Creating a Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most effective ways to build trust with potential customers. It shows them that you’re an established company with a physical address. Customers know that if they want to visit your business, they don’t have to go through some complicated process like trying to find directions from their home or work location. Plus, if they’re looking for services like yours in the area, this will give them an idea of where they can find the best options near them.
If you’re a business owner, you already know that having a Google Business Profile is essential for online marketing. But what exactly is a Google Business Profile?
Google’s Business Profiles are a great way to show potential customers that you’re a legitimate business. They are also a powerful marketing tool to help you connect with customers looking for what you sell. This blog will walk you through the steps in both creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile.
Make sure you create or claim your business profile
If you already have a Google My Business page for your business, then great! You’re on the right track. If not, it’s time to get started. If you don’t see your business location or any of your locations in Google Maps, then no Google Business Profile has been created for that location yet. Google recently made it possible to claim a business profile or create a new one, so you can make sure your business is set up on Google. Here’s how to claim your business through Google My Business Profile:
- Go to google.com/business.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Search for your business by name or address.
- If you find more than one listing that looks like it might be yours, verify which is accurate by looking at the contact info or the photos below the listing. If it’s right, select “Claim this business”.
- Review and accept the Terms of Service to complete the verification process (2-3 minutes).
However if you haven’t created a Google My Business profile, here are the steps:
- Sign in to Google My Business with your Google Account. It’s free and only takes a minute.
- Tap or click Places, then select the location you want to manage.
- Tap or click Add Details, and then enter basic details about your business such as your address and hours of operation. If you already have a Google Maps listing, this information will be imported automatically; otherwise, you’ll be prompted to add it manually by tapping or clicking Add Address on the page that appears.
- Add photos of your business location and upload high-quality images of products or services offered by your business so customers can get a better sense of what they’re buying (optional).
Complete all sections
The content section of Google My Business (GMB) is the key to your local SEO. You have to fill out this section with as much information as possible from a new business page. While it can be time-consuming, it’s essential to ensure that you complete all sections to get your business on the map and rank well in search results. Content sections include:
- Address
Add your business address, phone number, and hours of operation. If you have many locations, create a separate listing for each one. - Description
Provide a brief description of what makes your business unique. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and includes keywords that people might search for when looking for businesses like yours. - Photos
Upload photos of your restaurant or store front, so customers know exactly what they’re getting when they visit or call your business. - Map
Add your location to the map so customers can find you easily wherever they are in the world. - Hours of operation
If your business has a set schedule, enter it here so customers know when they can visit or call. - Services offered
If you provide something other than what appears on your sign or storefront windows—such as delivery service or takeout options—add these details so customers know what they’re getting when they visit.
Conclusion
There are quite a few benefits to be had from setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP) for your business. The more information you fill in, the better off you’ll be. So start optimizing your GBP now and watch your business value rise!
