A Google my Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a must for any business wanting to be visible online. It’s a free and powerful tool that helps customers find you on Google Search and Maps. Think of it as your digital storefront, showcasing your products, services, and contact information. This blog post will walk you through setting it up, step-by-step.
Table of Contents
Why is a Google my Business Profile so important ?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly touch on the “why.” A complete and optimized profile helps you:
- Increase Visibility: Appear in local search results and on Google Maps, making it easier for customers to find you.
- Boost Credibility: A well-maintained profile builds trust and shows potential customers you’re a legitimate business.
- Drive Traffic: Link to your website, provide directions, and encourage phone calls, driving more traffic to your business.
- Engage with Customers: Read and respond to reviews, answer questions, and share updates.
- Gain Insights: Track how customers are finding your profile and what actions they’re taking.
Ready to get started? Let’s set up your Google my Business Profile!
Step 1: Is Your Business Already Listed?
- Search: Before creating a new listing, search for your business on Google Maps and Search. Sometimes, businesses are already listed, even if you didn’t create it.
- Claim (If Listed): If you find your business, look for an option to “Claim this business” or “Own this business?” Follow the verification steps to gain control of the existing listing. This is much easier than starting from scratch.
- If Not Listed: If you can’t find your business, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Create a New Listing (If Needed)
- Go to Google my Business Profile Manager: Visit https://business.google.com/ and sign in with your Google account (or create one if you don’t have it).
- Find or Create Your Business: You’ll be prompted to enter your business name and address. If your business doesn’t appear in the dropdown, click “Add your business.”
Step 3: Complete Your Business Information (Crucial!)
This is where you provide the details that customers need to find and connect with you. Be accurate and thorough!
- Business Name: Use your official business name.
- Category: Choose the most relevant primary category that describes your business. You can also add secondary categories. Be specific!
- Address: Enter your complete and accurate address. If you operate from a home address and don’t want to show it publicly, you can hide your street address and just show the city/region.
- Phone Number: Provide a phone number where customers can easily reach you.
- Website: Include the link to your website.
- Business Hours: Set your regular operating hours. Keep these updated, especially for holidays or special events.
- Description: Write a compelling and informative description of your business. Highlight your unique selling points and use relevant keywords. Don’t just stuff keywords in; write naturally.
- Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your business, including your storefront, products, services, and team. Visuals are essential!
- Attributes (Optional but Recommended): Select attributes that describe your business, such as “Outdoor seating,” “Delivery,” “Wheelchair accessible,” etc. These help customers find businesses that meet their needs.
Step 4: Verification
Google will need to verify that you are the owner of the business. Typically, this is done via postcard, phone, or email. Follow the instructions provided by Google. This step is essential to make your listing live.
Step 5: Optimize Your Profile (Ongoing)
Once your profile is verified, it’s not a “set it and forget it” situation. Regularly optimize it to get the best results.
- Respond to Reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to both positive and negative reviews.
- Post Updates: Share news, special offers, events, and photos through Google Posts.
- Answer Questions: Monitor the Q&A section and answer customer questions promptly.
- Keep Information Up-to-Date: Regularly review and update your business information, including hours, photos, and descriptions.
Tips for Success:
- Be Consistent: Use the same business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across all online platforms.
- Encourage Reviews: Ask your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile.
- Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your business description and posts, but do so naturally.
- Monitor Insights: Track your profile’s performance using the insights provided by Google.
Setting up your Google my Business Profile is a crucial step in your online marketing strategy. By following these steps and regularly optimizing your profile, you can increase your visibility, attract more customers, and grow your business. Good luck!
Watch the below video to get started step by step with google my business else click here to contact us to get expert advice