Australian Businesses

🎯 Executive Summary & Key Points at a Glance

This comprehensive guide is specifically tailored for non-technical Australian business owners. Here's what you need to know:

🎯 Quick Win - Start in 5 Minutes:
Before reading the full guide, go to business.google.com right now and claim your business. This takes 5 minutes and starts your verification process immediately. Then come back and read this guide while you wait for Google's response. This simple action could save you days!

📊 Key Facts at a Glance

15-30 Minutes for initial setup (completely free)

5-21 Days for verification (method dependent)

7-14 Days total time for most Australian businesses

💡 Most Important Facts:
• Google Business Profile is completely free—there's no cost to set up or maintain it
• Verification is mandatory for customers to find you on Google Maps and Search
• Your business must have a real, physical address (not a PO Box)
• Consistency is critical—your business name, address, and phone number must be identical everywhere online

📋 One-Page Quick Checklist

💡 Print or Save This Page: Use this as your quick reference guide while setting up your Google Business Profile.

✅ Pre-Setup Checklist (Gather Before You Start)

Gmail account (or create one at gmail.com)

Exact business name (matches ABN/signage)

Complete physical address with postcode

Phone number with area code (e.g., 02 9876 5432)

Primary business category (check competitors on Google Maps)

Business hours (opening and closing times)

Website URL (if you have one)

Photo of your business signage (taken with phone)

🚀 Setup Process (30 Minutes)

Go to business.google.com

Sign in with your Gmail account

Search for your business name to see if it exists

Claim existing listing OR create new business

Enter all business information accurately

Choose: Storefront OR Service Area business

Submit for verification

⏳ During Verification (7-14 Days)

Wait for Google's verification method (video, postcard, phone, email)

DO NOT edit your business info (name, address, phone, category)

Complete verification when method arrives

Prepare 7-10 photos for after verification

✅ After Verification (Immediate)

Upload 5-10 high-quality photos

Complete all profile sections (services, attributes, description)

Enable messaging and Q&A features

Create your first post/update

Ask first 5 happy customers for reviews

🔄 Ongoing Monthly Tasks

Respond to all reviews within 24-48 hours

Post 2-4 updates per month (promotions, news, events)

Check Insights weekly for performance data

Update hours for holidays and special closures

Continuously ask for customer reviews

🎯 Quick Reference: Bookmark business.google.com for easy access to your dashboard. Check it weekly for messages, reviews, and insights.

🚀 Complete Step-by-Step Setup Process

📚 How to Use This Section: Follow these steps exactly in order. Don't skip ahead. Each step builds on the previous one. This is your complete walkthrough from absolute zero to a verified, optimized Google Business Profile.

Step 1: Prepare Your Gmail Account

What you need: A Gmail email address that you'll use to manage your business profile.

If you already have a Gmail account:

Use your existing personal or business Gmail
Make sure you have access to this email (you'll need it to verify)
Skip to Step 2

If you DON'T have a Gmail account:

Go to gmail.com in your web browser
Click "Create account"
Choose "For my business"
Enter your information:
- First name and last name
- Choose an email address (e.g., [email protected])
- Create a strong password
Verify your phone number (Google will text you a code)
Complete the setup process

💡 Pro Tip: Use a business-focused email name like "info@" or your business name. This looks more professional and keeps business separate from personal.

Step 2: Gather Your Business Information

Before you start, write down these details:

📝 Business Information Worksheet:

Business Name: ________________________________
(Exactly as it appears on your ABN/signage)
Street Address: ________________________________
City/Suburb: ________________________________
State: ________________________________
Postcode: ________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________
(Include area code: 02, 03, 07, 08)
Business Category: ________________________________
(e.g., Plumber, Hair Salon, Cafe, Electrician)
Website URL: ________________________________
(Leave blank if you don't have one)

Take a photo of your business signage right now with your phone. You may need this for video verification.

