How to Create Google My Business Account: Step-by-Step Guide

According to recent data, Google averaged around 83 billion visits per month between March and May 2025 (with some estimates pushing toward 105 billion). Meanwhile, Google Maps surpassed 2.2 billion monthly active users in early 2025 and now lists over 40 million businesses globally. (Source: SQ Magazine).

Clearly, Google holds immense potential for local businesses to attract prospective customers, as most purchase-oriented inquiries stem from search engines and map apps. By setting up and optimizing a Google Business Profile (GBP), organizations can leverage both Google Search and Google Maps for enhanced local visibility, foot-traffic generation, and qualified lead acquisition. This is precisely why Google Business Profile management remains a foundational pillar in many companies’ local SEO strategies.

What is a Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free local SEO tool by Google that helps businesses manage how they appear across Google Search and Google Maps. Google renamed Google My Business to Google Business Profile to simplify its functions and improve the user experience.

It allows businesses to create a business listing containing all the crucial information such as contact details, operating hours, website link, products or services, and location on Google Maps. This optimized Google Business Profile listing helps increase online visibility and attract local customers searching for related products or services near them.

Here are two screenshots of the Google Business Profile of Techmagnate to illustrate that –

 

Businesses can customize the listing with photographs, exclusive offers, posts, and myriad other features to attract more customers and drive foot traffic. However, it does require a thorough approach to setting up the profile. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Google Business Profile for local SEO success:

Information Required for Google My Business (Business Profile)

Setting up and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential for increasing your online visibility and attracting local customers. To ensure your business listing is complete and effective, gather the following key information:

• Business Name – The official name of your business.
• Business Category – Primary and secondary categories that describe your services.
• Business Address – Physical location or service area (if applicable).
• Phone Number – A direct line for customer inquiries.
• Website URL – Link to your business website (if available).
• Business Hours – Opening and closing times for each day.
• Business Description – A brief summary of your offerings and value.
• Photos and Videos – High-quality visuals of your business, products, or services.
• Attributes – Special features like wheelchair access, Wi-Fi, etc.
• Service Area – For businesses that serve specific locations without a storefront.

How to Create A Google Business Profile / Google My Business Listing

Ready to create google account for business? Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to set up, verify, and optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum visibility and success.

Step 1: Create a Google Account (Applicable to New Businesses)

How to create google my business account? The first step is to create an official Google account for business. However, this is only applicable to businesses without a Google account. Creating an account allows businesses to manage their profile efficiently and keep official and personal information separate.

Step 2: Visit Google Business Profile Manager

After the Google account is created, it’s time to set up the GMB profile through Google Business Profile Manager. Here, the business name and category need to be added. It’s important to select the right option which provides an accurate account of the business type.

This will be followed by –

• Adding the location
• Including the Phone number
• Showcasing the web address (optional)
• Setting up alerts

To ensure you’re not missing any crucial steps, refer to a local SEO checklist to optimize your profile and improve its performance in local search results.

Step 3: Profile Verification

The next step is Verification, and without it, Google will not show the profile on search results. Businesses can complete this step after setting up the profile. However, it is advisable to get it done right away and focus on customizing the profile after setting it up instead of still working on verifying it.

There are several ways to accomplish this crucial task –

• By Phone: Receive an automated call or text from Google containing the verification code
• By Email: Google will send an email containing the verification code
• By Postcard: A postcard with a unique verification code will be mailed to the registered address.
• By Video Recording: Share visual proof of the business location, equipment, and managerial authority via a recorded video.
• By Live Video Call: Similar to the video recording method, this involves a live call with a support representative showcasing the required proof.

The verification options vary depending on the business. For brick-and-mortar businesses, postcard verification is the norm. The postcard contains a five-digit code that businesses must input after logging into their account. In instances where a physical location is absent, the personal address is used. Here, options like phone calls and text messages are the norm.

