A complete guide to Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile)

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that allows you to influence how your business appears on Google Search, Google Maps and Google Shopping.

Using this tool, you can contact customers, post business updates, list products or services, and more. And also gain trust through reviews and control information about your company. Even if you don’t have a storefront, you can still have an account if you have customer contacts. For example, if you are a plumber, you may only see clients at home. But you can still have a Google Business Profile.

What are the benefits of Google My Business?

There are three main benefits of maintaining a Google Company Profile:

1. Increasing visibility in Google
2. Building trust with testimonials
3. Display business information for your customers

How to set up a Google Business Profile from scratch

Step 1: Go to Google Maps and add your business

• To get started, go to Google Maps and open the menu by clicking the button in the upper left corner of the page.
• In the menu, find the “Add your business” button.

Step 2: Create your business account

If you already have a business account, simply log in to your account and skip this section, or if you don’t have an account, create a new one.

• Click the “Create an account” button and select “To manage my business” from the drop-down menu.
• Then fill in your information (eg your name, preferred username, etc.) and click Next.
• After that, you will need to verify your identity with a phone number.
• Google will ask for a few more details and then take you to the terms and conditions page.
• Click the “Accept” button on the terms and conditions page to begin setting up your profile.

Step 3: Fill in your company name and category

Now it’s time to set up your company profile.

• The first step is to choose a name and category for your company.

First, enter your company name. As you type, Google will show you a list of existing businesses in its database and if your business is listed, go to the next step to learn how to claim your business. If not, enter your company name in full.

Importantly! Write the name of the company exactly as it is. Do not try to add relevant keywords as Google may suspend your account. Later, you’ll add relevant keywords to your business description.

• Then, following the same principle, start entering the category of your activity and select one from the pop-up list.

Step 4: Add your location

Next, add a location if you have a physical location. Although this is usually an optional step, some business categories, such as Restaurant, require you to add a location. If you don’t have a storefront, select no to skip this step.

If you choose yes, Google will ask you for the address of your location. Searchers will see your address on Google Maps, so make sure you enter the exact location.

Step 5. Select a service area

This step will look different depending on whether you added a business address. If you added a legal address, this step is optional. Google will ask you if you provide delivery or home or office visits.

• Select Yes to tell searchers which areas are within your reach.
• Select No to proceed to the next step.

If you haven’t added a business address, you can’t skip this step. Simply select an area from Google’s suggestions or start typing the name of the area you serve.

Step 6: Add your contact information

Next, add your phone number and website URL if you have one. Searchers will find and contact you using the contact information you provide, so double-check that it’s correct.

Step 7: Sign up for updates and recommendations

Google will now ask if you want to agree to receive updates and recommendations about your GBP. We recommend choosing “yes” so that you can learn about best practices directly from Google.

Step 8. Confirm your entry

Your business profile will not be searchable until you confirm it. There are five ways to verify your company information:

1. By phone . You will receive an automated call from Google or a text message with a verification code.
2. By e-mail. You will receive an email with a confirmation code.
3. By postcard. You will receive a postcard with a confirmation code at the registered address.
4. With the help of a video recording. Record a video confirming the location, your business equipment and that you are indeed an authorized business manager.
5. Through a live video call. Show the same proof for a video recording, but during a live chat with a support representative.

Your verification options change depending on whether you’ve added a location or not.

• If you have a physical location, you need to verify your business with a postcard.

The postcard contains a five-digit code that you enter when logging into your account.

• If your business does not have a physical location, you will need to enter your personal address for verification.

You can then choose between receiving a phone call, a text message or one of the ‘Other options’.

• If the verification options available for your business aren’t right for you, you can contact the Google Business Profile team through their help center .

Bonus. How to optimize your Google My Business profile

Now that you’ve set up or claimed your listing, it’s time to optimize it. Below are the steps you can take to maintain an optimized Google business profile.

• Review NAP consistency
• Write a description of the company
• Add an image to your ad
• Create Google Posts
• Add recommended GBP products
• Respond to reviews
• Add questions and answers
• Select “highlights and attributes”.

Stanislav Nikitiuk

Linkbuilder

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