What Is “Add Me to Search”? Google’s Digital Business Card Explained

Have you ever Googled your name and found… well, not much? If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, job seeker, or just someone who wants a stronger online presence, that blank search result might feel like a missed opportunity. That’s where Google’s “Add Me to Search” feature comes in.

With just a few clicks, you can achieve a professional online presence and personal branding. We’ll walk you through what it is, how it works, and how you can get your very own profile to show up right in Google’s search results.

What Is “Add Me To Search”?

“Add Me to Search” is a feature by Google that lets individuals create a personal profile card—officially called a People Card—that appears when someone searches your name. It’s essentially a virtual business card that lives right in Google Search.

You can add details like your name, profession, location, a short bio, and share links to your social media platforms and website. Google’s “Add Me to Search” feature is a quick and easy way to take control of how you’re seen online.

Why It Matters For Your Personal Branding

Google is often the first place people go to learn more about you. A potential client, employer, collaborator, or even someone you met at a networking event, will likely search your name online. What they find (or don’t find) can shape their impression of you before you ever get a chance to speak, influencing how you are perceived online.

What is “Search Google or Type a URL”?

If you’ve ever opened a new browser tab (especially in Google Chrome), you’ve probably seen the prompt: “Search Google or type a URL.” At first glance, it might seem self-explanatory, but this small piece of text actually reflects two distinct ways of navigating the internet.

When your browser says “Search Google,” it means you can type in any keyword, phrase, or question, and your input will be sent to the Google search engine as a search query. You’ll then see a list of suggested results that might match what you’re looking for.

On the other hand, “type a URL” refers to entering a specific web address, like linkedin.com. This tells your browser to skip the search engine and go directly to the destination site.

In essence, the browser is giving you two options: explore or go straight there. And while both take place in the same address bar, the way they work (when to use each) is quite different.

Let’s take a peek behind the scenes.

What Happens When You Search on Google

When you type something like “LinkedIn” or “BBC News” into your browser’s search bar and hit enter, it often treats that input as a search query rather than a direct navigation. And from the moment you start typing, Google gets to work fast. These features collectively enhance the overall search experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

That’s where a Google People Card comes in handy. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to help you build trust and showcase your identity. Here’s why creating one is worth it:

1. Boost Your Visibility

When someone Googles your name, wouldn’t it be great if you were the one they found first? A People Card helps make that happen.

• Appear right at the top when someone searches for you, leading to increased visibility.
• Make yourself more accessible to those looking for your services or expertise.
• Stand out from others with similar names.

For example, start typing “best r”, you might see suggestions like “best running shoes,” “best restaurants near me,” or “best road trip apps.” These predictions aim to get you to your destination faster, even if you’re unsure how to phrase your question.

2. Showcase Your Personal Brand

A People Card is like an online business card that highlights your digital essence.

• Share what you do, where you work, and your unique value.
• Link to your website, LinkedIn, social channels, or portfolio.
• Use the bio section to craft a memorable elevator pitch.

3. Stay Discoverable

Don’t let outdated content define you. Stay visible and relevant with a card that’s always current.

• Let people find the real you, not a random blog post or outdated profile.
• Stay in control of your discoverability by making your profile easily searchable.

4. Control Your Narrative

Take charge of your online presence with a profile that reflects your voice and values.

• Present yourself the way you want to be seen.
• Avoid misinformation or confusion caused by irrelevant content.
• Update details anytime to keep your profile fresh and relevant.

5. Credibility and Trust

A verified profile on Google will grant you instant legitimacy and professional shine.

• Show you’re serious about your online presence.
• Build trust with potential clients, employers, or followers.
• Help separate you from spam or irrelevant search results.

Who Should Be Using People Cards?

People Cards are ideal for anyone who needs to stand out online without the overhead of a full-blown website. Here are just a few examples:

• Freelance consultants who want to link to their portfolio and social profiles.
• Students or recent grads looking to make a digital CV findable by recruiters.
• Influencers or creators who need a Google-friendly hub for their Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok channels.
• Artists and performers who want an easy way to share their work and contact details.

Who Can Use The “Add Me To Search” Feature?

While the “Add Me to Search” feature is a great way to improve personal visibility online, do be aware that it’s not available everywhere just yet. When Google first launched the feature, it focused on specific regions where people might not have easy access to tools like personal websites or digital portfolios. That means right now, it’s mostly available in India and a handful of countries across Africa and the Middle East.

