How to Set Up and Verify Your Google Business Profile

Open a browser and go to business.google.com. Sign in with a Google account – use a company Google Workspace account or a dedicated Gmail account for business (e.g. info@yourbusiness.com). Avoid using personal Gmail accounts that might be difficult to transfer ownership later.

Type your business name in the search field. Two scenarios:

Business not found: Click Add your business to Google. You will create a new listing from scratch.

Business already exists: Google may have automatically created a listing for your business based on data from other sources. If so, click Claim this business to take ownership. This is common for established Malaysian businesses.

If the business exists but shows the wrong address or details, claim it first – then update the information after verification.

Enter your exact legal or trading business name. Do not add keywords to the name (e.g. do not write “Cybergate IT Support Melaka Malaysia” – write “Cybergate MSP Technology”). Adding keywords to your business name violates GBP guidelines and can lead to suspension.

Select your primary business category. This is the most important ranking factor in local search. Examples for Malaysian businesses:

• IT company: Computer Support and Services or Managed IT Services
• Clinic: Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Aesthetic Clinic
• Law firm: Law Firm
• Training centre: Training Centre

For a physical location where customers visit you: Enter your full street address. Use the address as registered with SSM. Make sure it matches your actual signage and letterhead.

For service area businesses (you go to clients): Choose I deliver goods and services to my customers. Do not show your address (or show it if you have an office). Enter the cities or regions you serve (e.g. Melaka, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur).

Add:

• Phone number: Use your main business number in Malaysian format (e.g. +60 13-256 2218)
• Website: Full URL including https://
• Business hours: Set your actual operating hours accurately. These display prominently and affect customer decisions. Include lunch break hours if applicable.

Click Continue to proceed to verification.

Google will offer one or more verification methods:

• Postcard by mail (most common): Google mails a postcard with a 5-digit verification code to your business address. Takes 5 to 14 days. When received, enter the code in your GBP dashboard.
• Phone call or SMS: Available for some businesses. Instant.
• Email: Available if Google can verify your email domain matches your business. Instant.
• Video recording: Available for some business types. Upload a video showing your business premises and signage.

Select your preferred method. For postcard verification, ensure someone will be at the address to receive mail. The postcard looks like a standard postcard – do not discard it.

After verification, complete your profile for maximum visibility:

• Business description (750 characters): Write a clear description of what you do, who you serve and your location. Include your main service naturally.
• Photos: Add at minimum: your logo, a cover photo, 5 to 10 photos of your premises/team/work. Profiles with photos receive significantly more direction requests and clicks.
• Services: List all your services with descriptions and prices where applicable.
• Attributes: Add relevant attributes (e.g. online appointments, Bahasa Malaysia speaking, Malaysian-owned business).