Step 3: Go to Google Business Profile

Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
Type in the address bar: business.google.com
Press Enter
You'll see the Google Business Profile homepage

Step 4: Sign In to Your Google Account

Click the "Manage now" or "Sign in" button
Enter your Gmail address
Click "Next"
Enter your password
Click "Next"
Complete any two-factor authentication if you have it enabled

Step 5: Search for Your Business

Why this matters: Your business might already exist on Google Maps (added by a customer or Google). You need to claim it rather than create a duplicate.

You'll see a search box that says "Enter your business name"
Type your exact business name
Google will show you a list of matching businesses

What you'll see:

Your business appears in the list: Click on it → Click "Claim this business" → Go to Step 6
Your business doesn't appear: Click "Create a business with this name" → Go to Step 7

Step 6: Claiming an Existing Business Listing

If your business already exists on Google:

Click on your business name from the search results
Click "Claim this business" or "Own this business?"
Review the existing information:
- Check if the address is correct
- Check if the phone number is correct
- Check if the category is correct
If information is incorrect, you can update it AFTER verification
Click "Continue" or "Claim"
Skip to Step 8 (Verification)

⚠️ Important: If the business listing shows a different owner or business, and it's NOT your business, click "This is not my business" and create a new listing instead.

Step 7: Creating a New Business Listing

If your business doesn't exist on Google yet:

Click "Create a business with this name" or "Add your business to Google"
Enter your business name (exactly as written on your signage/ABN)
Click "Next"
Choose your business category:
- Start typing (e.g., "plumbing", "cafe", "hair salon")
- Select the MOST SPECIFIC category from the dropdown
- Example: "Plumber" not "Contractor", "Hair Salon" not "Beauty Salon"
Click "Next"
Choose your business type:
- "Yes, I have a location customers can visit" → Choose this if customers come to your shop/office
- "No, I serve customers at their location" → Choose this if you're a service area business (tradies, cleaners, etc.)
Click "Next"

Step 7a: If You Have a Storefront/Customer Location

Enter your business address:
- Street address
- Suburb/City
- State
- Postcode
Click "Next"
"Do you also serve customers outside this location?"
- Choose "Yes" if you do mobile service + have a shop
- Choose "No" if customers only visit your location
If Yes, add your service areas (suburbs or postcodes)
Click "Next"

Step 7b: If You're a Service Area Business (No Storefront)

Enter your business address (your home office or workshop)
- This is required but will be HIDDEN from customers
- Google needs it for verification purposes only
Click "Next"
Add your service areas:
- Type suburb names: "Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith"
- OR type postcode ranges: "2000-2099"
- OR type regions: "Western Sydney"
- Add at least 3-5 areas where you operate
Click "Next"

💡 Your address will be hidden: Customers will only see your service areas, not your home/office address.

Step 7c: Complete Your Contact Information

Enter your phone number:
- Include area code: 02 9876 5432 (not just 9876 5432)
- Use your main business line
Click "Next"
Enter your website URL (if you have one)
- Example: https://www.yourbusiness.com.au
- If you don't have a website, click "Skip" or leave blank
Click "Next"

Step 8: Submit for Verification

Review all your information one final time
Make sure everything is accurate (name, address, phone, category)
Click "Finish" or "Submit"
Google will now automatically select your verification method
- Video verification (most common) - 2-5 days
- Postcard by mail - 5-14 days
- Phone/text verification - 1 day
- Email verification - instant to 1 day
Follow the instructions Google provides for your verification method

🎉 Congratulations! You've successfully created your Google Business Profile. Now you wait for verification (typically 7-14 days for Australian businesses).

Step 9: What to Do While Waiting for Verification

DO THESE THINGS:

✅ Check your email daily for messages from Google
✅ Prepare 7-10 high-quality photos of your business
✅ Write a draft business description (150-200 words)
✅ List out your services/products
✅ Think about which customers you'll ask for reviews

DO NOT DO THESE THINGS:

❌ Edit your business name, address, phone, or category
❌ Request a new verification code before 14 days
❌ Make any changes to your profile at all
❌ Create a duplicate listing

⚠️ Critical: Editing your profile during verification will restart your verification timeline from zero. Just be patient and wait.

