How to Create a Free Google Business Profile for Your Church (and Why It Matters)
If someone in your community searches “church near me,” what shows up? Hopefully your church — but if you don’t have a Google Business Profile, you may not appear at all.
A Google Business Profile (sometimes called Google Maps listing) is free, easy to set up, and one of the most powerful ways people find your church online. It’s how service times, directions, photos, and reviews show up right on the first page of search results.
The best part? It only takes about 15 minutes to get started.
[IMAGE: GOOGLE SEARCH SCREENSHOT WITH “CHURCH NEAR ME” RESULTS MAP HIGHLIGHTED]
Why a Google Business Profile Matters for Churches
Most people search for everything on Google — including churches. If your church isn’t listed, visitors may never find you.
Here’s what a Google Business Profile does for you:
Shows up in local searches: When someone types “church near me,” your church can appear in the results map.
Displays key info fast: Service times, address, directions, and contact info are all right there.
Builds trust: Photos and reviews give visitors a sense of what your community is like.
Boosts visibility: Even small congregations can look established and approachable with a complete profile.
Think of it as your church’s welcome sign.
[IMAGE: EXAMPLE CHURCH GOOGLE BUSINESS LISTING WITH PHOTOS AND REVIEWS]
What You’ll Need Before You Start
A Google account (use a general church email, not a personal one).
Church name and street address (even if you meet in a shared or rented space).
Service times and contact info.
Photos (building exterior, sanctuary, or a welcoming community photo).
[IMAGE: FLAT-LAY PHOTO OF A CHECKLIST WITH “EMAIL, ADDRESS, HOURS, PHOTOS” WRITTEN OUT]
Step 1: Sign In to Google Business
Go to google.com/business.
Click “Manage Now.”
Sign in with your church’s Google account.
[IMAGE: SCREENSHOT OF GOOGLE BUSINESS SIGN-IN PAGE]
Step 2: Enter Your Church Name
Type the full name of your church.
If your church already appears in the dropdown, you can claim it instead of creating a new one.
[IMAGE: SCREENSHOT OF NAME ENTRY FIELD WITH EXAMPLE “ST. MARK’S CHURCH”]
Step 3: Add Location Details
Enter your church’s physical address so people can find directions.
If you meet in a non-traditional space (like a school or storefront), list that address.
Check the box if you also want to serve a wider area (optional).
[IMAGE: MAP SCREENSHOT WITH PIN DROPPED ON A CHURCH LOCATION]
Step 4: Add Contact Info
Add your church’s phone number.
Enter your website URL (or social media page if you don’t have a website yet).
[IMAGE: SCREENSHOT OF CONTACT INFO FIELDS]
Step 5: Choose the Right Category
Start typing “church” in the category box.
Choose the option that best describes your community (e.g., “Christian Church,” “Methodist Church,” etc.).
[IMAGE: DROPDOWN LIST OF CATEGORY OPTIONS WITH “CHURCH” HIGHLIGHTED]
Step 6: Verify Your Church
Google will ask you to verify ownership.
Usually this means they send a postcard with a code to your church’s address.
Enter the code once it arrives (usually 5–7 days).
[IMAGE: STOCK PHOTO OF MAILBOX WITH POSTCARD BEING PULLED OUT]
Step 7: Add Photos and Details
Once verified, fill out the profile completely:
Photos: Exterior of your building, sanctuary, worship service, community event.
Hours: Sunday service, office hours, or any regular weekly gatherings.
About section: A short, welcoming description of your church. Example:
“A welcoming community in downtown Springfield. Join us Sundays at 10am — all are welcome.”
[IMAGE: EXAMPLE GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE SHOWING MULTIPLE PHOTOS AND SERVICE TIMES]
Quick Tips to Keep It Fresh
Update holiday service times: Christmas and Easter often have different schedules.
Add new photos regularly: Google rewards active profiles.
Respond to reviews: A simple “Thank you” goes a long way.
Check info once a season: Make sure service times and links haven’t changed.
[IMAGE: STOCK PHOTO OF SOMEONE UPDATING INFO ON A LAPTOP, SMILING]
Wrapping Up
Setting up a Google Business Profile is one of the simplest, most effective digital ministry steps your church can take. It helps people find you, learn about you, and feel more confident visiting for the first time.
And the best part? Once it’s set up, it works in the background for you.
If you want help keeping your digital presence consistent across Instagram, email, and more, grab the AI for Digital Ministry Quickstart Guide. It’ll give you ready-to-use prompts and ideas so your church always looks welcoming online.
[IMAGE: MOCKUP OF AI FOR DIGITAL MINISTRY QUICKSTART GUIDE COVER]