You can put your business on Google Maps for free by creating a Google Business Profile, which Google used to call Google My Business. You add your details, verify that you run the business, and then customers can find you on Google Search and Maps.
This guide explains how to check whether your business is already listed, how to add or claim it, how verification works, and the details that matter for businesses in Nepal. It also covers what to do if a profile is suspended, and how a Google profile works alongside a NepaIndex listing.
Google's rules were checked against its official help pages on 30 September 2026. Where something is my practical advice rather than a Google rule, I say so.
What you need before you start
Google requires:
A Google Account. Any email address works, and it doesn't have to be Gmail.
A business that either has a physical location customers can visit or travels to customers.
A business name that matches what customers see on your storefront, website and stationery.
An accurate address or service area.
My advice:
Sign in with an account you'll control long-term. Google's help page says a company email address can be linked to your Google Account, which makes the profile easier to manage. If a developer or agency sets up your profile from their own account, you can lose access when they leave.
Have your phone number, opening hours and a few clear photos ready.
Step 1: Check whether your business is already on Google
While signed in to your Google Account, search for your business name and city, for example "Sunrise Dental Clinic Lalitpur".
Nothing appears: add your business (Step 2A).
An unverified profile appears: claim it (Step 2B).
A verified profile appears that you don't control: request ownership (Step 2C).
Google says there should be only one profile per business, so don't create a duplicate. Many businesses already have a profile that someone else created.
Diagram 1: "Add, claim or request ownership?" decision flow. See the image plan below.
Step 2A: Add a new business
Go to business.google.com/add.
Click Add your business to Google.
Follow the on-screen instructions to add your business details.
Select a verification option and follow the steps.
Google stresses that your address must be correct and meet its address guidelines.
Step 2B: Claim an existing, unverified profile
On a computer:
Open Google Maps and search for your business name and city.
Select Claim this business, then Manage now.
Choose a verification option and follow the instructions.
On your phone (Google Maps app):
Search for your business and select it.
Tap About, then Claim this business, then Manage now.
Choose a verification option and follow the instructions.
Step 2C: If someone else already verified your profile
If you're authorized to manage the business, you can request ownership from the current owner. This often happens when a former employee, agency or web developer created the profile.
Step 3: Verify your business
Verification gives you ownership of the profile so you can edit your details and interact with customers.
How it works, according to Google:
Verification methods are determined by Google and can't be changed. Available options depend on your business type, public information, region or business hours.
Options can include phone or text, email, live video call, mail, or a video recording. Google recommends video if your business is eligible.
Google's reviews take up to 5 business days, occasionally longer. Some profiles verify instantly, for example after you verify your website with Google Search Console.
When you're verified, you get a confirmation email.
You can't choose the method, so don't assume you'll see a particular option, and don't recreate a profile to get a different one. If Google shows a video option, follow the rules below.
Video verification tips
Google's video rules are specific, so plan before you record.
The video must be:
An unedited, complete recording with no breaks, recorded live on a mobile device through your Business Profile. Pre-recorded video isn't allowed.
At least 30 seconds long.
For a shop, clinic or office with a permanent sign, show:
Where you are: street signs, building numbers, nearby businesses or familiar places around you.
That your business exists: your permanent signboard, wall or window with the business name printed clearly. It must match the name on your profile.
That you manage it: something only an employee can do, such as opening the cash register, kitchen or storage room, or using a point-of-sale system.
If you travel to customers (a plumber, electrician or home tutor):
Where you operate: street signs or landmarks near your address. Google says home-based owners can record signs and landmarks in their immediate neighbourhood.
That you exist: tools, equipment, products, business cards or branded clothing.
That you manage it: for example, unlocking a branded van, or showing a business permit, invoice or utility bill that matches the profile name.
If you have no permanent signage, Google says to list the business as a service-area business.
Don't show: bank account, tax or ID numbers, private information, or other people's faces. Some Nepal-focused guides tell owners to zoom in on a PAN/VAT certificate. Google's video rules say sensitive information such as tax numbers must not appear, so keep those documents out of frame.
If your video is rejected, Google says it will tell you why. Typical reasons include the business name not being visible or no nearby area being shown. You can record a new one.
Getting the details right in Nepal
Name. Use your real-world business name, as on your signboard. Google says unnecessary information in the name isn't permitted and could lead to suspension. Keep location, services and offers in the other fields. "ABC Dental Clinic" is right, and "ABC Dental Clinic | Best Dentist in Kathmandu" is not.
Address. Google asks for a precise, accurate address, and it says to include things like cross-streets and nearby landmarks only in regions where the official street address doesn't pinpoint the business. That describes many places in Nepal. My suggestion is to choose one format, such as ward number, tole, municipality, district, and use it everywhere. If you add a landmark, keep it short and factual.
Phone. Google says the number must be under the business's direct control and should be a local number rather than a call-centre line. My advice is to write it the same way everywhere, including the +977 country code.