Step 10: Complete Verification

When Google sends you your verification method, complete it immediately:

If Video Verification:

Film a 2-3 minute video of your business
Show your signage clearly
Film in good lighting (daytime)
Explain what your business does
Upload the video through your Google Business dashboard
Wait 2-5 days for Google to review

If Postcard Verification:

Wait 5-7 business days for postcard to arrive
When it arrives, go to business.google.com
Click "Verify now"
Enter the 5-digit code from the postcard
Click "Submit"
Your profile is now verified!

If Phone/Text Verification:

Choose "Call" or "Text"
Google will send you a code
Enter the code in the verification field
Click "Submit"
Your profile is now verified!

If Email Verification:

Check your Gmail inbox
Open the email from Google
Click the verification link OR copy the code
If code, enter it in your dashboard
Your profile is now verified!

Step 11: Optimize Your Verified Profile (Do This Immediately)

Once you see the green verified checkmark, do this right away:

Upload 5-10 photos: Exterior, interior, products, team, services

Add business description: 2-3 paragraphs about what you do and who you serve

List services/products: Add at least 5-10 items with descriptions

Add attributes: Wheelchair accessible, Free WiFi, Parking, etc.

Verify business hours: Including special hours for holidays

Enable messaging: Let customers message you directly

Create first post: Welcome customers or share an offer

Ask for reviews: Contact 5-10 happy customers and ask for Google reviews

🎉 You're Done! Your Google Business Profile is now fully set up, verified, and optimized. Customers can now find you on Google Maps and Google Search. Check your dashboard weekly for reviews, messages, and insights.

🔍 The Five Verification Methods

ℹ Important: Google automatically selects your verification method—you don't choose it. In 2025, video verification is the most common path for Australian businesses; postcard, phone, email, and live video call are still used but less frequently.

🎥Video Verification — Most common in 2025

Timeline: 2-5 business days

★ PRIMARY METHOD ★

Film a continuous 2-3 minute video showing exterior signage, approach from street, business entry, interior/work area, and proof of operations
Include tools, systems, uniforms, invoices/ABN on wall where applicable
Submit within the dashboard and wait for review
Important: Limited attempts; repeated failures may lock verification
Best for: Fastest verification with clear, consistent evidence

📮Postcard Verification

Timeline: 5-21 days (typical 5-7 business days)

Available but less common in 2025

Google mails a code to your address
Enter the code when it arrives
Code generally expires in ~30 days
Still available, but no longer the primary method

Critical: Do not edit profile while waiting; changes restart verification

📞Phone/Text Verification

Timeline: Same day to 1 business day

Google calls or texts your business number
Receive and enter a code
Available in a minority of cases
Enter code immediately when received

📧Email Verification

Timeline: Instant to 1 day

Google sends a code to your email
Click the link or enter the code
Less common; must match permitted domains/emails

💻Live Video Call

Timeline: 24-48 hours

Brief video call with Google representative
Show your business location and prove ownership
Escalation path if other methods fail
You'll be asked to show the same evidence live

⚠️ 2025 Reality Check (Must Read)

🚫 Limited attempts on video: Multiple failed uploads or obvious mismatches can trigger the "No more ways to verify" lockout.

🎥 Continuous evidence: Google expects a single, uncut video showing signage, approach, entry, interior/work proof, and brand consistency with your online details.

📸 GPS-tagged photos: Be ready to supply GPS-tagged photos of your exterior signage, interior workspace, and tools/vehicles if requested.

📄 Stricter documentation: Keep ABN/ASIC details, utility bills, lease, insurance, invoices, and branded materials ready to demonstrate legitimacy.

⏱️ Appeals: If you're offered an appeal, it may be single-opportunity and time-boxed (e.g., ~60 minutes) from when the link appears. Prepare evidence before triggering it.

🔒 Name/Category locks: During verification you generally cannot change name, address, or primary category. Edit after you are verified to avoid resets.

⚡ Instant/Bulk Verification Notes:
• If your site is verified in Google Search Console and your NAP is consistent, you may qualify for instant verification (case-by-case).
• Brands with 10+ locations may request bulk verification with stricter documentation and consistency reviews.

