Yes. Creating, verifying and managing a Google Business Profile is free. Google doesn't charge to list your business on Search or Maps. You only pay if you choose to advertise or hire someone to manage the profile for you.
What costs money
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Creating and verifying the profile | Free |
| Posting updates, photos and replying to reviews | Free |
| Google Ads or Local Services Ads | Paid, set by your ad budget |
| Hiring someone to set up and optimise it | One-off fee, set by the provider |
| Ongoing management by an agency | Monthly fee, often part of a local SEO plan |
Watch out for scam calls
If someone calls saying your Google listing will be removed unless you pay, it isn't Google. Google doesn't charge to keep a profile active.
Should you pay someone?
You can set it up yourself with our free Business Profile checklist. Paying makes sense when you don't have time, the profile has been suspended, or you're not appearing in the map pack despite being set up. Ranktide's one-off setup is $390, and management is included in every local SEO plan. See our Business Profile service.