Step 4: Adding Business Hours and Services

Now that the Business Profile verification is complete, it’s time to provide essential details for a better customer experience:

• Operating Hours: Share when the business is open for customers to know when to visit.
• Service Offerings: Highlight the range of services, helping customers understand the offerings.
• Service Areas: Define the service areas to clarify where services are available.

Accurate and comprehensive information informs customers, making the profile enable enough to guide potential customers.

Step 5: Turn on Messages

Google allows businesses to enable the chat feature on the GBP profile for customers to get in touch with them promptly. Businesses can set up and customize the first automated text that customers receive. In addition, the scope of sharing rich media like photographs is possible. Messaging is a great feature that businesses must enable. In addition, it’s easier to manage, as businesses get notified when customers message.

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Description

The business description serves as the “About Us” section. So it offers a prime opportunity to showcase the unique selling points and engage potential customers. However, according to Google, certain guidelines must be followed –

• Incorporate the business’s mission and historical background.
• Focus solely on information that adds value and relevance for the customers.
• Provide pertinent details about the offerings, products, and services

The description is not for adding nonsensical or gimmicky text. It should not emphasize special offers, prices, or sales pitches [Examples include “50% off everything” and “Top-notch bagels at $5!].

Instead of resorting to these tactics, businesses should use the description section to talk about the offerings, their background, and so on. More importantly, it’s a great place to add relevant keywords naturally and a compelling copy for potential customers.

Step 7: Add Eye-Catching Photos & Videos

Photos convey to potential customers information about the offered products, space/office area details, and so on. It is crucial because, according to Google, business profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% click-throughs to their website compared to those without.

It’s clearly evident that businesses should give potential customers a visual taste of what they provide through images and videos. However, all businesses should have a unique approach to adding photographs. For instance, restaurants should feature photos of the menus, dishes, and space. In contrast, service businesses like plumbing should showcase images of the process and tools they use, along with glimpses of their skilled professionals in action.

Unlock this Resource : Optimize Google Business Profile for Sales

Step 8: Advertise on Google (Optional)

Lastly, businesses can leverage Google ads to enhance their online presence further. Though this step is entirely optional and in no way affects the listing’s presence on organic search results, it does give the profile a boost to reach more customers.

The aforementioned were the steps to create a Google account for business. After following these steps, businesses can set up their GBP profile and attract potential customers through Google search results and Google Maps.

How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile Listing?

Optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is crucial for better visibility in local search and attracting more customers. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Complete Every Section of Your Profile
  Fill out all business details including name, address, phone number, website, and hours.
• Choose the Right Business Category
  Select the most relevant primary and secondary categories to describe your services.
• Add High-Quality Photos & Videos
  Upload images of your storefront, products, team, and services to build trust and engagement.
• Write a Compelling Business Description
  Highlight your unique selling points using relevant keywords.
• Collect and Respond to Reviews
  Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond professionally to all feedback.
• Keep Business Hours Updated
  Include regular hours and special holiday hours to avoid customer confusion.
• Use Posts to Share Updates & Offers
  Regularly publish updates, events, promotions, and news directly to your profile.
• Enable Messaging
  Allow customers to contact you via messages for quick inquiries.
• Add Products & Services
  List your offerings with details and prices to make it easier for potential customers.
• Monitor Insights
  Use Google’s analytics to track how customers find and interact with your listing.

By consistently maintaining and optimizing your profile, you increase your chances of ranking higher in local search and gaining customer trust.

How to Optimizing Google Business Profile for Sales

Businesses get a seamless interface for managing their online presence across multiple platforms such as Google Search, Google Maps, and Google+, with the help of Google Business Profile listings. Using one dashboard, business users can now post content, track analytics, and revert to potential customers’ queries and current customer’s concerns.

Here are some of the Google Business Profile optimization are:

Chat/Messages

Google Business Profile optimization provides an option to directly chat with the customers who discover them through mobile search results.

This feature is a great benefit to new business owners as it facilitates easy and quick interaction with potential customers.

However, it is necessary to respond promptly as the average response time is displayed to the user, adding to your business’ credibility and customer experience.