⚡ Critical Success Factors for Quick Verification

📚 Concept: Google verifies businesses to ensure they're legitimate and meet quality standards. Think of it like getting your driver's license - you need to prove you know the rules and are who you say you are. The faster you give Google exactly what they're looking for, the faster you get verified.

Before Submission (Must-Do's):

🎓 Practice Exercise: Before you submit anything to Google, gather these 4 items and write them down:
1. Your exact business name (as it appears on signage/ABN)
2. Your complete address with postcode
3. Your phone number with area code (e.g., 02 9876 5432)
4. Your primary business category (check competitors on Google Maps)

Ghost Coaching Tip: Take a photo of your business signage with your phone right now. When you submit to Google, you'll compare your written details to this photo to ensure they match perfectly.

Perfect Information Consistency
Your business name must match your signage, website, and ABN/business registration exactly. Your address must be 100% accurate with the correct postcode. Your phone number must include the Australian area code (02, 03, 07, etc.). Example: "02 9876 5432" not "9876 5432"

Correct Address Classification
• Storefront: Customers visit you → Show your address
• Service-Area Business: You go to customers → Hide your address, use service areas instead
• Home-Based: Only show address if you have visible business signage and customers can visit

Right Category Selection
Choose the most specific category that describes what your business IS, not what it HAS. Example: "Plumber" (correct) not "Tradesperson" (too vague). Check what categories competitors use for reference.

Clear Business Description
Write 2-3 sentences about what you do. Mention your suburb/service area. Focus on clarity, not marketing hype. Avoid ALL CAPS, special characters, and flowery language.

Quick Tips for Video Success (2025)

Daylight filming; hold phone steady, landscape preferred, no jump cuts

Start on the street approach → show exterior signage → enter → show interior → show tools/systems/vehicles that prove operations

Capture matching details: legal business name on signage, ABN/ASIC docs (if displayed), branded uniforms/vehicles, and consistent NAP details

Mute faces: you don't need to show your face; focus on the business evidence

Submit the first clean take. Repeated re-submissions raise flags

2025 Evidence Prep Checklist (Have These Ready)

ABN/ASIC record showing legal name & principal place of business

Utility/lease/insurance docs linking business name to the location

Exterior signage (photo + video) and interior workspace (photo + video)

Branded assets (uniforms, vehicle livery, invoices, receipts)

GPS-tagged photos of exterior/interior where possible

Continuous video covering street approach → signage → entry → operations

Real-World Example: What Success Looks Like

🏆 Case Study: Sarah's Plumbing Business (Sydney)
Sarah runs "Sarah's Plumbing Services" in Parramatta. Here's what she did:
• Used exact name on ABN: "Sarah's Plumbing Services" (not "Sarah's Plumbing Sydney" or "Best Plumber Parramatta")
• Listed her workshop address: "45 Church Street, Parramatta NSW 2150"
• HID this address from customers (service-area business)
• Added service areas: Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Castle Hill
• Category: "Plumber" (primary), "Emergency Plumber" (secondary)
• Phone: "02 9876 5432" (not just "9876 5432")

Result: Video verified in 3 days. Started getting customer calls within a week.

⚠ During Verification Period (DO NOT's):
• DO NOT edit your business name, address, phone number, or category
• DO NOT request a new verification code before 14 days
• DO NOT make any profile changes
• DO NOT request an alternative verification method before 14 days

Any of these actions will restart your verification timeline.

📍 Address Guidelines for Australian Businesses

Home Address Usage:

🏠 Home-Based Business Rules (2025):

Home businesses are allowed. If you receive customers at home, you should have permanent, visible signage and keep hours that match your profile
If you don't receive customers at the address, use a Service Area model and hide the address
Ensure your address aligns with ABN/ASIC records or you can explain legitimate differences (e.g., PO Box for mail, separate workshop for operations)

Service Area Businesses (Tradies, Cleaners, Consultants):

🎯 Recommended Approach: 1. List your office or workshop as your business location 2. Hide this address from customers if it's not a customer-facing location 3. Add all suburbs/postcodes where you operate instead 4. Customers see where you serve, not your base location

Examples of service areas for Sydney:

"Parramatta," "Blacktown," "Penrith," "Manly" (suburb names)
"2000-2099" (postcode ranges)
Or broader: "Inner Sydney," "Western Sydney"

📋 Address Compliance Note: For Australian businesses, your Google Business Profile address should ideally match your:

ASIC/ABN registration principal place of business
Website address (if different, explain why)
Business signage

This consistency helps you pass verification faster and builds customer trust.

