How to set up a Google Business Profile for small businesses

Setting up a Google Business Profile and listing your business on Google is a simple and cost-free process.

When setting up or managing your Google Business Profile, there are several common challenges businesses might face that can affect your visibility and online presence. Identifying and addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring your business is properly represented on Google.

However, be aware that Google may take up to 7 business days to review and verify your information, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of profiles. This brief waiting period ensures that your business is properly authenticated and ready to make an impact online

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is a free service that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. By adding essential details about your business—like location, services, and contact information—your profile makes it easier for potential customers to find you.

Whether you run a physical store or an online business, Google Business Profile helps increase visibility by featuring your business in relevant searches, often ranking you higher in local results.

Why Use Google Business Profile?

Boost Your Visibility
Google prioritizes Business Profile information in local search queries. This means when someone searches for businesses like yours, your business is more likely to appear at the top of the search results. Isn’t that a great way to stand out?

Stay Updated
With Google Business Profile, you can easily update your business hours, phone number, and other key details—ensuring your customers have the most accurate and up-to-date information at all times.

Build Trust Through Reviews
Google reviews are a powerful tool for building trust with potential customers. A healthy mix of positive and even constructive reviews can enhance your credibility and help attract more customers to your business.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add your business to Google:

How to Add Your Business on Google

1. Sign in to Google My Business

• Go to Google My Business and sign in with your Google account.

• Sign in using your Google account. If you don’t have one, you will need to create it.

2. Start the process of adding your business

Once logged in, click “Manage now” to begin. Then, enter your business name. If your business doesn’t show up in the search results, click on “Add your business to Google” to proceed with creating your profile.

3. Enter Your Business Information

Here’s where you’ll add the key details about your business:

• Business Name: Enter the exact name of your business as it appears in the real world. This ensures consistency across all platforms and makes it easier for customers to find you.
• Business Category: Select the category that best represents your business. If you’re unsure, use the search box to find the most relevant category, ensuring potential customers understand what your business offers.
• Business Address: Provide the physical address of your business. If you offer delivery or services to customers at their locations, you can choose “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and list the service areas you cover.
• Contact Information: Add your phone number and website (if applicable). This helps customers easily contact you and visit your website for more details on what you offer.

4. Choose a Verification Method

Google will ask you to verify your business, and there are several methods to do so:

• Postcard: Google will mail a postcard containing a verification code to your business address. Once you receive it, you can enter the code to complete verification.
• Phone: If your business is eligible, you may be able to verify via a phone call. Google will send you a verification code through an automated call.
• Email: For certain businesses, Google may send a verification code to your email address. Check your inbox and follow the instructions to verify.
• Instant Verification: If you’ve already verified your business through Google Search Console, you may be eligible for instant verification, making the process quicker.
• Video Verification: In some cases, Google might request that you record a short video to verify your business. This is typically used for high-risk categories or businesses that need extra confirmation.

5. Complete Your Profile

• After verifying your business, you can complete your profile by adding additional details such as business hours, photos, products or services, and business description. The more information you provide, the more visible and appealing your listing will be to potential customers.

6. Keep Your Profile Updated

• Regularly update your Business Profile with any changes, promotions, or updates to keep your listing accurate and engaging.

Optimising your Google Business Profile

Once your profile is live, here’s how to make the most of it:

• Add Photos
  Businesses with images receive more interactions. Showcase your products or services, and update your cover photo to attract attention.
• Write a Compelling Description
  Use the 750-character description space to highlight what makes your business unique. Be sure to include relevant keywords, but avoid “keyword stuffing.”

• Collect and Respond to Reviews
  Encourage customers to leave reviews and always respond to them—thank positive reviewers and address negative feedback professionally.
• Update Your Information Regularly
  Keep your profile current, especially when business hours, contact details, or promotions change.
• Leverage Special Features
  Depending on your business, Google offers features like menu uploads, booking links, or even special labels (e.g., “wheelchair accessible” or “women-owned”).
• Use Messaging: Enable Google’s messaging feature to allow customers to reach out to you directly from your Google Business Profile. 
• Ensure Your Business Information is Always Up to Date: Keep your hours of operation, address, phone number, and website updated. Inaccurate or outdated information can lead to frustration among potential customers and hurt your credibility. 
• Use Google Posts
  Post regular updates, offers, or events to keep your customers informed and engaged. This can include holiday hours, new product launches, or special offers.

