# How to Claim Your Business on Google Maps
In today’s digital landscape, your Google Maps listing (officially known as your Google Business Profile) is often the first interaction a customer has with your brand. Whether someone is searching for "plumber near me" in Chermside or "best coffee shop" in South Brisbane, having a claimed and optimised profile ensures your business appears exactly where your customers are looking.
Claiming your listing allows you to control the information Google displays, respond to reviews, post updates, and access valuable insights about how people find you. If you don’t claim it, someone else might, or Google might display outdated information that sends your customers straight to a competitor.
Before You Start: Prerequisites
To make this process as smooth as possible, ensure you have the following ready:
- A Google Account: Use a professional email address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com or a Google Workspace account linked to your business domain).
- Business Name: The exact name you use on your signage and legal documents.
- Physical Address: A location where you can receive mail (even if you are a service-area business like a mobile mechanic).
- Phone Number and Website: Your primary Australian contact details.
- ABN (Optional but Recommended): While not always required for the initial claim, having your Australian Business Number handy helps verify your legitimacy if Google requests further proof.
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Step 1: Search for Your Business on Google Maps
Open Google Maps on your desktop browser. In the search bar, type your business name. What you should see: A list of suggestions will drop down. If your business appears, click it. If it doesn't appear, don't worry—you can add it from scratch in the next step.Step 2: Locate the "Claim this business" Link
Once your business profile appears on the left-hand side of the screen, look for a link that says "Own this business?" or "Claim this business." Screenshot Description: This link is usually located just below the primary business information (address/hours) or right at the bottom of the profile sidebar.Step 3: Start the Management Process
Clicking that link will take you to a new screen titled "Manage this business so you can reply to reviews, update info and more." Click the blue "Manage now" button.Step 4: Confirm Your Business Name and Category
Google will ask you to confirm the name of your business. Ensure the spelling is perfect and matches your physical signage.Next, choose a Business Category. This is crucial for SEO. Start typing your industry (e.g., "Electrician" or "Italian Restaurant") and select the most accurate option from the dropdown list.
Pro Tip: You can add secondary categories later, but your primary category should be the one that most accurately describes what you do.
Step 5: Add Your Location (or Service Area)
Google will ask: "Do you want to add a location customers can visit, like a store or office?"- If you have a shopfront: Select "Yes" and enter your full address.
- If you are a mobile business (Service Area Business): Select "No." You will then be asked to list the areas you serve (e.g., "Brisbane QLD," "Gold Coast," "Ipswich").
Step 6: Enter Your Contact Details
Provide your Australian phone number and your website URL. Having a website is highly recommended as it increases your "trust score" with Google's algorithm.Step 7: Choose a Verification Method
This is the most important step. Google needs to verify that you are the actual owner. Depending on your business type and history, you may see several options:- Postcard by Mail: This is the most common for Australian businesses. Google sends a physical postcard with a 5-digit code to your address. It usually takes 5–14 business days to arrive in Brisbane.
- Phone or SMS: You receive a code via an automated call or text.
- Email: A code is sent to a business-branded email address.
- Video Verification: You record a short video showing your location, equipment, and proof of management (like opening your shop with a key).
Step 8: Add Your Business Hours
Enter your opening hours for every day of the week. Be honest here—there is nothing more frustrating for a customer than driving to a business that says it's open on Google but is actually closed.Step 9: Enable Messaging (Optional but Recommended)
Google allows customers to message you directly from the Maps app. If you have the capacity to respond quickly, toggle this on. If you are a solo operator who can't check messages often, it's better to leave it off to avoid poor customer experiences.Step 10: Add a Business Description
Write a brief summary of what you do (up to 750 characters). Focus on what makes you unique and include local keywords. Example: "Local Marketing Group provides expert SEO and digital strategy for small businesses across Brisbane, helping local tradies and retailers grow their online presence."Step 11: Upload High-Quality Photos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps. Add:- Exterior: So people can find your building.
- Interior: To show the vibe of your office or shop.
- Team/Products: To build trust.
Step 12: Complete the Verification
If you chose the Postcard method, wait for it to arrive. Once it does, log back into Google Business Profile, click on your business, and enter the code. Your listing will go live shortly after.---
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a PO Box: Google generally does not allow PO Boxes or virtual offices for verification. You must use a physical street address.
- Keyword Stuffing the Name: Don't name your business "Best Brisbane Plumber - Cheap Plumbing Brisbane." Use your real business name. Google may suspend accounts that use spammy names.
- Duplicate Listings: Before creating a new listing, double-check that one doesn't already exist. Claiming an existing one is always better than creating a duplicate.
Troubleshooting
"Someone else has already claimed my business." If you see a message saying "This listing has already been claimed," click the "Request Access" button. Google will email the current owner. If they don't respond within 3-7 days, Google often gives you the option to claim it yourself by proving ownership. "My postcard hasn't arrived." Australia Post can sometimes be slow. If it has been more than 14 days, log into your profile and click "Resend code." Ensure you don't edit your business name or address while waiting, as this will cancel the previous code. "My business is 'Suspended'." This usually happens if Google suspects your information is inaccurate or violates their guidelines. Check that your address is correct and that you aren't using a residential address for a retail business. You may need to submit a reinstatement request with proof of your ABN and utility bills.Next Steps
Now that you've claimed your listing, the work doesn't stop! To truly rank well in Brisbane, you should:- Ask for Reviews: Send your unique review link to happy customers.
- Post Updates: Treat Google Maps like social media by posting weekly updates or offers.
- Monitor Insights: See how many people called you directly from the map.
If you find the technical side of Google Maps frustrating or you want to dominate the local search results in your area, the team at Local Marketing Group is here to help. Contact us today for a free local SEO audit.