🚀 Post-Verification Optimization Tips

Once you're verified (green checkmark appears), maximize your visibility with these strategies:

High-Quality Photos (Essential)

🎓 Photo Practice Exercise:
Right now, grab your phone and take these 7 photos (you'll upload them after verification):
1. Exterior signage - Stand back, show your sign clearly
2. Front of building - Full view, taken during daylight
3. Interior workspace - Clean, well-lit, professional
4. You or your team - At work, smiling, professional attire
5. Your products/services - Show what you actually do
6. Happy customer interaction - If possible (ask permission)
7. Equipment/tools - Show your professional setup

Ghost Coaching: Don't have a professional photographer? That's fine. Modern phone cameras are excellent. The key is good lighting (natural daylight is best) and a steady hand. Clean up your space before shooting, and make sure everything looks professional and tidy.

Upload at least 5-10 professional photos

Include exterior signage, interior workspace, products/services, and team

Use photos at least 720 x 540 pixels (Recommended: 1200 x 900 pixels)

Photo & Image Guidelines (2025 Practicals)

General uploads: Minimum 720×540 px; 1200×900 px recommended for posts and service photos
Logo: Square aspect; at least 720×720 px (larger is fine)
Cover photo/hero: Aim for ≥ 1080×608 px or larger with safe cropping
Formats & size: JPG/PNG, 10 KB–5 MB. Keep images bright, in focus, and brand-consistent
When requested by Google: Supply GPS-tagged photos (ensure location metadata is preserved)

Complete All Sections

Fill in website URL

Add all relevant business attributes (e.g., "Wheelchair accessible," "Free WiFi")

List services and products with descriptions

Fill in business hours including holiday hours

Collect Customer Reviews (Major Impact on Rankings)

🎓 Review Collection Script (Copy & Use):
Here's exactly what to say to customers:

"I'm so glad you're happy with our service! Would you mind taking 2 minutes to leave us a quick Google review? It really helps other local families find us. Just search '[Your Business Name]' on Google, click our listing, and you'll see the 'Write a review' button. Thank you so much!"

Even Better: Send them a direct review link. Get it from your Google Business Profile dashboard under "Get more reviews" and text/email it to them. This takes them straight to the review form.

Ask happy customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile

Aim for at least 5-10 reviews in the first month

⭐ Review Impact: More reviews = higher visibility in local search. Reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors.

Respond to All Reviews

Reply within 24-48 hours if possible

Thank customers for positive reviews

Address concerns professionally in negative reviews

Regular Posts & Engagement

Share promotions, new products, events, or company news (2-4 per month)

Enable messaging feature and respond within 24 hours

Monitor Insights weekly for performance data

❌ Common Mistakes That Cause Verification Delays or Suspension

Setup Mistakes:

⚠ Critical Setup Errors to Avoid:

Using the wrong business category → You appear for wrong searches
Inconsistent name/address/phone across the web → Verification fails
Including keywords in your business name → Profile rejected ("Best Plumber Sydney" instead of "John's Plumbing")
Using a PO Box or virtual office → Automatic failure
Home address without visible signage → Verification failure

Verification Mistakes:

⏱ Actions That Restart Your Timeline:

Editing your profile while verification is pending → Restarts the clock
Requesting a new postcard code too early → Previous code invalidated, starts over
Video with poor lighting or shaky footage → Rejection
Not responding to Google's inquiries → Profile inactivates

Post-Verification Mistakes:

📉 Ongoing Management Errors:

