How to Set Up Google My Business?

Google is often the first stop when someone is looking for a product, service, or local store. In fact, more than half of customers will check “Google it” before they make a decision. This being so, what customers see, or will see, about you on Google can make a huge difference between them finding you and trusting you or looking elsewhere.

This is where Google My Business (GMB), now, as a result of a recent rebrand, Google Business Profile, comes into play. This free tool assists entrepreneurs in controlling how their company shows up on Google Maps and search results pages. Google My Business ensures that your brand appears prominently when people search for it, including your address, hours, reviews, and postings.

We’ll go over how to create a business profile, why it’s so important, and how to make it as successful as possible in the long run in this comprehensive guide.

What is Google My Business?

It gives entrepreneurs the resources they need to create and maintain their Google presence in one location. It enables you to: 

• Give your company’s name, address, phone number, and website.
• Show off pictures, news, and exclusive deals.
• Engage with customers through reviews.
• Trace learnings such as user behaviour, website clicks, and calls.

In short, it’s your digital storefront. Even if you don’t have a website, GMB provides potential customers with a way to find you, contact you, and enable them to visit you.

The Importance of Google My Business

But before we plunge into the “how,” let’s analyze the “why.”

• Increased Visibility: Your Google Business Profile makes it more likely that you will appear in Google Maps and local search results.
• Build Trust: Customer trust is increased and credibility is promoted by verified profiles and reviews.
• Boost Conversions: According to studies, companies that maintain a current profile have a higher chance of getting clicks, calls, and visits.
• Keep tabs on the effectiveness of your profile: GMB analytics provide you with insight into how people find you and what they click on.

Simply put, if you’re asking yourself how to get noticed on Google, GMB is the best and simplest starting point.

Simple Steps: How to Make a Business Profile on Google

Step 1: Log in to Google My Business

Visit Google Business Profile Manager and log in with your Google account. If you don’t already have one, sign up for a free Google account.

Step 2: Add the Name of Your Business

Enter your business name exactly as you want it to display to customers. If your business doesn’t show up in the drop-down, select “Add your business to Google.”

Step 3: Select the Type of Business

Categories help customers find you. For example, you might select “Bakery” if you run a bakery. This will also unlock options for your industry.

Step 4: Include Location (If You Wish)

Include your address if you have a physical store or office. This is how your business shows up in Google Maps. If you don’t serve customers at a location, you can instead add a service area.

Step 5: Add Contact Information

Include your contact information and a link to your website (if you have one). This ensures your customers can contact you.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google will prompt you to prove ownership. This generally includes receiving a postcard at your place of business, a phone call, or receiving an email. Verification is required for your profile to be published.

Step 7: Optimize Your Profile

Once verified, update your profile with:

• Business hours
• Photos (logo, team, store, products)
• Business description (include keywords naturally)
• Services or products offered
• Updates and promotions

The more complete and truthful your profile, the greater the chance you’ll attract clients.

Quick Overview: Google My Business Setup Steps

How To Get More Customers From Google My Business Profile

1. Add High-Quality Photos

Profiles with pictures receive more clicks and requests for directions. Include real company images, your employees, and the products you sell.

2. Keep Business Hours Updated

Update regularly, especially during holidays. This prevents customer frustration.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews

Both Menlo Club and Five Four subscribers are loyal and have asked their happy customers to leave reviews. Respond professionally, both when you get good feedback and when you receive negative feedback.

4. Post Regular Updates

Announce the events or news, or just share your offer on your profile. This is what keeps your business fresh and active.

5. Use Insights to Improve

Google will give you some numbers on how customers engage with your profile. Take these lessons to refine your approach.

Google Achievement: Going Beyond Basics

Creating your GMB profile is just step one. True success is keeping it maintained and maximized consistently.

• Local SEO Channels Integration: Take your GMB and add it to a local SEO strategy, and make sure your business ranks high when people search for “near me”.
• Engagement: Respond quickly to reviews and messages.
• Emphasis on the Unique Features: Make a statement by using qualities like “Women-owned” or “pet-friendly.”

Consider your profile an ongoing story. It’s like the more you feed it, the more it feeds you in terms of visibility, trust, and customer interaction.

Authoritative Google Business Profile (formerly GMB) Statistics

1: Visibility Boost from Listings

• Listings on Google Business Profile drive an average 37% increase in local search visibility compared to unclaimed or incomplete profiles. SQ Magazine

2: Consumer Behavior & Trust

• 72% of U.S. consumers are more likely to visit a business that has a fully completed Google Business Profile.
• 81% of consumers read Google reviews before engaging with a business.
• 91% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision, many of which are found directly via Google Business Profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Leaving your profile incomplete.
2. Stock photos in place of actual ones.
3. Ignoring customer reviews.
4. Forgetting to update business hours.
5. Keyword stuffing (within your description, keep it natural as per the employee).

Conclusion

Your Google Business Profile is much more than just a list of your business on the internet; it’s a digital handshake with those who want to do business with you. It’s easy to get this working, but optimising it is where the real power comes from. No matter if you’re a rookie at business creation, hungering for advanced Google prowess, or chasing after how to get your business on Google, a clean and updated GMB page can do wonders for you.

Spend time getting it set up properly, keep it updated, and think of it as an essential component of your digital marketing mix. The result? Increased visibility, trust, and customers.

FAQs

1. Is Google My Business a free service?

Yes, Google My Business is 100% free. To start a Google search, all you need is a Google account.

2. How do I get my business on Google?

You must set up and own a Google Business Profile. Ensure that you submit realistic information, and document with some keywords to up the chances of your post being seen by the rest of the rest of blogging world.

3. How long does it take for my company to show up on Google?

Your business, after review, may show in a few days. It can take, in some circumstances, even a couple of weeks.

4. Can I use Google My Business without a physical address?

Yes. If you have no storefront, you can include a services area instead.

5. How come my business isn’t listed on Google Maps?

They may be either unverified, lack specific information, or violate Google’s guidelines. The issue is normally resolved by updating and validating your profile.