How to Enable Google Chats/Messages

• The ‘Chat’ card is under the “Home” menu. Select the option and enter your phone number to enable receiving texts.
• You can continue receiving texts even after your business hours. Turn off the feature in case you do not want to receive messages after business hours.
• Do not provide any sensitive information using the Google Business Profile messaging feature.

Appointment URLs

This feature is essential for businesses looking to book appointments before the clients visit. For such establishments, Google Business Profile enables the inclusion of a link to make a direct appointment. This helps in organizing the influx of customers when there is a rush.

How to Add Google URL

• Visit the URL’s section and enter the URL that is to be added.
• The best recourse here would be to add the link to the ‘Contact Us’ page.
• After adding the link, click on it to check whether it is working.

Questions and Answers

The question and answer features allow prospective clients to ask questions to business owners. It fosters engagement and transparency. Businesses can address customer queries directly and provide valuable information.

However, this feature is only available on Android devices currently. To receive notifications regarding questions asked or answered,  business owners need access to Google Maps.

How to Measure the Impact of Your Listing

It is important to measure the impact of your listing on Google Business Profile. Google Business Profile provides tools to measure the impact of your listings, offering insights into customer behaviour and the effectiveness of your online presence. There are many benefits of these tools:

• They help find how customers are finding you online. It may be direct, i.e., when people know about you and search using your name or address or discovery, when people who do not know about your business but find you by searching for a business type or category).
• Where are people finding your business listing? Search or Maps
• Which actions are customers taking after finding your listing?
• Where are the customers living, and what are the number of phone calls and the time they are calling?

Google Business Profile Online Reviews

Unlike Yelp, Google encourages business owners to ask their clients for reviews. Business reviews help your business stand out and impact the search result rankings. Reviews are so popular that 97% of consumers read reviews for local businesses, with a staggering 85% trusting them as much as personal recommendations.

It is recommended to promptly respond to reviews. It means that you appreciate the feedback and show potential customers that you care.

Service List

For businesses offering diverse services, GB offers a Service Lists feature that allows them to showcase their services.

If your company provides a wide variety of services that you would like people to see at a glance, then

you will be glad to know that Google Business Profile offers a Services list.

How to Use Google’s Service List

• It is available under the ‘Info’ tab.
• It can be used to categorize the services.
• You should show the prices of each item.
• Update the prices in case of a change.

Some Other Ways to Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Sales

Ensure Accuracy:

Regularly update crucial details like business name, address, phone number, website, description, and category for accurate information.

Compelling Business Description:

Craft a compelling business description highlighting key offerings, unique selling points, and what sets your business apart.

Encourage User-Generated Content:

Motivate customers to share visual content, like photos and reviews, enhancing your profile’s authenticity and engaging potential customers.

Special Offers and Events:

Create and promote special offers or events through your profile to attract and incentivize customers, providing them with added value and a reason to choose your business.

How can a Google business profile help you?

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that helps businesses increase online visibility, attract local customers, and enhance their credibility. Here’s how it benefits you:

1. Improves Local SEO & Visibility

Your business appears in Google Search & Maps, making it easier for nearby customers to find you.

2. Builds Trust & Credibility

Verified businesses with positive reviews gain customer trust and improve their brand reputation.

3. Provides Key Business Information

Customers can quickly access your address, phone number, website, and operating hours.

4. Boosts Customer Engagement

GBP allows businesses to respond to customer reviews, questions, and messages directly.

5. Enhances Clicks & Conversions

A well-optimized profile drives website visits, phone calls, and in-store visits, increasing leads and sales.

6. Showcases Photos & Updates

Businesses can upload images, promotions, and events to engage potential customers and showcase their offerings.

7. Provides Insights & Analytics

Google offers valuable performance data, such as customer interactions, search queries, and engagement metrics.

Conclusion: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile for Success

By taking the time to set up a Google business account, you enhance your hyperlocal SEO and improve your visibility in local search results. An optimized Google Business Profile, as part of your local SEO services, helps attract more customers, increase foot traffic, and build trust, driving long-term business success.