Not responding to customer reviews → Damages reputation
Using poor-quality photos → Looks unprofessional
Never updating your profile → Google thinks you're inactive
Leaving profile incomplete → Low visibility

🔧 Special Situations

🏢 Multi-Location Businesses:

Create a separate profile for each location
Each must have the same business name and category
Each gets its own address and phone number
Consider a "brand" account to manage all locations

🏠 Home-Based Service Businesses:

Use the service area model—hide your address
List all suburbs and postcodes you service
Make sure you have some visible business indication at your location
Update hours for when you accept calls/bookings

🌞 Seasonal Businesses:

Set regular hours during operating season
Mark as "Temporarily Closed" during off-season
Or set specific seasonal hours upfront

👥 Partnered/Agency Managed:

Ensure your business email is used for account ownership
You must retain access as the business owner
Keep the verification code secure
Check your profile regularly for accuracy

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I can't find my business on Google"

Try These Searches:

Your business name + suburb
A service you offer + suburb

Solution: Click "Add your business" to create your profile. New businesses may take a few days to index.

"Verification method not available"

Wait 24 hours—options may appear
Try a different available method
Contact Google Support through your profile if stuck

⚠️ 2025 Update: If options disappear after failed attempts, you may see "No more ways to verify." This usually indicates Google needs stronger evidence or a different path (e.g., live video call). Gather GPS-tagged photos and documentation before contacting support.

"My video verification was rejected"

Common Issues:

Signage not clearly visible
Information doesn't match profile
Too dark or blurry (film in daylight)
Personal information visible

Solution: Re-record addressing the rejection reason and resubmit.

"Postcard hasn't arrived after 14 days"

Contact Google Support through your profile
Request an alternative method (email, phone, video)
Provide new address if it's incorrect
Google will guide you to next steps

"My profile got suspended"

Check your dashboard for the specific issue
Correct it immediately (usually address mismatch or policy violation)
Contact Google Support with corrected information
Respond to all of Google's emails promptly

"Appeal link/clock started"

⏱️ 2025 Critical: When an appeal link appears, timing can be strict. Assume a single window to upload all evidence.

Have documents and media prepared in advance:

ABN/ASIC registration documents
Lease/utility bills in business name
Branded invoices, receipts, insurance docs
GPS-tagged photos of exterior/interior
Continuous video (street → signage → entry → operations)

⚠️ Important: Appeals may be time-boxed (e.g., ~60 minutes from link activation). Don't wait until you see the link to gather evidence—have everything ready beforehand.

⏱ Timeline Expectations for Australian Businesses

Stage	Timeframe	What You Do
Setup	15-30 min	Enter business info and submit profile
Verification Decision	Instant	Google determines verification method (video is most common in 2025)
Video Verification	2-5 days	Submit continuous video; Google reviews (PRIMARY method 2025)
Postcard Delivery	5-7 days (avg)	Postcard arrives in mail
Postcard Code Entry	Instant	Enter 5-digit code when arrives
Final Google Review	Up to 5 days	Google reviews all submitted information
Total	7-14 days	Profile now visible and fully managed

✓ Most Australian businesses are verified within 10 business days.

What This Timeline Means For You (Real Outcomes)

📊 Expected Results Timeline:

Week 1-2 (During Verification):
• Your profile may appear in Google Search/Maps with reduced visibility (not guaranteed for all queries)
• Treat this as a soft presence only; expect limited impressions until verification completes
• You cannot manage reviews or add photos yet

Week 2-3 (After Verification):
• Green verified checkmark appears
• Full control over your listing
• Expect 5-20 new profile views per week (depends on location/competition)
• Start getting direction requests and phone calls

Month 1-2 (Optimized Profile):
• With 5-10 reviews and regular posts: 50-200+ views per week
• Conversion rate: 10-30% of viewers take action (call, visit website, get directions)
• You'll start appearing in "near me" searches for your services

Month 3+ (Ongoing Management):
• Established presence with 15+ reviews: 100-500+ views per week
• Consistent flow of new customer inquiries
• Your profile becomes a reliable lead generation channel
• ROI: $0 cost, potential $5,000-$50,000+ annual revenue depending on business type

❌ What You Can't Do Until Verified

Note: Some UI elements may appear pre-verification, but most visibility-impacting features (reviews, posts, insights) only fully activate after verification.

