How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile: Step-by-Step Guide
Reading Time: 4 minutes To optimize your business for local SEO, setting up your Google Business profile is the first step. This guide will walk you through the steps to claim your profile, set it up, and optimize it.
Set Up Your Google Business Profile: 8 Steps
A Google Business Profile is required for your business to appear in local search results. This guide explains the process in simple steps.
1. Create or Log In to a Google Account
- Go to Google Business Profile.
- Log in with your Google account. If you do not have an account, create one. We recommend having a dedicated Google account for your business – separating your work and personal details.
2. Start a New Business Profile
- Click “Manage Now” on the homepage.
- Enter your business name in the search bar.
- If your business appears, select it. If not, choose “Add your business to Google.”
3. Choose a Business Category
- Pick the category that best describes your business.
- Ensure the category is accurate to help customers find your business easily.
You can choose from almost 4000 categories. In most cases, the more specific the selection the better. You can add up to 10 categories, including your primary category.
Take the time to choose the best primary category for your business. This is a crucial ranking factor.
4. Enter Location Details
- Add your business address if customers visit your location.
- If your business delivers or provides services at customer locations, check the “I deliver goods and services to my customers” box.
- For businesses without a physical location, select the option to hide the address.
Only select an address if you actually receive customers at that location. Google Maps will send people to that address. Not existing is a recipe for unhappy customers and bad reviews. Plus, your profile can get suspended or disabled for listing incorrect information.
5. Add Contact Information
- Provide a phone number and website URL.
- If you do not have a website, you can skip this step.
You should have a functioning website if you are serious about generating leads and customers. A professionally designed website will become a lead generator and business asset when done properly.
6. Verify Your Business
- Google requires verification to confirm your ownership. And you may be asked to verify using more than one method.
- Verification methods include:
- Postcard: Google sends a postcard with a code to your business address.
- Phone: Google calls your number with a verification code.
- Email: Google sends a verification email.
- Video: You may need to shoot a video on location and upload it to Google for verification.
The type of verification required depends on many factors. And you don’t get to choose. Google will automatically assign the method based on your category, region, business hours, and other factors.
7. Complete Your Profile Details
- Add your business hours.
- Upload photos of your location, products, or services.
- Write a clear business description that explains what you offer.
Some photo tips: Don’t upload stock photos or AI-generated images. Your customers want to see what your business does and looks like. Include a mix of professional and candid photos, depending on your industry.
Business description tips: Include a mix of descriptive terms (product and services offered) and friendly and welcoming expressions. You’ll want your customers to know that they are in the right place – and that you want to do business with them.
8. Publish Your Profile
- Review the information to ensure accuracy.
- Click “Finish” to make your profile live.
Next, here’s how to optimize your profile.
Benefits of Completing Your Google Business Profile
- Appears in local search results.
- Attracts more customers.
- Provides essential information, such as hours and contact details.
And that is how to set up your Google Business Profile. Following these steps ensures your business is visible to potential customers. Regular updates with Google Business Profile posts keep your profile relevant and accurate.
Here’s some help in managing customer reviews.
Need help setting this up? We can help you create and optimize your Google Business Profile so it will rank in search and generate revenue.
Once it is claimed and optimized, we can manage your profile – keeping it up to date, Google-compliant, and showing up in searches.
