Because people can’t support you if they can’t find you.

Your work matters. Whether you’re feeding families, organizing for change, holding space for healing or building something beautiful in your community people need to be able to find you. Online visibility isn’t just a nice to have, it’s a lifeline for purpose-driven work.

Getting your organization listed on Google Maps is one of the simplest ways to make sure your community (and potential supporters, donors and volunteers) can connect with you. The good news is that it’s free and doable and we’ll walk you through it step by step.

Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile

This is where you go to set up your business profile.

Step 2: Sign in or create a new Google account

You’ll need a Gmail account to manage your listing. If you’ve already got one then you can use that and go to “Sign in”. If not then click “Get started” and you can create an account. This will be the account you use to update and manage your organization’s profile.

Note: Your email won’t be visible on the public listing so don’t stress if it’s your personal email or not a “formal/professional” one.

Step 3: Set up your listing (this part is really important)

This is where you tell Google who you are, where you are and what you do. These details affect how and when people find you so it’s worth getting right.

3a. Add your organization’s name

Keep it consistent. Use the name you go by publicly and make sure it matches what’s on your website, social media or any online directories. (For example, don’t list yourself as “B.L.C. Outreach” on Facebook and “Brighter Lives Collective” on Google.)

Consistency builds trust with both people and search engines.

3b. Add your address (or service area)

If you have a physical location (like an office, community center or even a drop-in space) add the address. If you don’t want your address to be visible that’s okay you can choose to hide it from public view and instead list the areas you serve (like neighbourhoods, cities or postal codes).

Tip: Google loves something called NAP which stands for name, address, phone. Make sure these details are always the same everywhere your org shows up online. Little differences like “St.” vs “Street” or missing an area code can hurt your visibility.

3c. Choose the right category

This helps Google understand what kind of organization you are so it can show your listing to the right people.

Start typing something like “non-profit,” “food bank,” “community organization,” “mutual aid group” etc. and choose the category that fits best. You can add more categories later but Google actually prefers fewer so just be specific and relevant.

If you’re not sure which to pick try searching for other local orgs doing similar work and see what they’ve chosen.

Step 4: Verify your organization

To prove you’re real and that your location is legit Google needs to verify you. Google’s primary may to do this verification in the past was through sending you a postcard with a verification code in the mail. Yes, a literal postcard. While postcards are still in use they’re no longer the only (or even primary) method.

Here are the current verification options:

• Video verification (most common now) – You’ll record a short unedited video showing your location, signage, tools or equipment and demonstrate ownership. Submit that video directly in your Google Business Profile dashboard.
• Live video call – If video isn’t convenient Google may offer a real-time video chat with a representative who’ll walk you through verification.
• Phone or email verification – This is only available occasionally. Google sends a code via text, call or email to your listed contact.
• Traditional postcard – Google still mails a physical postcard with a code that you enter online typically arriving in about 3–14 days.

Google chooses the method based on your organization’s category, history and address changes. Some businesses may even qualify for instant verification if their website is already verified in Google Search Console.

Tips for a smooth verification:

• Follow the instructions for whichever process you’re offered.
• If you’re using postcard verification remember to check both physical and online mail carefully. Tip: Let your team or anyone who handles your mail know it’s coming. These postcards sometimes get tossed with the junk mail. Once it arrives then log back in and enter the code to complete your listing verification.
• For video methods show clear and continuous visuals like signs, interior/exterior, staff or tools you use.
• Be ready to try another method if one fails – you usually have options.

The benefits of being on Google Maps

Setting your organization up on Google Maps isn’t just about tech it’s about being accessible. When someone types “free community meals near me” or “youth mentorship program in [your city]” your name should come up.

If you want to be seen and get found then this is one really good way to go. Getting on Google Maps is a small act that can return a big impact.