Website. Google says the website should represent your individual business location, and that phone numbers and URLs shouldn't redirect users to other businesses' pages, including pages created on social media sites. If your only web presence is a Facebook page, read Google's website and phone guideline before entering it.
Hours. Enter your regular customer-facing hours. Google also lets you specify special hours, and my advice is to update them ahead of festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, when many shops change their timings.
Category. Google recommends the fewest categories needed to describe your core business. Choose the most specific one that fits.
Description. Google says to keep it honest and relevant, and not to include links, or promotions and prices. Explain what you do, where, and for whom.
Service-area businesses. If you don't serve customers at your business address, Google says not to add that address to your profile.
After you're verified
These are my suggestions rather than Google requirements.
Photos. Add real, recent photos of your storefront, interior, team and work, and add new ones now and then.
Reviews. Ask real customers, all of them, for honest reviews and reply to each one. Google's help center describes a link and QR code you can create to request reviews, so check it if you'd like to use that. Don't buy reviews or offer rewards for them.
Upkeep. Check your hours, phone number, photos, reviews and Q&A about once a month.
If your profile is suspended
Google may suspend or disable profiles that don't follow its guidelines, and you can submit an appeal through its Business Profile appeals tool.
Fix first. Make sure your profile follows the guidelines before you appeal.
Evidence helps. Google lists official business registration, a business licence, tax certificates and utility bills (electricity, phone, water or internet). Check that the business name and address on each document match the profile.
Move quickly. Once you open the evidence form, you must submit it within 60 minutes or it won't be attached.
Don't create a new profile for the same business while your appeal is under review.
Note that tax certificates are acceptable as appeal evidence, which is separate from the video-verification rule above.
Common mistakes
Creating a duplicate profile instead of claiming an existing one
Adding keywords or offers to the business name
Entering a home address for a business that doesn't serve customers there
Using a phone number or website that doesn't belong to the business
Recording a video that doesn't show the name, location and proof of management
Letting hours and photos go out of date
Google Business Profile and NepaIndex
A Google profile helps people who search on Google Search and Maps. A NepaIndex listing puts you in a Nepal-focused directory organized by category and city. They do different jobs, and you can use both.
Keep your business name, address and phone number identical on both, and on your Facebook page and website. Our guide to the top business directories in Nepal explains how directories fit into local discovery.
NepaIndex offers free listings and premium plans, and premium listings go through a verification process. Check the current plan details before choosing one.
Next step: add your business to NepaIndex with the same details you used on Google.
Sources
Google Business Profile Help, checked 30 September 2026:
Add or claim your Business Profile: https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778
Verify your business on Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242
Verify your business with a video recording: https://support.google.com/business/answer/14271705
Guidelines for representing your business on Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177
Fix suspended or disabled profiles: https://support.google.com/business/answer/4569145
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to add my business to Google Maps?
Yes. Google says you can add or claim your business at no charge, and that applies to creating the profile and managing it. Be careful with anyone who charges to "set up" your listing. You can do the same steps yourself at business.google.com/add.
What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?
Google My Business is the older name for the same tool, and Google's current help pages call it Google Business Profile. The purpose hasn't changed: it lets your business appear on Google Search and Maps, and lets you manage the details customers see. Either name is fine when you're searching for instructions.
How long does verification take?
Google says verification reviews take up to 5 business days, and on rare occasions longer. Some profiles verify instantly, for example when you've verified your website with Google Search Console. When you're verified, Google sends a confirmation email. Google's help pages don't give separate timings for each method, so treat other websites' figures for phone, email or postcard as unconfirmed.
Can I choose how to verify my business?
No. Google says verification methods are determined automatically and can't be changed. The options you see depend on your business type, public information, region and business hours, and can include phone or text, email, live video call, mail or a video recording. Don't assume a particular option will be offered, and don't create a second profile hoping for a different one, since Google says there should be only one profile per business.
Can I create a profile if I don't have a shop or office?
Yes, if you travel to customers where they are. Google says to set up a service-area business and not to add your address if you don't serve customers there. For video verification, service-area businesses can show tools or equipment, branded clothing, or a business permit, invoice or utility bill matching the profile name. If your business has no permanent signage, Google says to list it as a service-area business, even if you have a premises.
If I'm on Google, do I still need a NepaIndex listing?
They reach people in different ways. Google reaches people searching on Search and Maps, while NepaIndex reaches people browsing Nepal-specific categories and cities. Using both, with the same name, address and phone number, gives customers more ways to find you.
My address has no street name or house number. What should I enter?
Google says to include landmarks and cross-streets only where the official street address doesn't pinpoint the business, which can apply in parts of Nepal. As general advice, pick one clear format, such as ward number, tole, municipality and district, and use it the same way on Google, NepaIndex, Facebook and your website.
Nepal Index Team
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