Glossary · Search and local visibility
Google Business Profile
A Google-managed business listing that can appear across Google Search and Maps with approved business information and interactions.
Also called: GBP, business profile
Definition
Google Business Profile represents a business location or service context in Google Search and Maps. Eligible owners and authorized managers can maintain location details and supported content. The Business Profile APIs support approved account, location, review, post, media, notification, and performance workflows subject to access and policy.
Why it matters
For local businesses, accurate ownership, categories, hours, service information, photos, reviews, and website links are part of the customer's discovery and trust path.
Common misunderstanding
GBP is not a substitute for an owned website, and API access is not permission to automate changes, replies, or lead research without authorization and policy compliance.
Related terms
Related system family: Measurement & Search Signals
Sources
- Google Business Profile APIs (opens in a new tab) · Google for Developers
- Business Profile APIs policies (opens in a new tab) · Google for Developers
Last reviewed July 16, 2026