✗ Respond to customer reviews
✗ Upload photos and videos
✗ Create posts
✗ View insights and analytics
✗ Enable messaging
✗ Add products or services
✗ Edit business information
✗ Manage team access

✅ What You Can Do After Verified

✓ Upload high-quality photos (unlimited)
✓ Create posts and share updates
✓ Respond to all customer reviews
✓ View detailed insights (views, clicks, calls, direction requests)
✓ Enable customer messaging
✓ Add products and services with pricing
✓ Manage booking and appointment features
✓ Add team members with different access levels
✓ Track customer behavior and optimize your profile

🎯 Final Action Steps

💡 Implementation Principle: Success comes from consistent small actions, not one big effort. By breaking this down into weekly tasks, you ensure your Google Business Profile becomes a reliable source of new customers. Think of it like maintaining a garden - a little regular attention produces abundant results.

This Week:

Gather your business information (name, address, phone, category)

Go to business.google.com

Start your profile using the setup guide

Submit for verification

While Waiting:

Don't edit anything

Prepare photos and description for after verification

Monitor your email for messages from Google

When Verified:

Upload 5-10 professional photos

Complete all profile sections

Enable messaging

Ask customers for reviews

Post weekly updates

Ongoing (Monthly):

Respond to reviews and messages

Post 2-4 updates

Monitor insights

Update information as needed

Collect more reviews

Setting Up & Verifying Your Google My Business Profile

📋 Table of Contents

🎯 Executive Summary & Key Points at a Glance

📊 Key Facts at a Glance

📋 One-Page Quick Checklist

✅ Pre-Setup Checklist (Gather Before You Start)

🚀 Setup Process (30 Minutes)

⏳ During Verification (7-14 Days)

✅ After Verification (Immediate)

🔄 Ongoing Monthly Tasks

🚀 Complete Step-by-Step Setup Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Gmail Account

Step 2: Gather Your Business Information

Step 3: Go to Google Business Profile

Step 4: Sign In to Your Google Account

Step 5: Search for Your Business

Step 6: Claiming an Existing Business Listing

Step 7: Creating a New Business Listing

Step 7a: If You Have a Storefront/Customer Location

Step 7b: If You're a Service Area Business (No Storefront)

Step 7c: Complete Your Contact Information

Step 8: Submit for Verification

Step 9: What to Do While Waiting for Verification

Step 10: Complete Verification

Step 11: Optimize Your Verified Profile (Do This Immediately)

🔍 The Five Verification Methods

🎥Video Verification — Most common in 2025

📮Postcard Verification

📞Phone/Text Verification

📧Email Verification

💻Live Video Call

⚠️ 2025 Reality Check (Must Read)

⚡ Critical Success Factors for Quick Verification

Before Submission (Must-Do's):

Quick Tips for Video Success (2025)

2025 Evidence Prep Checklist (Have These Ready)

Real-World Example: What Success Looks Like

📍 Address Guidelines for Australian Businesses

Home Address Usage:

Service Area Businesses (Tradies, Cleaners, Consultants):

Examples of service areas for Sydney:

🚀 Post-Verification Optimization Tips

High-Quality Photos (Essential)

Photo & Image Guidelines (2025 Practicals)

Complete All Sections

Collect Customer Reviews (Major Impact on Rankings)

Respond to All Reviews

Regular Posts & Engagement

❌ Common Mistakes That Cause Verification Delays or Suspension

Setup Mistakes:

Verification Mistakes:

Post-Verification Mistakes:

🔧 Special Situations

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

⏱ Timeline Expectations for Australian Businesses

What This Timeline Means For You (Real Outcomes)

❌ What You Can't Do Until Verified

✅ What You Can Do After Verified

🎯 Final Action Steps

This Week:

While Waiting:

When Verified:

Ongoing (Monthly):