Why Add Your Business to Google?
Having an online presence is crucial in today's digital age. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) offers several key benefits:
- Increased Visibility: Appear in local search results on the world's most popular search engine
- Customer Engagement: Interact with customers through reviews and messages
- Insights and Analytics: Track how customers find and interact with your business online
- Credibility: Establish trust with potential customers
Getting Started
Create a Google Account
- Visit accounts.google.com
- Fill in your name, desired email address, and password
- Follow the setup prompts
Access Google Business Profile
- Go to business.google.com
- Click "Manage now" or "Get started"
- Sign in with your Google account
Adding Your Business Information
Basic Details
- Business name (exactly as it appears on your storefront)
- Business category
- Contact information
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Business email
Location Settings
If you have a physical location:
- Enter your complete street address
- Place the pin accurately on the map
- Add service areas if you deliver
For service-area businesses:
- Hide your physical address if operating from home
- Define your service radius or specific areas served
Verification Process
Verification confirms you're the legitimate business owner. Available methods include:
- Postcard by mail (3-5 business days)
- Phone verification (instant)
- Email verification (instant)
- Video verification (instant)
- Search Console verification (instant)
Pro tip: Choose the verification method that best suits your business type and location.
Optimizing Your Profile
Visual Content
- Upload high-quality photos:
- Logo
- Cover photo
- Interior photos
- Exterior photos
- Team photos
- Product/service photos
Business Description
Write a compelling 750-character description including:
- Your unique value proposition
- Years in business
- Specialties
- Mission statement
Maintaining Your Listing
Regular Updates
- Post weekly updates about:
- Special offers
- Events
- New products/services
- Company news
Customer Interaction
- Respond to all reviews (positive and negative)
- Answer questions in the Q&A section
- Keep information current
- Update business hours for holidays
Monitor Performance
Use Google Business Profile Insights to track:
- Search queries
- Customer actions
- Photo views
- Direction requests
- Website clicks
- Phone calls
For additional support, visit the Google Business Profile Help Center or join the Google Business Profile Community for peer assistance.
Remember that maintaining an active and accurate profile is key to leveraging the full potential of Google Business Profile and improving your local SEO performance.