So, if you’re living in one of those supported areas, you’ll probably see the option pop up when you search “add me to search” on Google. But you’ll also need to make sure that:

• Your Google account language is set to either English or Hindi.
• You’re using a mobile device, as the feature is primarily designed for mobile browsers.

If you’ve tried searching and still don’t see the prompt to create a People Card, it probably just means the feature hasn’t rolled out in your location yet. Google tends to release things gradually, and this one is still in that limited phase.

Now, you might be wondering: is there a workaround? Unfortunately, not at the moment. If you’re outside the supported areas, you’ll need to hang tight for now. In the meantime, here are some smart things you can do:

• Bookmark the feature and check back periodically to see if it has launched in your country.
• Focus on building consistency across your digital platforms—use the same name, profile photo, and tone of voice on LinkedIn, Twitter, your website, and any public-facing profiles.
• Explore other Google visibility options, such as Google Business Profiles (if you own a business) or contributing to Google Knowledge Panels if you’re a recognised public figure.

Google hasn’t announced when or if this will go global, but given how important digital identity is becoming, there’s a good chance it’ll expand over time. Until then, ensuring your existing online presence is polished and up-to-date is still a smart move.

How to Add Yourself to Google Search (Step-by-Step)

Creating your Google People Card is quick, free, and surprisingly easy. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Open Google Search and type “add me to search”

Simply type the phrase “add me to search” into the Google search bar on your mobile device or open the Google search app and enter the phrase there.

Note: This feature works best on mobile.

Step 2: Sign in to Your Google Account

You need to be signed into your active Google account—the one you want to associate with your People Card.

If you’re not logged in, you won’t see the option to create a card.

Step 3: Tap “Get Started”

Once signed in, you’ll see a box that prompts you to create your card. Tap “Get Started” to begin the setup process.

Step 4: Fill in Your Details

You’ll be taken to a form where you can enter all the accurate information you’d like to appear on your People Card. Since it’s public, you should be mindful of what you choose to share. Keep it professional and relevant.

Here are the main fields to complete:

• Full Name – How you want to appear in search.
• Location – Helps users know where you’re based.
• Job Title or Profession – Your current role or area of expertise.
• About/Bio Section – A summary of who you are or what you do.
• Website or Portfolio – A direct link to your work or business.
• Social Media Handles – Optional, but adds credibility and ways to connect.
• Contact Info (Email or Phone) – Optional, use if you’re open to being contacted directly.

Step 5: Preview and Publish

Before finalising, take a moment to preview your card. Check for typos, broken links, or missing info. Once you’re happy, tap “Save” or “Publish.”

You’re Now Searchable!

Tips to Make Your People Card Stand Out

Once you’ve got your Google People Card up and running, the next step is ensuring it actually grabs attention (in the right way).

Do’s

Use your real name (or the name you’re known by professionally)
Your People Card is meant to help others find you. Use the name people would naturally search, whether that’s your full legal name, a stage name, or the professional moniker you go by.

Use a Clear, Professional Photo
Your profile photo is the first thing people will see, so make it count. Choose a well-lit, professional-looking photo that aligns with your industry. Avoid blurry selfies or heavily filtered images.

Include a concise, professional bio
Your bio is your elevator pitch in text form. For example, it could be: “Freelance UX designer helping startups create intuitive digital experiences.” Make it easy for others to understand your value at a glance.

Check your links
If you’re including links to your LinkedIn, website, or portfolio, double-check that they work and lead to credible, up-to-date pages. A broken or outdated link can leave the wrong impression.

Don’ts

Skip the Hype
Though it might be tempting to throw in buzzwords and bold claims, try to keep it grounded. Overly promotional language can feel off-putting. Worse, it might get your card flagged by Google.

Overstuff your profile with keywords
Yes, SEO matters, but don’t turn your profile into a keyword salad. “Graphic designer | UI design expert | UX UI Figma Pro | Design Guru” might catch an algorithm’s eye, but it turns off real people.

Use slang or inside jokes—this isn’t the place
Keep it friendly, but professional. Casual language, memes, or inside jokes can confuse searchers and diminish your credibility. Save that energy for Instagram or Twitter.

