How to Set Up a Google Business Profile - a Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a small business owner, especially one who relies on brick-and-mortar or in-person business, and you don’t have a Google Business profile, you are leaving money on the floor. Google Business is one of the easiest local SEO opportunities with the highest potential payoff. In this guide, we’ll walk through why a Google Business profile matters, who needs one, and most importantly, how to set one up.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
A Google Business profile is a small business’s best bet for showing up in local search results. When people in your area search for your business type, a Google Business profile makes it possible for your business to show up in both Google Maps and search results.
A Google Business profile allows you to include your:
Location
Hours
Services
Contact (phone number, website)
Photos
What Types of Businesses Should Set Up a Google Business Profile?
If you have direct interaction with customers – whether at a physical location or through a service area – Google Business is for you. Businesses looking to attract local customers, like restaurants, shops, salons, plumbers, and more should set up a Google Business profile.
What Types of Businesses Do Not Need a Google Business Profile?
If your business is entirely online with no local customer interaction, then this might not be for you. Google Business is all about connecting local customers with local spots. So, if you’re running an online-only gig, you might want to explore other digital marketing strategies.
Do You Need a Physical Address for Google Business?
Yes, you need an address to sign up. If you work from home or have a mobile business. You can set a service area instead of a specific address. This way, you show up in local searches without revealing personal details. Handy, right?
What Do You Need to Set Up a Google Business Profile?
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:
Your business name
An address or service area
The category that best fits your business
Your phone number and website (if you have one)
Some great photos of your business or products
The 10 Simple Steps to Set Up a Google Business Profile
Let’s break this down into simple steps:
Head to Google Business: Visit the website and click “Manage now.”
Enter Your Business Name: Add your business name. If it’s not listed, click “Add your business to Google.”
Choose Your Category: This helps Google connect you with the right customers. Take a moment to find the best fit.
Add Location Details: Pop in your address or service area.
Contact Info: Provide your phone number and website link.
Verify Your Business: Usually, you’ll get a postcard from Google to verify your address. It’s old school, but it works.
Beautify Your Profile: Upload photos, set your business hours, and add a description. Make your profile shine.
Encourage Reviews: Gently ask happy customers to leave reviews. It really helps.
Keep It Fresh: Update your profile if anything changes.
Check Out Insights: Google gives you useful info on how people find and interact with your listing. Use it to tweak your profile.
And there you have it – your step-by-step guide to setting up Google Business. It’s a straightforward way to help your local customers find you. Think of it as your online hello to the neighborhood. Good luck, and here’s to your business thriving in the digital world.