Your Google Business Profile shows up in search results within 3 to 7 days after you complete verification, with most profiles going live within 48 to 72 hours. Google needs this time to process your business information, confirm your verification, and index your listing across Search and Maps. In rare cases, particularly for businesses in competitive categories or new service areas, it can take up to 2 weeks. The verification method affects timing. Postcard verification takes 5 to 14 days because you're waiting for mail delivery plus processing time. Video verification or instant verification through Google Search Console can get you live within 24 to 48 hours once approved. Phone and email verification, when available, typically process within a few hours to 2 days. Being visible and ranking well are different things. Your profile appears in the index quickly, but showing up for relevant local searches in the Map Pack or local finder depends on optimization, reviews, category selection, and competition. A verified profile with no reviews, minimal information, and weak signals might be indexed but invisible in practical terms. At Ottawa SEO, we see newly verified profiles start generating impressions within a week, but meaningful traffic usually builds over 4 to 8 weeks as the profile accumulates signals. Several factors can delay appearance. Suspended profiles from previous owners, duplicate listings, address issues, or businesses in restricted categories like locksmiths or legal services face longer review periods. Google also manually reviews some industries more carefully, adding days to the process. Once live, focus on completing every profile section, uploading photos, getting your first 5 to 10 reviews, and posting weekly updates. The listing appears fast, but local pack rankings require consistent optimization over weeks and months, not days.