The Google Business Profile Field Manual
Seventeen focused guides, grouped by the job you're doing right now — from claiming your profile to fixing what's broken. Each one shows exactly what to click and how to confirm it worked.
New here? Start with the foundation
Work through these first to get a profile that's claimed, verified, and findable.
Start the first guideStart here
Claim, verify, and lay the foundation.
Claim or Request Ownership of Your Business Profile
Use business.google.com/add to claim a profile you don't yet manage, or transfer primary ownership to a new owner.
Read guideGuide 2Business VerificationVerify Your Business So You Can Edit It
Google assigns one of five verification methods based on your business category. Reviews can take up to 5 business days.
Read guideGuide 3Business CategoryPick the Right Primary and Secondary Categories
Use one primary category for your core service plus up to nine secondary categories to capture every relevant search.
Read guideGuide 4Business DescriptionWrite a Business Description That Converts Searchers
Use Google's AI suggestion or write it yourself in plain language. Lead with what you sell, then with what makes you different.
Read guideGuide 5Business HoursKeep Your Hours Accurate (Especially Holidays)
Set regular, special, and holiday hours in advance. Don't forget pickup hours and online service windows where they apply.
Read guideComplete your profile
Fill in everything customers look for.
Define Where You Actually Operate
Up to 20 service areas, no more than ~2 hours of driving from your base. Be specific — neighborhoods beat ZIP codes.
Read guideGuide 7Business AttributesSurface the Details Customers Filter For
Toggle on every attribute that genuinely applies. Attributes show up in Search filters, so they directly affect who finds you.
Read guideGuide 8OfferingsPublish Your Services, Menu, or Inventory With Prices
Add services, menus, or inventory with descriptions and prices. Customers regularly check offerings before deciding to visit.
Read guideGuide 9Photos & VideosShow Up With Photos and Videos That Earn the Click
Upload exterior, interior, product, and team photos. Refresh them regularly so the Profile feels alive.
Read guideGuide 10Social LinksConnect Your Social Profiles to Your GBP
Link Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Your social posts and events become eligible to surface inside Google Search and Maps.
Read guideGet discovered & engage
Turn a listing into a conversation.
Use Google Posts as a Marketing Channel, Not a Notice Board
Post at least once a week. Use all three types: Updates, Offers, and Events. Each post should have a visual, a description, and a date.
Read guideGuide 12Chat & MessagingLet Customers Message You Through WhatsApp or SMS
Add a WhatsApp click-to-chat URL or an SMS-capable number. Most customers now prefer messaging over calls.
Read guideGuide 13Bookings & ReservationsLet Customers Book Without Leaving Google
Add a custom booking URL or connect an integrated partner. Reserve with Google is live in 88+ countries.
Read guideGuide 14ReviewsManage and Respond to Every Review
Reply to every review within 48 hours. Use review-link QR codes to make it easy for happy customers to leave one.
Read guideManage & fix
Keep access safe and resolve problems fast.
Add Multiple Managers Before You Need To
Add a second owner and at least one manager. Audit the access list quarterly so former staff don't keep the keys.
Read guideGuide 16Support OptionsGet Help When Something on Your Profile Breaks
Help Center first, then AI Help Guide, then Contact Us, then the Help Community. Match the channel to the problem.
Read guideGuide 17TroubleshootingFix the Most Common GBP Issues, Fast
A direct map from the most common GBP problems to the exact Google form that resolves them.
Read guide