How to create and claim a Google Business Profile

🏠 How to Claim and Own Your Church’s Google Business Profile

(Step-by-Step for Every Church Situation!)

🌟 Why Claiming Your Google Profile Matters

When someone searches for your church on Google, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often the very first thing they see.

It shows your name, address, service times, phone number, and reviews—all at a glance! But here’s the key: if your church hasn’t claimed the profile, you can’t update or manage it. That means visitors might see old or incorrect information. 😬

By claiming and owning your church’s profile, you get full control—so your information is accurate, inviting, and helpful to new guests. 🙌

⚙️ Step 1: Go to Google Business

Head to 👉 google.com/business and sign in with your church’s Google account.

(Tip: Use an email your staff shares, not a personal one.)

⚙️ Step 2: Search for Your Church

Type your church name in the search bar.
If you see your church listed, click “Claim this business.”
If you don’t see it, click “Add your business to Google.”

Then, fill in your church’s basic info:

Church name
Address (or service area if you don’t meet at a permanent location)
Phone number
Website
Service times

🏛️ Step 3A: If Your Church Owns the Building

If your church owns its property or has a permanent location:

📍 Make sure your address matches what’s on your signage and website.
🏠 Add photos of your building’s exterior, your worship space, and entryways—this helps Google confirm your ownership.
🎥 Choose a video verification method (Google’s preferred option).
- Record a continuous video showing:
  - Your building’s outside (sign, address, landmarks).
  - The inside (worship space, lobby, or offices).
  - Proof of management, like keys, staff areas, or church materials.
⏳ Record the video and wait for Google’s approval (it usually takes a few days).

Once approved—you officially own and manage your church’s listing! 🎉

This Article shows you how to verify your Google Business via video!

🏢 Step 3B: If Your Church Meets Inside Another Location

If your church meets in a shared or rented space (like a school, community center, or another business):

🏬 Use the same address as the hosting location, but add a suite number. If your location doesn't have a suite number just use suite 102. It's helpful to update your address for mail to arrive at that number too.
🎥 When recording your video verification, show:
- The outside of the main building with clear address numbers or signage.
- The specific space your church uses (like the auditorium, meeting room, or hall).
- Evidence of your church’s use, like banners, signage, setup for worship, or church materials.
- Proof of authority, such as access keys or equipment setup.
📅 Record during or just before a service if possible—this helps Google see that your church actively meets there.
⏳ Submit your video for review and wait for Google’s confirmation.

💡 Tip: Make sure your address, service times, and church name match exactly across your website and Google profile—this helps your listing appear correctly in search results.

This Article shows you how to verify your Google Business via video!