How to Create Google My Business Account: Step-by-Step Guide
August 16, 2023
Prashant Shukla
According to Similarweb, Google receives an astounding 80+ billion visits each month. Google’s Maps app has been downloaded over 5 billion times (Source: Android Police). Clearly, Google holds immense potential for businesses to attract potential customers as most sales conversations take place through search engines. Organizations can leverage the power of Google through search results and Google Maps by setting up a Google Business Profile. This is why Google My Business is a core component of many businesses’ local SEO strategies.
What is a Google Business Profile?
Google renamed Google My Business to Google Business Profile to simplify its functions and improve the user experience. It is a free service that allows businesses to create a profile containing all the crucial information about it, like contact information, operating hours, type of services, and more. This listing appears in Google Maps and Google Search results.
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 to create Google account for business:
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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.
Source: Hootsuite
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.
How to Increase Revenue with Organic Traffic Business Reviews
This is a recent addition to the list of features that have been added by Google. It allows 750 characters to be added to the business description. Of these, however, only 250 characters will appear and the rest will be truncated in the Knowledge Panel.
The business description appears in the ‘Knowledge Panel’ towards the bottom when viewing the website on the desktop. However, it is visible in the ‘About’ tab on a mobile device.
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.
Benefits of Using a Google Business Profile
- Enhanced Visibility: A Google Business Profile increases the visibility of your business among potential customers by ensuring that it appears in local search results and on Google Maps.
- Credibility and Trust: Having an official Google Business Profile adds credibility to your business, instilling trust in customers often relying on online reviews and information.
- Customer Engagement: The platform facilitates direct customer interaction through reviews, questions, and updates. It helps build rapport and loyalty.
- Accurate Information: Keep vital details such as business hours, contact information, and address up-to-date. This helps customers find and reach your business easily.
- Insights and Analytics: Google Business Profile helps you gain valuable insights into customer behavior, including how they find your business and what actions they take. You can use these analytics to refine your marketing strategy.
- Showcase Products and Services: Display products, services, and special promotions, providing potential customers with a comprehensive view of what your business offers.
- Mobile Optimization: Google Business Profiles are mobile-friendly, catering to the increasing number of users who search for businesses on smartphones.
- Competitive Edge: Having a well-managed profile sets you apart from competitors and positions your business as a reputable and reliable choice.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: It’s a free tool that offers robust marketing features, making it an efficient and cost-effective way to promote your business online.
Local SEO Benefits: A Google Business Profile positively impacts local search engine optimization (SEO), improving your business’s chances of appearing in local search results.
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.
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