How to take control of your Google Business Profile before Easter
When someone searches for your church on Google, what do they find? Your Google Business Profile is often the very first impression a visitor gets. That profile shows your address, service times, phone number, website, and even photos. If any of that information is wrong or out of date, you could be losing people before they ever walk through your doors.
The good news: claiming and updating your profile is free, straightforward, and takes less than 30 minutes. With Easter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get this done.
One important note before getting started: this is a task best handled by a pastor, church administrator, or someone who is authorized to represent the church officially. If you are not sure that is you, consider passing this along to the right person on your team. Passing this along to someone who can act on it officially is the first step. When your church claims and updates that profile, you become easier to find for the neighbors and families in your community who need exactly what you offer.
Step 1: Search for Your Church on Google
Open Google and search for your church by name. Look for the info panel that appears on the right side of the screen (on a computer) or at the top of the results (on a phone). This is your Google Business Profile.
You may see one of three situations:
- A profile already exists — someone may have created it or Google generated it automatically.
- A profile exists and is already claimed — look for a small “Own this business?” link or no such link at all.
- No profile exists — you will need to create one from scratch.
Step 2: Claim or Create Your Profile
If a Profile Already Exists
- Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account you will use for your church (or create one specifically for this purpose).
- Click “Manage now” and search for your church name.
- Select your church from the results and click “Claim this business.”
- Choose a verification method (see Step 3) and complete the process.
If No Profile Exists
- Go to google.com/business and sign in.
- Click “Add your business to Google.”
- Enter your church name, choose “Religious Organization” as the category, and fill in your address and contact details.
- Proceed to verification (see Step 3).
Note: Use a shared church email address (not a personal one) to manage this profile so it doesn’t get tied to one staff member or volunteer who may eventually move on.
Step 3: Verify Your Profile
Google requires you to verify that you represent the business. The most common options are:
- Postcard by mail: Google mails a card with a code to your church address. This takes 5–14 days.
- Phone or email: Faster options that may be offered depending on your situation.
- Video verification: A short walkthrough of your location, increasingly common.
Once verified, you will have full control to edit your profile.
Note: If you choose postcard verification, request it right away. It can take up to two weeks to arrive, which means you need to start now to have everything updated before Easter.
Step 4: Update Your Information
Once verified, log in at google.com/business and review each section carefully. Here is what matters most:
- Name: Make sure it matches exactly how your church is known in the community.
- Address: Confirm it is correct and that Google Maps pins the right location.
- Phone Number: Use the main church line.
- Website: Link to your church’s homepage.
- Hours: Include regular weekly service times. You can add Special Hours for Easter services. It is also helpful to include the hours when your church office is open to help someone know when is best to call or stop by.
- Description: Write 1–2 sentences about your church. Be sure to include who you are, a warm welcome, and anything that stands out about your church such as key mission/ministry focus, excellent children’s programming, ministries for every stage of life, strong music program, worship in multiple styles or languages. Whatever is unique to your context can be helpful to someone looking for a faith community.
- Photos: Add an exterior photo so people can recognize the building, as well as photos of people engaging in worship and ministry in your church. Start with what you have and think about what photos you could add to help folks get a visual glimpse of who you are.
Note: You can use the “Special Hours” feature to add your Easter Sunday service times if they change or you add a sunrise or other service. You can also post an update (like a social media post) directly on your profile to announce your Easter services that will appear right in Google Search.
Step 5: Keep It Current
Your Google profile is not a one-and-done task. Plan to revisit it:
- When service times change.
- When you have special events or holiday services.
- When you update your website or phone number.
- After any construction, moves, or facility changes.
Google also allows visitors to suggest edits, so it is worth checking periodically to make sure nothing has been changed incorrectly.
People are searching for a church home right now, and Google is often where that search begins. Taking the time to claim and update your profile is a simple act of hospitality. It tells the world who you are, where you are, and that you are ready to welcome them. It is manageable, it is free, and it matters more than you might think.
If you need help, let us know!