At the end of 2021, Google announced that’s replacing the name “Google My Business” with “Google Business Profile” (GBP).
Creating a Google Business Profile can be one of the most crucial steps for small business owners looking to boost their online visibility. With a well-optimized profile, your potential customers can easily find your business on Google Search and Maps. Plus, the platform offers a variety of tools to manage how your business is presented, helping you attract more customers and build a strong reputation.
Setting up a Google Business Profile may seem daunting at first, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. All it takes is signing up, verifying your business, and making sure your profile is fully optimized. With the right information and some creative flair, you’ll have a standout profile that showcases your business in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Setting up a Google Business Profile helps improve online visibility and attract customers.
- The process is simple: sign up, verify your business, and optimize your profile.
- A well-maintained and optimized profile will showcase your business in the best light.
Starting Your Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile is a crucial step for small business owners, like yourself, to establish a robust online presence and attract potential customers. This process will help you place your business on Google Search and Maps, increasing the visibility of your enterprise.
Claiming Your Business
Before you can manage your Google Business Profile, it’s essential to claim your business. To start, visit Google Business Profile and sign up for a free account. When entering your business information, make sure to include accurate details, such as your hours, website, phone number, and location. This will enable customers to easily find and contact your business.
Once you’ve provided the necessary details, you’ll need to verify your business. This is an essential step to confirm the ownership of your business and exhibit confidence to your audience. After verification, you can manage your profile by adding relevant photos, responding to customer reviews, and staying connected with your clients through posts and updates.
As a small business owner, making your Google Business Profile comprehensive and engaging will allow potential clients to confidently learn about your services and eventually make a purchase. By following these steps, you’ll secure an essential spot for your company on Google Search and Maps, helping drive more visibility and success for your business.
Verifying Your Business Profile On Google
First, sign up for a Google Business Profile by going to the Business Profile website and providing your business details. Once you’ve completed the sign-up, it’s time to verify your business. This step ensures that your business information is accurate and trustworthy.
There are several ways to verify your business on Google, and the available options may vary depending on your business type and location. Some common verification methods include postcard, phone, email, and instant verification. For most businesses, postcard verification is the standard method.
I had to take a video of my office and equipment, and send Google some business documents to verify my company existed. Their support was quick and helpful, which was a nice bonus.
To request a postcard, select “Verify by mail” and make sure your business address is correct. Google will send a postcard with a unique verification code to the provided address within 14 days. Once you receive the postcard, log in to your Google Business Profile account and enter the code to complete the verification process.
While the postcard method is common, if you see other verification options like phone, email, or instant verification, you can choose one that best suits your needs. For example, if you are verifying your business by phone, you will get a call from Google with a verification code. Make sure to keep your phone nearby and be ready to enter the code during the call.
Being knowledgeable about the verification process ensures a smooth and successful experience. Keep in mind that once your business is verified, you can access additional features, such as responding to customer reviews, uploading images, and providing up-to-date information about your business. This way, you can leverage your online presence to attract more customers and grow your business.
Adding Your Business to Google Maps
First, sign up for or log in to Google My Business. Follow the prompts to either claim your existing business or create a new Business Profile. Make sure to provide accurate information, including your business name, address, and phone number. This helps potential clients find you more easily and increases your credibility as a business.
Once you’ve entered your business details, you can personalize your profile to help it stand out. Add your business hours, display photos of your work, and provide any additional relevant information that will catch the eye of potential clients. The more knowledgeable and clear your Business Profile is, the better.
Now that you’ve set up your Business Profile, it’s important to keep it up-to-date. Regularly update your information and respond to customer reviews to showcase your exceptional service. Doing this ensures that your business remains at the top of search results on Google Maps, increasing its visibility and attracting new clients.
By following these steps, you take control of your online presence and give your business a competitive edge. Remember to stay confident and clear in your communication, keeping your profile updated with the most accurate information possible. In no time, you’ll see the positive impact this has on your business.
Optimizing Your Business Profile
Making Offers
Creating offers is a great way to attract more customers. Be sure to list offers on your Google Business Profile to show users your latest deals and promotions. For example, if you’re a web design business, you could offer a limited-time discount on your website design packages. This makes your profile more attractive and shows potential customers that you’re knowledgeable about their needs.
Adding Photos
High-quality photos can significantly enhance your Business Profile. Use clear, well-lit images to showcase your products, services, or achievements. For instance, as a web design business, you could display before and after photos of your clients’ websites. Including images adds visual appeal and makes your profile more engaging, increasing the chances of a visitor becoming a customer.
Adding Hours
It’s essential to provide accurate and up-to-date business hours so that potential customers know when they can reach you. Be sure to include weekends, holidays, or any changes in hours due to special events. Ensuring your hours are current demonstrates that you’re a professional and dependable business.
Getting Reviews
Positive reviews can greatly influence a potential customer’s decision to choose your services. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. You can ask for reviews through your website or even send a follow-up email after a successful project. Responding to both positive and negative reviews shows that you care about your clients’ experiences and are committed to improving your services.
Unlike Yelp, Google encourages you to ask for reviews. Once you have a Google Business Profile set up, there is a sharable link you can send to your customers to leave a review.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile with offers, photos, accurate hours, and reviews will make your business more visible and appealing to potential customers. With a few simple steps, you’ll create a strong online presence and showcase your expertise in your field.
Maintaining Your Google Business Profile
As a small business owner, maintaining your Google Business Profile is crucial to represent your business online effectively. Keeping your profile up to date with accurate information helps your customers find and contact you easily.
Start with providing basic information about your business like hours, website, phone number, and location. Make sure your website URL is correct, and your location can be easily found by potential clients. Update your contact details as necessary, so customers can confidently reach out to you.
To showcase your business in the best light, add relevant images and information on the services you offer. Keep this information clear and concise to engage your audience and boost your credibility. For example, you can mention the different packages you provide with their respective features.
Your Google Business Profile also allows you to highlight your expertise through regularly sharing posts on your profile. Share updates about your business, recent projects, or promotions. This keeps your audience informed and demonstrates your active involvement in the industry.
Remember to monitor and respond to reviews left by your customer. Engaging with them helps portray your business in a neutral, yet committed way. Address any concerns or criticisms, and express gratitude for positive feedback. This approach ensures your audience sees you as a knowledgeable and approachable business owner.
With the above steps, you’ll efficiently maintain your Google Business Profile, making it easier for potential customers to find and trust your business.