Search for your business name on Google Maps or go directly to google.com/business and sign in with the Google account you want to manage the profile. If your business already appears in search results, click on it and select "Claim this business" or "Own this business?" If it doesn't exist yet, click "Add your business to Google" and fill in your name, category, address, and contact details. Google offers four verification methods depending on your business type and existing data. Postcard verification is the most common—Google mails a 5-digit code to your physical address within 5–14 days, and you enter that code in your dashboard. Phone or email verification appears as an option for some businesses, usually those already verified elsewhere or with established digital footprints. Instant verification is available if you've already verified the same address in Google Search Console; you just connect the two accounts. Some storefront businesses can verify via video by recording a walkthrough that shows your signage and business activity. Once you submit verification, don't edit your business name, address, or primary category until the code arrives—changes can reset the process. After entering the code, your profile goes live, though it may take 3–7 days for all edits to appear publicly. At Ottawa SEO, we've seen clients lose weeks by changing their address mid-verification or using personal Gmail accounts they later lose access to, so use a company domain email when possible. If you're claiming a profile someone else created or a duplicate listing exists, use the "Request access" option or report the duplicate through the Google Business Profile dashboard. For multi-location brands, consider setting up a Google Business Profile Manager account to handle verification at scale and assign user roles without sharing login credentials. Verification is mandatory for editing hours, posting updates, and responding to reviews, so prioritize it as soon as you have a physical presence or service area defined.