The sign out front, for neighbors searching on their phones
When someone in your town searches for "church near me," Google usually shows a map with a few nearby churches before it shows any websites. Each of those map pins is a Google Business Profile: your church's name, address, phone number, photos, and reviews.
Most churches already have one, even if nobody at the church set it up. Google often creates profiles automatically from public information. But until someone from your church claims and verifies the profile, you can't correct wrong details, add current photos, or reply to reviews. Meanwhile, anyone can suggest edits to it.
Claiming your profile is free. It takes about 20 minutes of work at the start, plus a short wait while Google confirms that you represent the church. It doesn't change your message or your worship. It simply makes sure that the people already looking for a church like yours find accurate information and a clear way to visit.
Have these ready
- A church-owned Google account. Use a shared church address such as [email protected], not a volunteer's personal Gmail. If that person moves away, the profile shouldn't leave with them.
- Your church's official name, written exactly as it appears on the sign out front.
- Your street address, main phone number, and website address.
- A smartphone and keys to the building. Google may ask you to record a short video at the church to prove you represent it.
Find your church on Google
On a computer, sign in to your church's Google account and open Google Maps. Search for your church's name and city, then select your church. Here is what you may see and which part of this guide to go to next:
| What you see | What it means | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| A Claim this business or Own this business? link | A profile exists, but no one has verified it yet. | Part 2 |
| A message that says "Someone else may manage this Business Profile" when you try to claim it | Someone has already verified it. This is often a former pastor, secretary, volunteer, or web company. | Part 3 |
| No claim link at all | Your account may already own it. Search Google for my business while signed in to check. | Part 5 |
| Your church doesn't appear | There is no profile yet. Create one at business.google.com/add and select Add your business to Google. | Part 4 |
Don't create a third. Claim the one with the correct address (and ideally the most reviews). Once you're verified, you can report the extra listing to Google as a duplicate.
Claim an unclaimed profile
On a computer
- Open Google Maps, signed in with your church account.
- Search for your church's name and city, and select it.
- Select Claim this business, then Manage now.
- Choose a verification option and follow the steps on screen (see Part 4).
On a phone
- Open the Google Maps app and search for your church.
- Select your church from the results.
- Tap the About tab, then Claim this business, then Manage now.
- Choose a verification option and follow the steps.
If someone else already owns it
This is common. Someone may have verified the profile years ago and since moved on. You have two ways forward.
Option A: Ask the current owner (fastest)
Ask your former pastor, church secretary, past volunteers, or your previous website company whether they set it up. If you find the owner, ask them to add your church account as an Owner. In their profile they select More, then Business Profile settings, then People and access, then Add. Once you're added as an owner, they can transfer primary ownership to you and remove themselves.
Option B: Request ownership through Google
- Go to business.google.com/add.
- Enter your church's name and address, and choose it from the list.
- When you see "Someone else may manage this Business Profile," select Request access.
- Fill out the form and select Submit.
Google emails you a confirmation and notifies the current owner, who has 3 days to respond. If they approve, you'll get an email and can start managing the profile. If they deny it, you can still suggest edits or appeal.
You may be able to claim the profile yourself. Open the confirmation email, select View request, then Verify, and follow the steps. Google notes this option isn't always available.
Verify your church
Verification is how Google confirms you actually represent the church. Google decides which methods you're offered. The most common are:
- Video recording (Google recommends this when it's offered)
- Phone call or text with a code. Automated phone menus can't receive the code, so if your church line has a phone tree, choose text or have someone answer directly.
- Email to an address shown on the verification screen
- Live video call with Google support, during your listed hours
Tips for a video that passes the first time
The video must be recorded live through your Business Profile on a phone (you can't upload a video you recorded earlier). It must be one continuous, unedited take of at least 30 seconds. Plan it before you press record.
| Google asks you to show | What that looks like at a church |
|---|---|
| Where you are | Start at the street. Show the street sign, your building number, and a nearby landmark or neighboring building. |
| That the church exists | Show your permanent church sign. The name on the sign must match the name on your profile exactly. |
| That you manage it | Unlock the front door or church office with your key, then show something only staff can access, such as the office, a supply closet, or the sound booth. |
- Other people's faces. Record on a weekday when the building is empty.
- Offering records, giving statements, bank or tax numbers, and member directories.
After you submit, Google reviews your verification. This can take a few days. While you wait, avoid changing your church's name, address, or category.
Fill in what a first-time visitor needs
Once verified, open your profile (search my business on Google while signed in) and complete each section. Picture a neighbor deciding whether to visit this Sunday.
| Section | What to do |
|---|---|
| Name | Exactly as it appears on your sign. Don't add a city, tagline, or phrase like "Bible-Teaching Church" unless it's truly part of your name. Google can suspend profiles for this. |
| Category | Choose the most specific accurate one. Start typing your tradition (for example Presbyterian, Baptist, or Anglican) and pick the closest match Google offers. |
| Service times | Include them in your description and on your website. Google's guidelines say places with varied schedules, like worship services, generally shouldn't list regular hours. If your church office keeps consistent hours, you can list those. |
| Website | Link to your homepage, or to a "Plan Your Visit" page if you have one. |
| Phone | A number someone answers, or at least a voicemail someone checks. |
| Description | Up to 750 characters, no links. Say who you are, when you meet, and what a visitor can expect. |
| Photos | Current photos of the outside with your sign, the entrance visitors should use, parking, and the sanctuary. If members appear, ask their permission first. Step 5 of this series covers photos in detail. |
| Attributes | Mark features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, or parking. |
Grace Presbyterian Church is a Bible-believing congregation in Springfield. We gather every Lord's Day at 10:30 AM for worship, with Sunday school for all ages at 9:15 AM. You can expect reverent worship, hearty congregational singing, and preaching that works through the Scriptures book by book. Visitors are always welcome, and our nursery is staffed during the service. Parking and the main entrance are on Oak Street. We would be glad to meet you this Sunday.
Protect it for the long term
Many churches lose access to their profile when the one person who managed it moves on. A few simple habits prevent that.
- Add a second owner. Invite an elder, deacon, or staff member: More, then Business Profile settings, then People and access, then Add. Each person needs their own Google account. Owners have full control; managers can edit almost everything but can't add or remove people.
- Write it down. Record which account owns the profile and keep it with your other church records, like your website and domain logins.
- Check it monthly. The public and Google can suggest changes to your profile. Make sure your details are still correct. Step 2 of this series shows how to use Google's Profile Strength tool to find and fill any gaps.
- Plan for Christmas and Easter. Many people look for a church around these holidays. Update your service times and post an announcement a few weeks ahead (Step 6 covers posts).
- Invite honest reviews, and reply to all of them. Reviews help neighbors decide whether to visit. Steps 3 and 4 of this series explain how to ask for reviews within Google's rules and how to reply graciously, even to critical ones.
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Why it causes trouble |
|---|---|
| Claiming with a volunteer's personal account | When they leave, access usually leaves with them. |
| Creating a new profile when one already exists | Duplicates split your reviews and confuse visitors. |
| Adding keywords or a city to your name | It breaks Google's rules and can get the profile suspended. |
| Using a P.O. box as your address | Google doesn't allow it. Use the address where you meet. |
| Setting it up once and never returning | Old photos and outdated times turn visitors away. |