A Google Business profile will make your business more visible in online searches. It allows you to add your website address, contact details, opening hours and other information about your business to a card that is published on relevant search engine results pages. If you have a physical store that customers can visit it will also add your business to Google maps making it easier for customers to find you.
What is a Google Business Profile? #
A Google Business Profile, also known as a Google My Business (GMB) profile, is a free business listing that appears on Google Search and Maps. It allows businesses to create and manage their online presence across Google’s platforms, making it easier for customers to find and interact with them.
Creating a Google Business Profile involves creating a Google account. If you’re already using Gmail for your personal emails you could use the associated Google account but we recommend setting up a separate Google account for your business.
How do I create a Google Business Profile? #
- On your computer, sign in to your Google Account, or create one.
- If you create a new Google Account, sign up with your business email domain.
- You may already have a business profile. Go to search for a profile and perform a search.
- Enter the name of your business. You may also be able to select your business from the list of suggested businesses as you type.
- If you get a message that someone else has already verified the business, request ownership of the Business Profile.
- Search for your business category.
- Click Next.
- Choose whether you have a location customers can visit.
- For businesses with a storefront staffed during business hours: Click Yes.
- You may be asked to enter your business address or position a marker on a map for the location of your businesses. When finished, click Next.
- For businesses that don’t have a storefront staffed during business hours: Click No.
- For businesses with a storefront staffed during business hours: Click Yes.
- Enter the service area of your business.
- You can set your service area based on the cities, postal codes, or other areas that you serve. You can add up to 20 service areas.
- Tip: We recommend you do not extend the boundaries of your overall area farther than 2 hours driving time from where your business is based. For some businesses, it may be appropriate to have a larger service area.
- Enter a phone number and your GiftSite URL (e.g. yourbusiness.giftsite.co.uk).
- Click Next.
- You also have the option to create a website based on your information.
- Tip: We recommend entering the individual phone number or store page for each location, rather than a remote call center.
- Click Finish.
- Select a verification option.
- Tip: We recommend reviewing your information before you request verification.
- To verify now: At the top, find the red banner and click Verify now.
- To verify later: Click Verify later
Later.
- If you’re not authorized to manage the Business Profile for the chain: Find the person in your organization who’s authorized and continue the process.
- Tip: We recommend reviewing your information before you request verification.
Once you haveverifying the business’s physical location. Once the profile is set up and verified, business owners can add information such as their business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, website, photos, and reviews.
Having a Google Business Profile can be very beneficial for businesses. It can increase visibility in search results, provide customers with valuable information, and help businesses build their online reputation. It can also help businesses connect with their customers by allowing them to respond to customer reviews and messages.
Overall, having a Google Business Profile is an important tool for businesses looking to establish and maintain a strong online presence.
