How to Create a Google Business Profile
Step 1: Create a Google Account
- Go to https://accounts.google.com/signup
- Enter your name, desired email, and password
- Verify your phone number and recovery email
- Accept Google’s terms and privacy policy
Step 2: Go to Google Business Profile Manager
- Visit https://www.google.com/business/
- Click 'Manage now'
- Sign in using your Google account
Step 3: Enter Your Church Name
- Type the official name of your church
- Click 'Next'
Step 4: Choose a Business Category
- Select 'Church' as your business category
- Click 'Next'
Step 5: Add Location Details
If your church has a physical address:
- Click 'Yes', then enter your street address
If your church has no fixed address:
- Click 'No', then choose your service areas
Step 6: Add Contact Information
- Enter your church’s phone number
- Enter your church’s website (optional but recommended)
- Click 'Next'
Step 7: Choose Verification Method
Google will ask for verification:
- Postcard by Mail (most common)
- Phone or Email (if available)
- Video Verification (show signage, entrance, and documents)
Step 8: Finish Profile Setup
- Add service times and description
- Upload photos (building, services, logo)
- Customize hours and attributes
For Churches with 501(c)(3) Status
Apply for Google for Nonprofits:
- Visit https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
- Register via TechSoup
- Upload your IRS 501(c)(3) letter
- Access Google Workspace, Ads Grants, and YouTube tools
Why TechSoup Is Required:
Google partners with TechSoup to verify nonprofit status before granting access to Google for Nonprofits tools. This process applies even to churches, despite their automatic tax-exempt status.
What This Means for Churches:
- You do NOT need to upload a 501(c)(3) determination letter if you're a church.
- But you must still create a TechSoup account and go through the verification process.
- Google won't approve your nonprofit application until TechSoup verifies you.
To Apply:
- Go to https://www.techsoup.org/
- Register your church (select “religious organization” if prompted)
- Wait for verification (usually 2–14 days)
- Use the TechSoup token to apply at https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
For Churches without 501(c)(3)
You can still:
- Create and verify a Google Business Profile
- Appear on Google Maps and Search
But you won’t qualify for Google for Nonprofits until you have 501(c)(3) status
Tips & Common Issues
- Use a consistent name and address (NAP) across your website, social media, and Google listing.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box as your main address.
- If you meet at a rented venue (like a school or theater), clearly describe that on your website and during verification to avoid rejections.