By True Marketing on November 2, 2024
Google My Business: A Complete Setup Guide
Want to boost your local business online for free? Here's how to set up and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile:
- Create or claim your GMB listing
- Verify your business
- Add key details (name, address, phone, hours)
- Choose the right business categories
- Write a compelling description
- Upload high-quality photos
- List your products and services
- Manage customer reviews
- Post updates regularly
- Use insights to improve performance
Quick Comparison: Verification Methods
| Method | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Postcard | 5-14 days | Most businesses |
| Phone/SMS | Minutes | Public phone numbers |
| Minutes to hours | If available | |
| Video Recording | 1-3 days | Service-area businesses |
| Live Video Call | Scheduled | Tough cases |
Setting up GMB is free and can significantly boost your local visibility. A complete profile gets 7x more clicks than incomplete ones. Keep it updated, engage with customers, and watch your local presence grow.
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Getting Started
Want to put your business on the map? Let's set up your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This free tool boosts your local visibility and connects you with customers.
Setting Up Your Google Account
First, you need a Google account. Have one already? Great! If not, go to google.com and create a free account with your business email. It keeps things professional and helps with verification.
Finding the Business Dashboard
Now, let's access your Google Business Profile dashboard:
- Go to google.com/business
- Click "Manage now" (top right corner)
- Sign in if needed
You're in! This is your online presence command center.
New vs. Existing Listings
Before creating a new listing, search for your business on Google Maps. It might already be there.
If you find your business, click "Claim this business" and follow the prompts. If not, click "Add your business to Google" to start fresh.
Pro tip: Claiming an existing listing is often faster than creating a new one.
Required Information
Here's what you need to provide:
- Business name (exactly as it appears in real life)
- Primary business category
- Location info:
- Physical address (for storefronts)
- Service area (for mobile businesses)
- Phone number
- Website URL (if you have one)
Keep your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) info consistent across all online platforms.
"Businesses with complete profiles receive 7x more clicks than those with incomplete information." - Google My Business Support
Don't skip optional details like business hours, photos, and descriptions. A complete profile stands out in local searches.
Verification
After entering your info, you'll need to verify your business. This proves to Google you're the real deal. Verification methods include:
- Postcard by mail
- Phone call
- Email (for some businesses)
Once verified, your Google Business Profile goes live. But don't stop there – keep it updated and engage with reviews to boost your local SEO.
Setting Up Your Profile
You've made your Google Business Profile. Now let's make it shine. A complete profile helps you pop up in local searches and gives customers what they need to know. Here's how to nail the key parts:
Business Name Rules
Your business name is your first impression. Keep it simple:
- Use your exact legal name
- Skip the taglines and location info
- Don't stuff keywords (Google hates that)
"Joe's Pizza" is perfect. "Joe's Best Pizza in New York - Open 24/7" is a no-go.
Picking Business Categories
Categories tell Google what you do. They're key for showing up in the right searches.
1. Primary category: Choose wisely
This is your most important pick for local rankings. It should describe your main thing.
2. Secondary categories: Up to 9
These cover your other services.
"Your primary category is the single most important local ranking factor for a business in the local pack." - Google My Business Support
Quick tip: Check category search volumes. "Gym" gets 823K monthly searches, but "Fitness center" only gets 33.1K. Pick the one that fits and gets searched more.
Address and Service Areas
Help customers find you:
- Got a shop? Enter your full address
- Mobile business? Hide your address and set service areas
Be specific with service areas. It helps you show up in local searches.
Contact Details
Make it easy for customers to reach you:
| Contact Type | Do This |
|---|---|
| Phone | Local number if you can |
| Website | Link to homepage or location page |
| Use a business email |
Keep your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) the same everywhere online. It's good for local SEO.
Business Hours
Be honest about when you're open:
- Set regular hours for each day
- Add special hours for holidays
- Update for seasonal changes
Google wants you to be reachable during your stated hours. So keep it real!
Proving Your Business
Want to show up in local searches? You need a verified Google Business Profile. Here's how to make it happen.
