What Is Google Business Profile And How To Create It: A Step-By-Step Guide

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One of the best ways to enhance your visibility and attract local customers is by utilizing Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). But what exactly is a Google Business Profile, and how can you set one up for your business? This article will break it down for you in simple terms, “What is Google Business Profile and how to create it” with this comprehensive step-by-step guide for your business.

Introduction

In the world of business today, it’s not enough to rely on traditional marketing methods. Whether you’re a local coffee shop or a freelance consultant, your potential customers are likely searching for businesses like yours online. This is where a Google Business Profile (GBP) becomes essential.

But what exactly is Google Business Profile, and why should you care about it? More importantly, how can you create one for your business? Stick with me as we walk through everything you need to know.

What Is Google Business Profile And How To Create It?

A Google Business Profile is a free tool provided by Google that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps. It allows you to provide essential information like your business name, address, hours of operation, and contact details so potential customers can easily find and contact you.

The best part? It’s completely free! Once your profile is set up, customers can find your business easily when searching for services or products you offer.

Key Features Of Google Business Profile:

Display Your Business Information: Show essential details like business hours, location, phone number, and website.
Customer Reviews: Let customers leave reviews and respond to their feedback.
Showcase Photos: Upload images of your storefront, products, or services.
Google Maps Integration: Ensure your business is easily locatable on Google Maps.

Why Is A Google Business Profile Important For Your Business?

There are many reasons why setting up a Google Business Profile can be a game-changer:

Increased Visibility on Google Search and Maps: With a GBP, your business can show up in Google’s local search results, making it easier for nearby customers to find you.
Boost Customer Engagement: You can interact with your customers by responding to reviews, answering questions, and even posting updates.
Improve Local SEO: A well-maintained GBP can improve your business’s ranking in local search results, helping you reach more people.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Create A Google Business Profile

Let’s dive into the process of creating your own Google Business Profile. Follow these steps to set it up correctly from the start.

Step 1: Sign In To Google Account

First things first: make sure you’re signed in to the Google account you want to associate with your business. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.

Step 2: Navigate To Google Business Profile

Go to Google Business Profile and click on the “Manage Now” button. This will start the process of creating your business listing.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Name

You’ll be asked to enter your business name. Make sure to use the exact name your customers would search for.

Step 4: Choose Your Business Type

First you need to choose your business type by selecting from the Google list as shown below.

Step 5: Add Your Online Store

Now you need to add your online store (business) address.

Step 6: Enter Your Business Category

Enter a business category that best describes what your business does (e.g., Restaurant, Plumber and Consultant). This helps Google show your business to the right audience.

Step 7: Enter Your Business Address

Now enter your business address where it is located (e.g., Street, Area, City etc.)

Step 8: Add Your Business Location On The Map

If you have a physical location, enter your address. This will ensure your business shows up on Google Maps. If your business is service-based and you don’t have a storefront, you can hide your address and simply specify the service areas.

Step 9: Add Contact Details

Select your country and add your phone number.

Step 10: Put Your Business On The Map

Now the time is to put your business on the map. Be sure to read carefully “Terms of Service and Privacy Policy” before to continue.

Step 11: Verify Your Business

Google requires you to verify your business before it becomes visible online. There are several verification methods, which we’ll cover in the next section. Once your business will be verified, it appears and you can see that “You’re now verified”.

Step 12: Add Your Business Services

Now you need to your business services. You can select from the choice if it match with your business and the right customer. Else you can create your own.

Step 13: Add Business Hours

Input your business operation hours, below is the only example to make you understand.

Step 14: Add Business Description

Write your business description about the services you are providing and which attract to your customers.

Step 15: Upload Photos Of Your Business

People love visuals, so upload high-quality images of your business, products, or services. A professional-looking profile photo can increase customer trust.

Step 16: Publish Your Google Business Profile

Once everything is filled out, hit the “Finish” button, and your business profile will be published.

Now your business is live on Google

How To Verify Your Google Business Profile

Verification is essential to ensure your business details are accurate. There are several ways to verify your business:

By Postcard: Google will send a verification postcard to your business address. Once it arrives (typically in 5-7 days), enter the code from the postcard into your Google Business Profile.
By Phone or Email: Some businesses are eligible for phone or email verification, but this depends on your location and business type.

Once verified, your business will appear on Google Search and Maps.

Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

After setting up your Google Business Profile, it’s time to optimize it for better results:

Add Services and Products: Make sure to list the services or products you offer, with descriptions and prices where applicable.
Use Google Posts: You can post updates, promotions, or events directly to your profile to keep your customers informed.
Encourage and Respond to Reviews: Reviews play a major role in attracting customers. Ask happy customers to leave reviews and respond to both positive and negative feedback to show you value customer input.

Maintaining Your Google Business Profile

Creating your Google Business Profile is just the start. You should regularly update your profile with any changes (e.g., new business hours, phone numbers).

You can also take advantage of Google Insights, which provides data on how customers are interacting with your profile, including search terms and customer actions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Creating A Google Business Profile

Inaccurate Business Details: Double-check that your address, phone number, and business hours are correct.
Ignoring Customer Reviews: Responding to reviews shows you care about customer feedback.
Neglecting Profile Optimization: Don’t skip adding photos, a business description, or services. An incomplete profile might deter potential customers.

