How to set up and claim your Google Business Profile
Google is a large network of many different products and services designed to solve digital problems. Google Drive to solve remote collaboration and storage problems, Google Meets for online meetings, Google Ads to manage advertising, Google Keyword planner, to track all the keywords used for such advertising and so on.
It’s easy to get lost in this wide ecosystem of more than 250 Google apps, but mastering these tools could give your business a competitive advantage over other businesses.
One of Google's best tools to offer to businesses is Google My Business (GMB). Google Business Profiles are a set of tools that allow business owners to manage their products or services online, edit pictures, monitor reviews, edit open hours, and add their website and phone number.
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In other words, Google will recognize your business ( not only your website) and showcase your products or services in some of the Google apps we mentioned like Google Maps, Google Images, Google Shopping and more if you set up your Google Business Profile properly.
How to set up a Google Business Profile like a pro?
Before you set up your Google Business profile, keep in mind this doesn’t replace your website or ad campaigns. Think about Google Business as a stall in a popular Sunday market. You can attract more customers, engage with them and convert them to paying customers.
Now, let’s claim your Google Business profile:
1. Go to google.com/business/ and click Manage Now.
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark this address as here’s where you’ll modify your Google listings.
You’ll see the option of adding your business name as we already have a Google account. If you don’t, create one for free here.
2. Add your business name
Make sure to use capital letters and avoid typos and this is the title people see when they find your products.
If your business is not registered on Google yet, you can register it from scratch. Just click on Add your business to Google. It will take you to a registration page. You’ll need to add your business name and main category. This is crucial as Google will use this category to display your business according to the user’s search terms so make sure to be specific.
In the example below, we’re not only selecting Restaurant as the main category but Dessert Restaurant as we want to show up first when people search for that term, “desserts”.
3. Add your business address
What if Ruby Cupcakes doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar shop? Can they still set up a Google Business profile? Yes! Google Business doesn’t rely on a physical location.
This also applies to service providers. Instead, you can pick a group of zip codes or a specific city. You can pick up to 20 geographic regions and add a home address as a physical address to verify the Google Bussines listing.
Keep in mind that Google still needs to verify that your business exists so a physical location is always needed to set up your Google Business Profile.
If your business has a physical location, select yes and add your address.
If you don’t, select no and add your business region. Add a home address as a physical address to verify the Google Bussines listing.
4. Add your contact information
Add your business phone number and website.
Verify that your website link works properly, as both phone calls and website clicks are tracked by Google Business so you might be losing quite a lot of visits if the link is broken.
5. Verify your Google Business profile
It’s key you enter a real physical address, not a post office box. The verification process helps Google make sure your business is real and you are the real business owner.
What happens to service providers? if your business does have a physical address, you will need to get a postcard by mail to verify their location. Other businesses can be verified through email, text messages, phone calls, and even video conferencing.
Finish setting up your business details
The devil is in the details, some might say. Add your business hours, business description, contact info and photos. Make sure to add as much relevant information as possible as this is what your future customers will see before landing on your website.
Once your profile is verified, you’ll be able to view insights, manage reviews and create Google ads.
How to optimize your Google Business Profile. A complete Guide.
A Google Business Profile also improves local SEO. If people search for keywords like ”near me” or “along my route” your business is 1000% more likely to show up.
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