Ways to Verify
Google gives you a few options to prove you're legit:
| Method | What It Is | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Postcard | Mailed code | Most businesses |
| Phone/SMS | Call or text code | Public phone numbers |
| Verification link | Some businesses | |
| Video Recording | Business tour | Service-area businesses |
| Live Video Call | Google rep chat | Tricky cases |
Verification Steps
Let's focus on the postcard method. It's what most businesses use.
1. Ask for the postcard
Log into your Google Business Profile and hit "Verify now". Pick the postcard option.
2. Play the waiting game
Your postcard's coming. It'll take up to 14 days. Don't touch your business info while you wait.
3. Use the code
Got the postcard? Great. Log back in and type in that 5-digit code. Then click "Verify".
Google says: "Verification codes don't last forever. They expire in 30 days. Miss that window? You'll need a new code."
Hitting Snags?
If you're stuck, try these fixes:
- Make sure your address on your website matches your Google Business Profile EXACTLY.
- Add clear photos of your business front and signs to your profile.
- No PO boxes or virtual offices allowed. You need a real, unique address.
Still no luck? Try a different verification method or talk to Google Business Profile Support.
You're Verified. Now What?
Nice work! Here's what to do next:
- Fill out your profile. Add photos, hours, and a solid description.
- Get those reviews rolling in. Happy customers are your best friends.
- Keep it fresh. Post updates, deals, and events regularly.
Here's a fun fact: Businesses with complete profiles get 7 times more clicks than those with missing info. So make sure yours is top-notch!
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Adding Business Details
Let's make your Google Business Profile shine. Here's how to add key details that'll help customers find you and understand what you offer.
Writing Your Business Description
Your business description is your elevator pitch. Here's how to nail it:
- You've got 750 characters, but only the first 250 show up initially. Make them count.
- Include your main business category, top services, location, and what makes you unique.
- Write like you're talking to a real person, not a robot.
Here's a solid example:
"Smith & Son Legal Services: Your go-to legal team in Springfield for 20+ years. We specialize in estate planning, divorce, and business contracts. Our mission? Protecting your rights and securing your future. We even offer pro bono work for local charities. Stop by for a chat and see why personalized legal care matters."
Adding Photos
Photos are your visual handshake. They can make or break your profile. Here's the scoop:
| Photo Type | What It Does | How to Nail It |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Photo | Your business's face | Use your logo or a crisp shot of your storefront |
| Cover Photo | Grabs attention | Pick an image that shows off your business's personality |
| Other Photos | Showcase your offerings | Include products, team pics, and interior/exterior shots |
Add at least three high-quality photos in different categories. It'll boost engagement and make your profile pop.
To add photos:
- Log into your Google Business Profile
- Hit "Photos" in the menu
- Choose the photo type
- Upload your pic (JPG or PNG, 10 KB to 5 MB, aim for 720x720 pixels)
Stick to authentic, well-lit photos. Skip the heavy editing and filters.
Products and Services
Show off what you've got directly on your profile. Here's how:
For Services:
- Find the "Services" section in your dashboard
- List all your services, including specialties
- Add brief descriptions (up to 300 characters) and prices if applicable
For Products:
- Click "Edit Products" from your dashboard
- Add a photo, product name, category, price, and description
- Include a call-to-action like "Order now" or "Learn more"
Example: A local spa might list "Swedish Massage (60 min) - $80" and products like "Organic Lavender Body Lotion - $25".
Business Features
What makes your business special? Highlight it:
- Amenities (free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access)
- Payment methods
- Languages spoken
- Awards or certifications
To add these:
- Go to your dashboard
- Click "Info"
- Scroll to "Add attributes" and pick what fits
Customer Messages
Want more leads? Turn on customer messages:
- Sign in to your profile
- Go to "Messages" in the menu
- Switch on messaging
- Set up an auto-welcome message
Pro tip: Try to respond within 24 hours. Customers can see your response rate, and quick replies make you look good.
Managing Your Listing
Keeping your Google Business Profile current is key for local search visibility. Here's how to manage it effectively:
Multiple Locations
Got several business locations? Create a location group account:
1. Open your Google Business Profile dashboard
2. Click "Manage Locations"
3. Follow prompts to create a location group
4. Add your business locations
Tip: Group your businesses by chain, region, or category for better organization.
