Let’s face it: most people who visit your church for the first time didn’t just “happen to be driving by.” They Googled you first. It doesn’t matter how good your sermon is or how good your sermon illustrations on faith… if no one shows up for the sermon because they couldn’t find your church!
If your church isn’t showing up—or worse, showing up with the wrong information—you’re missing one of the easiest outreach opportunities available. And the best part? It’s free.
This post will walk you step-by-step through how to claim, complete, and manage your church’s Google Business Profile (formerly called “Google My Business”). Even if you’re not very techie, don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple.
Here’s a video walkthrough of how I do it, keeping the Google Business Profile of my church in South OKC updated:
🙋 Why Should a Church Claim Its Google Profile?
- When someone searches “church near me,” your Google listing is likely their first impression.
- It puts your name, address, service times, and photos right on the front page of Google.
- It’s completely free and gives you visibility in Google Search and Google Maps.
- It’s one of the simplest ways to improve local outreach online.
🔍 Step 1: Find or Claim Your Church on Google
Option A: See if You Already Have a Profile
- Go to Google.com and type your church name and city.
- If you see a box on the right side with your church info (called a knowledge panel), that’s your Google Business Profile.
- Look for a link that says “Own this business?” and click it.
- Follow the steps to claim it. You’ll be asked to verify your connection to the church (usually by receiving a postcard in the mail).
Option B: If No Profile Exists
- Go to https://www.google.com/business
- Click “Manage now.”
- Follow the prompts to create a new business listing from scratch.
✉️ Step 2: Verify Your Listing
Google wants to make sure you really represent the church, so they’ll send a verification code by mail to the church address. When it arrives (usually 5–7 days), log back in and enter the code to complete verification.
📝 Step 3: Fill Out Your Church Profile
Once your church is verified, it’s time to complete your listing so it’s warm, welcoming, and useful. Here’s what to include:
✅ Key Info to Add:
- Church Name: Use your full official name.
- Category: Choose “Church” as your primary category.
- Address: Make sure it’s correct so people can get directions.
- Phone Number: List the best number for inquiries.
- Website: Include your full website URL.
- Service Times & Office Hours: Keep this accurate and up to date.
- Description: Write a short paragraph about your church—your mission, denomination, or unique qualities.
- Photos: Add 3–5 good photos of your building, sign, pastor, sanctuary, and smiling people!
Tip: Profiles with photos get twice as many clicks as those without.
🔁 Step 4: Keep It Fresh — Managing Your Profile
Your Google Business Profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. Keeping it up to date helps Google trust your listing—and helps new people trust your church.
Here are a few things you can do regularly:
- Update service times (especially for holidays or special events).
- Respond to reviews (kindly and professionally).
- Add new photos of events, baptisms, or ministries.
- Post updates about upcoming events, sermon series, or community service.
All of this can be done easily at https://business.google.com or through the Google Maps app on your phone.
🧰 Tools & Tips
- Bookmark https://business.google.com
- Download the Google Maps app to manage your listing from your phone.
- Add a calendar reminder every 3 months to check and refresh your info.
🙌 Final Thoughts
Claiming and updating your church’s Google Business Profile might seem like a small thing—but it’s a powerful outreach tool. When people in your community search for hope, help, or a place to worship… make sure they find you with accurate, compelling info.
And if you’ve got a faithful volunteer or admin helping with your church communications, send them this blog post and walk through it together. It’ll take about 30–45 minutes—and the results can last for years.