Treat it as a full website substitute (it’s a teaser, not the whole story)
Your People Card should be a snapshot that invites people to learn more, not the entire portfolio. Link out to where people can explore your work in detail.

Leave it blank or outdated
A neglected profile can do more harm than good. An empty or stale People Card may come across as unprofessional or make it look like you’ve dropped off the map.

Managing Your Google People Card

Creating your People Card is just the start: keeping it updated is where the real value comes in. Whether you’ve changed jobs, added new skills, or updated your contact details, it’s worth popping back in now and then to refresh what’s there.

Why it matters

• Keep your professional identity consistent – If someone finds you on Google, they should see the same information they’d find on your LinkedIn or website.
• Make yourself easy to contact – If you’re open to work, freelance gigs, or speaking opportunities, having the right email or link in your card can attract potential recruiters or customers.
• Stay visible and relevant – Google’s algorithm tends to favour up-to-date content. A fresh profile may rank better when someone searches your name.

Editing Your Card

To edit your Google People Card, start by signing in to your Google profile and navigating to the Google search page. Once there, search for your name and click on the “Edit” button next to your card. This will open a form where you can make changes to your profile, including adding or removing information and updating your profile picture.

Treat your People Card like you would your business card or LinkedIn profile: a living part of your personal brand that deserves regular attention.

Deleting Your Card

If you decide to delete your Google People Card, the process is as straightforward as editing it. First, sign in to your Google account, then go to the Google search page.

Search for your name and click the three dots at the top right corner of your card. From the dropdown menu, select the option to delete your card. Keep in mind that this action will remove your digital business card from Google search engine, impacting your online visibility.

Not Showing Up in Search? Here’s Why

So, you’ve followed all the steps, published your People Card, and now… no sign of it in Google’s search results? Don’t stress—it’s more common than you think, and in most cases, there’s a simple explanation.

These are some possible reasons your card might not be showing up (yet):

It Just Needs a Bit of Time

After you hit “publish,” your card doesn’t show up instantly. Google needs a little time to index the new information and make it visible in search results. It’s usually quick, but it might take a few hours or even a day or two.

Something Important Might Be Missing

Did you fill in all the essential fields, like your name, job title, and a short bio? If anything’s blank or incomplete, Google might delay publishing it until your profile meets the minimum criteria.

It Might Violate Google’s Guidelines

If your card includes false claims, promotional language, or irrelevant info, Google may hold it back. They’re pretty strict about keeping People Cards useful and trustworthy, so it’s worth reviewing their content policies and making sure your card plays by the rules.

It’s Not Available in Your Region

This one trips people up the most. Even if you followed every step correctly, your People Card won’t appear if the feature isn’t supported in your country. You’ll have to wait until it becomes available in your area.

If none of these apply and you’re still not seeing your card, try checking again later or tweaking your info slightly and republishing. Sometimes, even small edits can trigger a fresh indexing.
The good news? Once your card is visible, you’ve got a valuable spot in Google search all to yourself. A little patience goes a long way!

Google Business Profile Integration

Combining your Google Business Profile with your Google People Card creates a well-rounded digital presence that highlights both your personal brand and business. When used together, these tools:

• Boost Your Visibility in Google Search Results: When someone searches for your name, business, or related services, Google prioritises structured and verified content. This integration helps you show up more often in search results.
• Showcase Both Who You Are and What You Offer: Your Google People Card gives users a quick glimpse of your background, expertise, and personality. Meanwhile, your Business Profile shares the practical details: services, reviews, operating hours, and more.
• Help Potential Customers Find and Trust You Faster: Verified information, positive reviews, and a professional online footprint help build credibility.
• Provide a Central Space to Manage Your Online Presence: Linking these two Google tools gives you one streamlined space to update your info, share updates, and monitor engagement.

How to Link Your People Card with Google Business Profile

Head over to Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account. Enter your business details, including name, category, and location. Once submitted, Google will prompt you to verify your business — usually through a postcard, phone call, or email, depending on your setup.
Now that your business is verified and your People Card is live, you can connect the two by ensuring both are tied to the same Google account or referencing your business profile link in your People Card.

People Card vs. LinkedIn vs. Personal Website

When it comes to building your online presence, not all platforms serve the same purpose. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand how they stack up and when to use each one:

Final Thoughts