How to create and verify a Google Business Profile for your barbershop or beauty salon

Find your shop before creating a new listing

Search Google Search and Maps using your shop's name and town. If a profile already exists, claim it rather than creating a duplicate. If another account manages it, follow Google's ownership request process. Use a Google Account you can keep access to for managing the business.

If there is no listing, start at business.google.com/add. Enter the real business name used on your signage, your customer-facing address and business phone number. Check that the map pin marks the correct entrance. Do not add promotional phrases or a list of services to the business name.

Source: Google, Add or claim your Business Profile: https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778?hl=en

Follow the verification options Google offers your business

Open the verification option in your profile and follow its current instructions. Google determines which methods are available based on the business, region and other information. You may be offered a video recording, phone or text, email, live video or mail. Options can change, and more than one method may be required; another shop's method may not be available to you.

Prepare the evidence requested in that flow. For video verification, follow Google's instructions for showing the shop's location, signage, working space and your authority to manage it. Keep verification codes private. If verification fails or Google asks for more information, use the instructions or support route in your profile instead of creating another listing.

There is no guaranteed completion time or approval. Google may request verification again after business details change. Verification and a complete profile do not guarantee a particular search ranking.

Source: Google, Verify your business: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242?hl=en

Choose an accurate category and keep hours and services current

Choose the available primary category that best describes your main activity, such as a barber shop, hair salon or beauty salon, according to Google's category list. Add other categories only for activities you actually offer. Categories describe the business; they are not a keyword list or a separate category for every treatment.

Enter the hours when customers can visit, including closed days and breaks. Use special hours for holidays and exceptional days. In Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, review Friday hours and update your Ramadan schedule when it changes. If you operate by appointment only, consult Google's hours guidelines for that business type. Keep your website and booking availability consistent with the profile.

If the services editor is available, add the services you provide, such as haircuts, beard trims, styling or colouring. Write clear descriptions and use the price field for accurate prices where appropriate. Avoid putting phone numbers or prices in service names, and update the list when your offering changes.

Sources: Google business guidelines: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en and services guidance: https://support.google.com/business/answer/9455399?hl=en

Show the real shop and link to a working website or booking page

Add clear, recent photos of your exterior, sign, entrance and working area so visitors can recognise the shop. Show genuine examples of your work without misleading filters. Get permission before publishing client photos and respect privacy during beauty treatments. Photos are subject to Google's policies and review; uploading does not guarantee immediate display.

Put your published shop website in the website field. If your profile offers an appointment or booking link field, use a page where clients can book the correct location and services. Available options can vary. If there is no booking field, make the booking button easy to find on your website. Open each saved link on a phone to check the visitor experience.

Zotview lets you preview a shop website without signing up; publishing requires an account. Free sites use zotview.com/w/your-name. A subdomain or your own domain comes with Pro. Add your published website or booking page link to Google yourself; adding a link does not activate booking inside Google or guarantee Google's acceptance of the link.

Sources: Google photo guidance: https://support.google.com/business/answer/6103862?hl=en and business links: https://support.google.com/business/answer/6218037?hl=en

Reply to reviews and maintain the profile

After verification, use the reviews section to reply where reviews are available. Thank clients for specific feedback. For a complaint, acknowledge the concern calmly and invite private contact to discuss a solution. Never publish a client's phone number, appointment details or private treatment information in a public response.

If you believe a review breaks Google's policies, use the reporting process; do not promise that a negative review will be removed. Recheck your public profile whenever your hours, services or links change. Saving an edit does not mean it is immediately visible. The related reviews guide below explains how to ask clients for feedback.

Source: Google, Manage customer reviews: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474050?hl=en

Set up your profile step by step

1. 1

   Find or add the right listing

   Search for the shop first. Claim its existing profile or request ownership; add a new business only if it has no profile.

2. 2

   Enter the business details and category

   Use the real shop name, accurate address, map pin and phone number. Choose a primary category that reflects your main business.

3. 3

   Complete the verification Google offers

   Follow the instructions currently shown in your profile. Prepare the evidence requested and follow up on additional checks without assuming a fixed approval date.

4. 4

   Complete hours, services and photos

   Record your customer-facing hours and holiday exceptions. Add accurate services and recent photos that represent the shop.

5. 5

   Test website and booking links

   Add your published website and, where available, a direct booking link. Open them on a phone and check the location, services and path to booking.

6. 6

   Review feedback and update the profile

   Reply respectfully to reviews while protecting client privacy. Check the public listing after changes to hours, services or links.

Frequently asked questions