Guides · Updated 26 October 2026
How to add your shop to Google Maps
When someone nearby searches "medical store near me" or "salon in Baner", Google Maps shows the shops with a complete Business Profile first. Adding yours is free and takes about 15 minutes, plus however long Google takes to verify it.
Step by step
- 1
Check if your shop is already on Maps
Search your shop's name and area in Google Maps. Customers sometimes add a shop themselves. If it's there, open it and tap "Claim this business" or "Own this business?" instead of adding a new one, so you don't end up with two listings.
- 2
Add it if it isn't there
In the Google Maps app, tap your profile picture, then "Add your business", or go to business.google.com on a computer. Sign in with a Google account you'll keep; use the shop's account, not a staff member's.
- 3
Use your real shop name
Write the name exactly as it is on your board. Don't add words like "best" or your area unless they are part of the name; Google can suspend listings that stuff keywords into the name.
- 4
Pick the closest category
Choose the main category that says what you are ("Pharmacy", "Grocery store", "Beauty salon", "South Indian restaurant"). You can add a few more categories later for other things you do.
- 5
Put the pin on your shop
Enter the full address with a landmark and move the pin to your shop's door. If you deliver or visit customers, add the areas you serve.
- 6
Add your phone, WhatsApp and website
Give a number someone answers in shop hours. If you have a website, add it, so people can see your items and prices before they come.
- 7
Verify the listing
Google decides how: a phone call or text, an email, a short video of your shop and board, or a postcard to the address. Follow what it asks; until it's verified, your changes may not show.
- 8
Fill in everything
Opening hours (and festival or holiday hours), a few clear photos of the board, the inside and your best items, and a short description of what you sell. Listings that are complete and up to date get more calls and visits.
Get these right
- Keep the same name, address and phone number on Google, your website, your WhatsApp Business profile and your shop board.
- Never create a second listing for the same shop to "start fresh". Claim and fix the existing one.
- Update your hours before Diwali, Eid, Christmas or any day you'll be shut.
- Reviews matter for where you show up. Ask happy customers for one; never buy them.
Where BridgeAux helps
- Link your listing by pasting its Google Maps link, or let Aux walk you to it step by step. Your website and messages then point to it. On every plan, including Free
- A person from our team sets up or claims your Google Business Profile with you: name, category, hours, photos and website link. From Starter (by our team)
- A review QR card for the counter, WhatsApp review asks by name, and a reply written for every review. From Starter
Questions
Is it free to put my shop on Google Maps?
Yes. A Google Business Profile is free. Be careful of anyone who calls claiming to be from Google and asks for money to list or verify your shop.
How long does verification take?
It depends on the method Google gives you. A phone, email or video check can be done in minutes to a few days; a postcard can take a couple of weeks. Google sometimes asks for a second check.
Can I list a shop that works from home?
Yes. If customers don't visit, you can hide the address and show the areas you serve instead.
Someone else claimed my shop's listing. What do I do?
Use "Request access" on the listing in Google Business Profile. Google contacts the current owner, and if they don't respond in the time Google gives, you can usually claim it yourself.