Published 28, Jan 2025

How to Create a Google Business Profile

So, you’ve got a great business idea, a killer product, and maybe even a website. But are you really visible to would-be customers in your immediate vicinity? Enter the Google Business Profile, (ex-Google My Business): your secret weapon for conquering the local search results.

This guide will walk you through creating an appealing Google Business Profile to attract new customers and make your business thrive. Let’s dive in!

Why a Google Business Profile is important

A Google Business Profile is something that no local business can really do without if they want to make it big today. It helps one increase visibility massively, making them show at the top in the search results of local businesses that a potential customer is looking for using Google, Google Maps, and even voice with Google Assistant. This increased visibility will translate into more foot traffic and website visits.

Besides, Google Business Profile is a free yet powerful marketing platform. It gives one an open avenue to market their business to more people, thereby connecting them to potential customers. Your chances of finding that customer increase manifold as, after all, the customer gets the exact, up-to-date address, phone number, hours of operation, and website for immediate contact.

A good profile will help in gaining trust and credibility among potential customers. Positive reviews and high ratings on your profile help go a long way in deciding for the customer why to choose your business over others. Moreover, the Q&A section and messaging features allow for direct interactions with the customer to answer questions and clear any doubts they may have.

Last but not least, a Google Business Profile gives you insight into how your customers are behaving. You will be able to understand what works and what needs improvement by tracking website clicks, phone calls, and requests for directions among other key metrics. This helps you with a data-driven approach to refining your marketing strategies and working on your online presence for maximum impact, also local seo services helps to boost google business profile

How to Create a Google Business Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Claim Your Business:

  • Locate Your Business: Search for your business name using Google Maps. If present, claim it, and start verification of ownership; if not, then you will have to create a new profile for your business.
  • Ownership Verification: Google provides different ways for verification: by postcard- the most usual, Google posts a card on your business location with the verification code.
  • Phone Call: You can get a verification code via phone call to your business phone number.
  • Email: If you have already verified your website with Google Search Console, you might be eligible for email verification.

2. Optimize Your Profile:

2.1 Business Information:

  • Name: Enter your legally registered business name consistently.
  • Address: Make sure it is accurate for both physical and service areas.
  • Phone Number: List your primary business phone number.
  • Business Category: Choose the most relevant category for your business.

2.2 Business Description:

Keep it short, interesting, and informative, including keywords that potential customers might use to find your business. Mention your USPs.

2.3 Hours of Operation:

Set the accurate regular hours of operation for your business. Specify special hours for holidays or weekends.

2.4 Website

Link to your official website. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos:

3. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos:

  • Cover Photo: Select a visually appealing image that best represents your business.
  • Profile Photo: Use your logo or a high-quality image of your storefront.
  • Additional Photos: Add photos of your products, services, team, and interior/exterior of your business.
  • Videos: Add small, engaging videos showcasing your business in action.

4. Customer Reviews:

  • Respond to all reviews, be it good or bad.
  • Honestly thank customers for their reviews.
  • Handle negative reviews in a professional and constructive manner.
  • Consider offering incentives, like discounts, for reviews.

5. Engage with Customers:

  • Respond to questions customers ask through the Q&A section.
  • Use Google My Business Messaging to contact customers directly.
  • Run local promotions and publish them to your Google Business Profile.

Pro Tips for Google Business Profile Success:

  • Be Consistent: Make it a point to add new photos, offers, and information on a timely basis to your profile.
  • Monitor Your Insights: Utilize the Google My Business Insights dashboard to keep track of the performance of your profile.
  • Claim Your Brand: Ensure your business name and logo are uniform on all online platforms.
  • Stay Active: Engage with customers regularly through reviews, Q&A, and messaging.

Key Statistics:

  • 94% of consumers research a local business before going in. – Google
  • Local searches on average are up 50% this past year – Google
  • Businesses with Google My Business profiles are two times as likely to be considered a reputable business by consumers – Google

Follow these steps and add these pro tips to your strategy for a potent Google Business Profile that sends local customers to your doorstep. So, what are you waiting for? Get optimizing today!

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