How do I claim a Google Business Profile that already exists?

Why does my business already have a profile?

Google can list a business before the owner ever signs up. Customers or Google itself can create a listing from public information. This is common for older businesses, and it does not mean someone has taken your profile. In most cases, no one has claimed it yet.

How do I find out if the profile is already claimed?

Check the profile itself before you do anything else.

1. Sign in to the Google Account you want to use for the business.
2. Open Google Maps on your computer.
3. Search for your business name and city.
4. Select the correct listing.
5. Look for the Claim this business link.

If you see that link, the profile is unverified and you can claim it. If the link is missing, someone has probably verified the profile already. Go to the section on verified profiles below.

How do I claim an unverified profile?

Google says you can add or claim a profile at no charge. Follow these steps on a computer.

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Search for your business name and city.
3. Select your business.
4. Select Claim this business, then Manage now.
5. If Google shows the wrong business, select I own or manage another business.
6. Choose a verification option.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.

On a phone, open the Google Maps app and search for the business name. Select the correct result. In the profile, tap About, then Claim this business, then Manage now. The remaining steps are the same.

Only businesses that are eligible for a Business Profile can claim a location. Read Google’s eligibility and ownership guidelines before you start. Make sure your address also meets Google’s address guidelines.

How does verification work?

Verification proves that you control the business. Google decides which methods you can use. You cannot change them. The options depend on your business type, public information, region, and business hours.

• Phone or text: Google sends a code to your business phone number. You must be able to answer the call or receive the text. An automated phone menu will not receive the code.
• Email: You follow the steps in an email sent to the address shown on the screen.
• Live video call: You show your location and proof that you manage the business. This option is only available during your business hours. Google recommends it when it is available to you.
• Postcard: Google mails a code to your business address. You enter the 5-digit code on your profile.

Some businesses need more than one method.

What do I need to know about the postcard method?

Most postcard codes arrive within 14 days. While you wait, follow these rules from Google:

• Do not edit your business name, address, or category. If you do, the code will not work.
• Do not request a new code. A new request cancels the code already in the mail.
• Enter the code before it expires. Codes expire after 30 days.
• Keep the code private. Google will never ask you for it.

After you finish verification, Google reviews your information. This review takes up to 5 business days.

What if someone else already verified my profile?

You cannot claim a profile that someone else has verified. Google says that if you are authorized to manage the business, you can request ownership from the current owner.

First, find out who that might be. Ask your staff, your web designer, a former employee, or a marketing company you used in the past. Many owners find that an earlier helper set up the profile with a personal email address. If you find that person, ask them to add you as an owner. That is often faster than a formal request.

If you cannot find the owner, use the ownership request option that Google provides for the profile. Google’s page on duplicate profiles and ownership issues covers the next steps.

What if my profile was suspended?

A suspended profile is a different problem. Do not create a new profile for the same business. Google says this in its help page on suspended profiles.

Instead, use the Google Business Profile appeals tool. You can add evidence such as your business registration, a business licence, tax certificates, or a utility bill. The business name and address on each document must match your profile. Google allows an appeal to be submitted only once, so check your evidence before you submit.

What should I watch for after I claim the profile?

Once you control the profile, check that your name, address, hours, and phone number are correct. Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your signage and stationery. If you move to a new address after verification, you must verify again.

Be careful with anyone who contacts you and offers to claim or fix your listing. Google never asks for your verification code. Do not share it, even with the person who manages your profile. A business owner who is unsure about an offer can report it to the Competition Bureau of Canada.