An owner of a small business establishes their Google Business Profile on a laptop to connect with more local customers.
A Google Business Profile (once known as Google My Business) is one of the strongest methods of marketing your business on Google Maps and Google Search. It allows customers to find you, view reviews, get in touch with your business, and come to visit you. Better still—it’s free to create.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you must know about making, authenticating, and optimizing a Google Business Profile (GBP). Whether beginning anew or attempting to claim an existing listing, this guide takes you through each step—section by section.
Why Google Business Profile Matters
Google Business Profile is not merely an online directory—it’s your online storefront on Google. Here’s why it matters:
Increases local visibility – Your business is listed on Google Maps and local searches when local customers are looking for your services.
Generate more traffic – Customers are able to call, visit your website, or ask for directions from your profile directly.
Creates trust through reviews – Reviews create credibility and assist potential customers with buying decisions.
Supports SEO rankings – An optimized GBP increases your chances of ranking higher in Google’s local pack (the top 3 map listings).
Provides customer insights – Google offers analytics like search queries, profile views, and customer actions.
Simply put, a properly set-up GBP helps businesses generate more calls, visits, and sales.
Steps to Create a Google Business Profile
Here is a quick overview of the process:
Create a Google account.
Visit the Google Business Profile website.
Search for your company name.
Choose your business category.
Add your business information.
Select a business category.
Accept Google’s Terms of Service.
Verify your business.
Add your business hours.
Turn on messaging (optional).
Describe your business.
Add images of your business.
Now let’s take a closer look at each step.
1. Create a Google Account
The first step is having a Google account. If you already use Gmail, you’re good to go. If not, create a new Google account. Ideally, use your business email domain (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com). While not required, it looks more professional when managing your GBP and other business tools.
Tip: If you run multiple businesses, create a dedicated Google account to manage all listings in one place.
2. Proceed to the Google Business Profile Page
Visit Google Business Profile and select Manage Now. This initiates the setup process.
3. Search Your Business Name
Type your business name in the search bar. Two things can happen:
Your business is already listed – You might find an already created profile made automatically by Google or another person. In such a situation, select Claim this business and then Request Access. Complete the form and send it. Google will reach out to the existing owner, and if they don’t respond within three days, you might be able to claim it yourself. Access Google My Business.
Your business is not listed – Click on Add your business to Google to set up a new profile.
4. Choose Your Business Type
Google will request that you select your business type. Choices are:
Local Store – Customers come to your business at a physical address.
Service Business – You go to customers at their premises (e.g., plumbers, cleaners).
Online Retail – Customers buy from you over the internet through your site.
You may choose more than one type if it is relevant.
5. Fill in Your Business Information
Google will now prompt for your business information. These are:
Business Name – Use your official business name.
Address or Service Area – For shops, give your precise location. For service businesses, you may include instead the areas you serve.
Phone Number – Enter a number where customers can call.
Website URL – Link to your website (or social page in case you don’t have a website).
Pro Tip: Make sure that your business details are consistent with your website and other directories. Consistency enhances local SEO.
- Select a Business Category
Pick a category that most accurately describes your business. This is extremely important because it will decide which search results your business will show up in.
For instance:
A restaurant should select Restaurant or a more specific category like Italian Restaurant.
A digital marketing agency might choose Marketing Agency or Internet Marketing Service.
Don’t worry—you can update your category later as your business grows.
7. Accept Google’s Terms of Service
To proceed, you’ll need to agree to Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This allows your business to be listed across Google’s platforms.
8. Verify Your Business
Google asks for verification to establish that you are the rightful owner. Choices are:
Postcard by mail – Google sends a postcard with a code to your business location.
Phone call or SMS – Get a code on your phone (available to some businesses).
Email verification – Email verification may be available for some businesses.
Verification confirms that only valid owners can handle a profile.
9. Add Business Hours
If you have fixed hours, list your opening and closing hours for every day of the week. If your hours change or you are open 24/7, set it accordingly.
Pro tip: Be sure to update your hours, particularly around holidays. Customers use this information, and using old hours could mean lost business.
10. Allow Messaging (Optional)
Google lets customers message you directly from your profile. Activating this function facilitates quicker question asking by customers. You’ll be notified through the Google Maps app or Google Search.
11. Write Your Business Description
Use up to 750 characters to write about your business. Highlight:
What your business has to offer.
Your business history.
What differentiates you from others.
Example: “GrowthLink Media is a digital marketing company assisting small businesses in growing through SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and social media management. Our mission is to boost your online visibility and attract more customers.”
Keep it customer-oriented, not keyword-filled.
12. Add Photos
Photos make your profile more interesting and credible. Add:
Your logo and cover photo.
Photos of your business location.
Pictures of products or services.
Team photos to make it more authentic.
Did you know? Companies that have pictures in their business listings receive 42% more directions requests and 35% more website visits than businesses that do not have a picture.
What to Do If Your Business Already Appears
Occasionally, your business can already be listed on Google Maps (built by Google or a customer). Here’s how to claim it:
Click Claim this business on the profile.
Choose Request Access.
Enter the form using your information.
Google reaches out to the existing owner to verify.
If no answer within three days, you might be able to prove ownership yourself.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Your Google Business Profile
After your profile is established, optimization is the key to standing out. Here’s how to get your GBP to do more for your business:
Add Posts Frequently – Publish updates, promotions, and events directly to your profile.
Ask for Reviews – Politely request customers to review and answer them professionally.
Use Keywords in Your Profile – Include relevant keywords naturally within your description, services, and posts.
Track Insights – Keep track of how many people view, click, or call from your profile.
Keep Information Updated – Keep business hours, services, and contact details regularly updated.
Learn Digital Marketing with GrowthLink Media
Getting a Google Business Profile is only the beginning of expanding your online presence. To be successful over the long term, you require continuous optimization, SEO, content marketing, and social media efforts.
We at GrowthLink Media expertly provide:
Google Business Profile optimization
Local SEO & backlinks
Social media management
WordPress web design
Content repurposing for maximum reach
Contact us today to boost your visibility and attract more customers.