Conclusion

A well-optimized Google Business Profile can be a powerful tool to boost your business’s visibility, engage with customers, and drive local traffic. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, ensuring your business shows up on Google Search and Maps is essential in today’s market.

By following this guide, you can set up and manage your Google Business Profile to its fullest potential, helping your business stand out among the competition.

Source: Google

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes, Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is completely free to use. It allows businesses to create and manage their online presence on Google Search and Google Maps without any cost. You can add important details such as your business address, hours, contact information, and photos to improve your visibility to potential customers.

2. How to write a Business Profile?

To write a business profile, focus on describing your company clearly and concisely. Include key information such as:

1. Business Name
2. What you offer (products or services)
3. Your unique value proposition
4. Contact information and location
5. Business history or mission

Also, keep the tone professional and ensure your profile reflects your brand identity. If you’re writing for a Google Business Profile, provide accurate details and include keywords that potential customers may search for.

3. What is Google My Business Profile?

Google My Business Profile was the former name for what is now called Google Business Profile. It’s a tool that allows businesses to manage how they appear in Google Search and Google Maps. Through this platform, businesses can update their details, post updates, respond to reviews, and track customer interactions.

4. Who uses Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is used by businesses of all sizes, from small local shops to large corporations. It is especially useful for businesses that rely on local customers or service areas, as it helps improve visibility in local search results. Industries like retail, hospitality, health services, and trades (e.g., plumbers, electricians) benefit greatly from using it.

5. How can I start a business with Google?

Starting a business with Google means creating an online presence to help customers find you. You can start by setting up a Google Business Profile, which will help your business show up on Google Search and Google Maps. After that, consider using other tools like Google Ads for paid promotions, and Google Analytics to track customer behavior.

6. What if my business changes locations?

If your business changes locations, you can easily update your address in your Google Business Profile dashboard. Simply sign in, navigate to the “Info” section, and update the address field. After the change, you may be required to re-verify your business to ensure the new location is accurate.

7. What are the benefits of Google Business?

Some key benefits of Google Business Profile include:

1. Improved local visibility: Appear in local searches and Google Maps.
2. Customer engagement: Interact with customers through reviews and Q&A.
3. Trust and credibility: A verified profile boosts customer confidence.
4. Analytics: Track user interactions and search data through Google Insights.
5. Free marketing: Showcase products, services, and promotions at no cost.

8. How to create a Google Business Website?

Google offers a simple, free website builder through your Google Business Profile dashboard. After setting up your profile, you can create a website using the information from your profile (business name, photos, posts, etc.). Google’s tool provides templates and allows basic customization, making it ideal for businesses without a website.

9. What is Google Business Profile in SEO?

Google Business Profile plays a significant role in local SEO. Having a well-optimized and active profile helps improve your chances of appearing in local search results, especially for “near me” searches. Google considers your profile’s information, customer reviews, and proximity to the searcher when ranking local businesses.

10. What is the disadvantage of Google Business Profile?

While Google Business Profile offers numerous advantages, some potential drawbacks include:

1. Limited control over reviews: You cannot control what customers post in reviews, and negative reviews are visible to all.
2. Verification process delays: Verifying your business can take several days, especially if you’re waiting for a postcard.
3. Dependence on Google: If Google changes its algorithms or tools, it may affect your business visibility.

11. Do I need a website to create a Google Business Profile?

No, you do not need a website to create a Google Business Profile. You can set up your profile with just a phone number, address, and basic business details. However, having a website is beneficial as it can drive more traffic and give customers a more comprehensive view of your offerings.

12. How can I remove or update my Google Business Profile?

To remove or update your Google Business Profile, log into your account and navigate to the dashboard. From there, you can:

1. Update: Modify details like address, phone number, or hours.
2. Remove: Mark your business as “permanently closed” or transfer ownership. For removal, there’s also an option to delete the profile entirely, but this requires contacting Google support in some cases.

13. Can I manage multiple locations with one Google Business Profile?

Yes, you can manage multiple business locations under a single Google account. After setting up your first profile, you can add additional locations by navigating to the dashboard and selecting the “Add Location” option. Each location will have its own profile but can be managed from the same account.

14. Can I create a Google Business Profile without a physical storefront?

Yes, service-area businesses (like plumbers or delivery services) that do not have a physical storefront can still create a Google Business Profile. You can choose to hide your address and list the areas you serve instead, ensuring your business still appears in local search results.

15. What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?

Google My Business is the former name of what is now called Google Business Profile. In late 2021, Google rebranded the platform to Google Business Profile. The core functions remain the same, but the new branding comes with some updates to the user interface and easier management options directly from Google Search and Maps.

Here are some more articles recommended for you:

What Is a SERP? A Comprehensive Guide

How To Increase Traffic From Your Google Business Profile?

Lorena Piadopo

Lorena V. Piadopo, Technical SEO Specialist Manager and our esteemed content writing author at Beyond SEO. She brings over seven years of experience in Technical SEO to executive and operations team. She ensures that the team stays organized and projects run smoothly and on time. Outside of work, She cherishes family time, enjoys cooking, swimming and loves being in nature.