Why is my business not publicly visible?

Here’s a breakdown of common issues businesses face when setting up or managing their Google Business Profile:

1. Your Google My Business Isn’t Claimed and Verified
   If you haven’t claimed or verified your business on Google, it won’t show up in search results, and you won’t be able to control how your business appears online. It’s essential to complete the verification process to unlock all of Google’s tools for your business.
2. Your Business Information is Incorrect or Inconsistent Across the Web (NAP Citations)
   If your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) aren’t consistent across the web, it can hurt your local SEO rankings. Ensure that the details on your Google Business Profile match exactly with what appears on your website and other directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, or Facebook.
3. Your Website Domain Is Not Optimized for Search Engines
   A website that’s not optimized for search engines can make it harder for customers to find you online. Make sure your website is SEO-friendly by using relevant keywords, ensuring fast load times, and offering a mobile-friendly experience.
4. Your Business is New and Has a Very Small Web Presence
   New businesses may not have the same online presence or authority as established companies. It may take time to build credibility, so focus on gathering positive reviews, updating your business information, and building out your website and social media presence to enhance your search visibility.

How do I get verified on Google My Business?

Getting verified on Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile) is an essential step in ensuring that your business shows up on Google Search and Maps with accurate information. Here’s how you can get verified:

1. Sign in to Google Business Profile

• Visit Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account.
• If you don’t have a Google Business Profile, you’ll need to create one by clicking on “Manage now” and following the prompts.

2. Enter Your Business Information

• After logging in, enter the name of your business and select the correct category that best describes your business. You will also need to provide your business location and contact information.
• Make sure that the details are accurate and match the information available elsewhere online (e.g., your website or social media profiles).

3. Choose a Verification Method

Once you’ve entered your business details, Google will prompt you to verify your business. There are several verification methods available, and the method offered will depend on your business type and location.

a. Postcard Verification (Most Common)

• Step 1: Google will send a postcard to the address you provided with a unique verification code.
• Step 2: This postcard can take up to 5-7 business days to arrive, depending on your location.
• Step 3: Once you receive the postcard, log into your Google Business Profile account, click on “Verify now,” and enter the code from the postcard.

b. Phone Verification (Available for Some Businesses)

• Step 1: If eligible, you will see the option to verify via phone. Google will call the phone number you listed for your business.
• Step 2: You will receive an automated call with a verification code.
• Step 3: Enter the code into your Google Business Profile account to complete the verification process.

c. Email Verification (Available for Some Businesses)

• Step 1: If available, you’ll see the option to verify your business via email.
• Step 2: Google will send a verification code to the email address associated with your business.
• Step 3: Check your email inbox for the verification code and enter it in your Google Business Profile account.

d. Instant Verification (Available for Some Businesses)

• Step 1: If you’ve already verified your business with Google Search Console, you may be eligible for instant verification.
• Step 2: In this case, Google will automatically verify your business without the need for a code. This method is only available to businesses that are already using Google Search Console.

e. Video Verification (Available for Some Businesses)

• Step 1: For certain businesses, Google may offer video verification, where you will be asked to show a live video of your business to prove its legitimacy.
• Step 2: You’ll be prompted to provide a video showing the interior of your business, signage, or other business details to confirm its operation.

f. Bulk Verification (For Multiple Locations)

• If your business has more than 10 locations, you may be eligible for bulk verification.
• You’ll need to upload a spreadsheet with information for each of your locations and submit it for review by Google.

4. Wait for Verification

• Once you’ve submitted your verification request, you will need to wait for Google to process it. This can take a few days to a week, depending on the verification method.
• If you used a postcard, you’ll receive it in your mailbox with a unique code. Make sure to check your mail regularly.

5. Enter the Verification Code

• Once you receive the verification code (either by postcard, phone, email, or another method), go back to your Google Business Profile account.
• Enter the verification code in the “Verify” section to complete the process.

6. Confirmation of Verification

• After entering the code, Google will confirm that your business has been successfully verified.
• You can now manage your business profile on Google, including making updates to your hours, photos, and posts, and responding to customer reviews.

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