Google is the most visited website in the world. Google currently controls more than 92% of the search engine market. Creating a Google My Business Profile (now called Google Business Profile) has become a vital step in bringing in new customers and generating leads through Google Search and Google Maps.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (Google Business Profile) is a free business listing service provided by Google. It enables you to provide information, details and photos of your company/business. For instance its location, services being offered, and products. Above all, creating a free Google Business profile is an excellent way to boost your visibility across Google services. In addition, your Google Business Profile information may appear in Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping.
Google Business Profile is only open to businesses/companies which have customer engagement. However, this includes both businesses with physical location (such as a shop, mart, restaurant or store) and businesses which provide services by meeting with their clients in other locations (like consultants, electricians or plumbers). In case you only have an online business, you’ll have to depend largely on other Google tools such as Google Ads and Google Analytics.
How to set up a Google my Business Profile ?
Step 1: Sign in to Google my Business Profile Manager
If you already have a Google account, you will be automatically logged in to Google Business Profile Manager. Otherwise, use your existing Google Account login information or create a new Google Account.
Step 2: Add your Business on Profile
Enter the “name of your company”. Click “Add your business to Google” if it does not appear in the drop-down menu. Then, choose the appropriate category for your company and click Next.
Step 3: Enter your Location
Select Yes if you have a physical location where customers can visit. Then enter your company’s address. You could also be asked to place a pointer on a map to indicate the location. If your company does not have a physical location but provides in-person services or delivery services, you can mention your service areas.
Then press the Next button. If you didn’t enter a physical address, Google will ask you to specify which region you’re based in. Choose from the drop-down menu and click Next.
Step 4: Fill in your Contact Details
Enter your company’s phone number and website address (website’s URL) so that customers can contact you. You are not required to enter a phone number if you do not wish to be reached by phone. When you’ve finished entering your information, click Next.
Step 5: Verify Your Business
Fill your real physical location, not a Post Office box. This information is only used to authenticate your business and to increase your credibility. It is not displayed or shared with the public on your Google Business Profile.
Enter your address and then press the Next button. You will be given the appropriate alternatives for verifying your account. To verify their location, physical businesses have to obtain a postcard in the mail. Also, an email address can be used to verify and confirm service-area businesses.
Once you’ve got your five-digit code, enter it on the following screen and select Verify or Verify business. You’ll see a confirmation screen clearly showing that you’ve been verified. Finally, Click Next on that screen.
Step 6: Customize/ Personalize your Google my Business Profile
Fill your business hours, messaging preferences, business summary or description, and photos. When you’re finished, click Continue. You’ll be taken directly to the Business Profile Manager dashboard. Thus, you can organize your business profile, view insights, handle reviews and messages. And, start creating Google ads from this page.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Google Business Profile helps people find your company when they are looking for similar products and services in their area. Moreover your Google My Business listing guides searchers to your location and directions. Also, Google Business Profile can boost your local SEO.