To provide users with the most complete and up-to-date information about places, Google displays profiles (including business profiles) on Google Search and Google Maps, as well as third-party websites and applications via APIs such as those on the Google Maps Platform. Google may also use profile information to generate insights and leads for enterprise customers.
Information on your Business Profile
For example, if customers search for a restaurant that you manage, they can find information that you’ve added, such as when you’re open and where you’re located. They also might get information that you haven’t added, such as a link to your menu or photos that customers have uploaded of meals that they’ve enjoyed. The combination of information provided by you and other sources lets customers make informed decisions about your location. Users may also find personalised recommendations and matches based on their preferences.
How Google sources business information
Information in profiles is compiled from a variety of sources:
- Publicly-available information, such as crawled web content (e.g. information from a business’ official website)
- Licensed data from third parties
- Users who contribute factual information (such as addresses and phone numbers), and content (such as photos and reviews), including business owners who claim profiles through Google Business Profile
- Information based on Google’s interactions with a local place or business
If you believe that a profile is inaccurate or should be removed, you can suggest an edit or flag it for removal. If you believe that a profile should be removed under European data protection laws, please see here. If you believe that it should be removed for any other legal reason, please submit a legal request. For further information about how Google processes personal data in the context of profiles, please see Google's Privacy Policy.
Information in local search results
Google uses business information to help surface relevant local search results across Google, such as in Google Maps and Search.
For example, if you own a hair salon, your business might appear in local search results for people who search for 'salons near me' or 'salons open now' because you’ve provided information that includes your address and hours. Learn more about local search results.