Service Area Rules
For mobile businesses like plumbers or landscapers:
- Set a service area up to 2 hours driving time from your base
- Add up to 20 service areas
- Use specific names (neighborhoods over cities)
To set your service area:
1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile
2. Click "Info" then "Edit service area"
3. Enter your service regions, cities, or zip codes
Showing Your Address
Your business type determines whether to display your address:
| Business Type | Show Address? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Storefront | Yes | Helps customers find you |
| Service Area | No | Protects your privacy |
| Hybrid | Your choice | Depends on your needs |
To hide your address:
1. Go to your Google Business Profile
2. Click "Info"
3. Find your address and click the pencil icon
4. Uncheck "I serve customers at my business address"
5. Click "Apply"
Updating Hours
Keep your hours accurate:
1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile
2. Click "Info"
3. Find "Hours" and click the pencil icon
4. Set regular hours for each day
5. Don't forget special holiday hours!
"Wrong business hours on your GMB profile can turn customers away and cost you sales." - Google Business Profile Support
Keeping Info Current
Regular updates boost growth and visibility:
- Check your profile monthly
- Use Google's "Posts" for updates, events, or offers
- Answer customer reviews and questions promptly
- Update photos quarterly
Verification Methods Compared
Let's look at the different ways to verify your Google Business Profile. Each method has its upsides and downsides, so pick the one that works best for you.
| Method | How It Works | Best For | Time to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postcard | Google mails a code to your address | Most businesses with a physical location | 5-14 days |
| Phone/SMS | Get a code via call or text | Businesses with a public phone number | Minutes |
| Receive a verification link in your inbox | Some businesses (if available) | Minutes to hours | |
| Video Recording | Make a video tour of your business | Service-area businesses without a storefront | 1-3 business days |
| Live Video Call | Chat with a Google rep face-to-face | Tough cases or businesses struggling to verify | Scheduled appointment |
Postcard Verification
This is the go-to method for most businesses. Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
Here's a tip: Don't touch your business info while you're waiting for that postcard. It can slow things down.
Phone Verification
If you can use this option, it's FAST. You'll get a call or text with a verification code.
"Phone verification is a game-changer. We saw 30% more verified listings when we started using this for our clients." - Sarah Johnson, Local SEO Expert at Bright Local
Email Verification
Not everyone sees this option. But if you do, it's quick and easy.
Video Recording
This method is catching on, especially for businesses without a storefront. You'll need to show:
- Where your business operates
- Your equipment or products
- Proof that you're in charge
Live Video Call
This is for the tough cases. You get to chat with a real Google person.
Why Verification Matters
Verifying your business isn't just busywork. It pays off:
- Verified businesses get 70% more visits
- They get 7x more clicks than businesses that aren't verified
- If you respond to reviews (which you can only do after verification), people are 1.7x more likely to think your business is legit
Next Steps
You've set up your Google Business Profile. Great job! But don't stop there. Let's look at how to make the most of your profile and bring in more customers.
Keep Your Profile Fresh
Update your profile often. It's a big deal. Here's why:
| Action | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Add photos | More engagement | 520% more calls, 2,717% more direction requests |
| Post updates | Better visibility | 7x more likely to seem reputable |
| Respond to reviews | Builds trust | 98% of users read local business reviews |
Get Customers Involved
1. Turn on messaging
Let customers chat with you through your profile. Try to reply within a day to keep your response rate high.
2. Offer a welcome deal
Give new customers a reason to choose you. Maybe "10% off your first buy" or "Free chat for new clients."
3. Use Google Posts
Share news and deals often. Akshay Kothari from Notion said:
"Our weekly updates bumped up profile views by 35% in just two months."
Watch and Learn
Check your Google Business Profile Insights. Look at:
- How people find you
- What they do next (call, visit website, ask for directions)
- Which photos they like most
Reach More People
Think about connecting your profile to other Google stuff:
| Service | What it does |
|---|---|
| Google Ads | Shows up more in searches |
| Google Merchant Center | Puts your products right in search results |
Keep Up with Changes
Google Business Profile changes a lot. Check for new stuff every month. Joy Hawkins, a local SEO pro, says:
"I've seen businesses show up 40% more just by using new features within a week."
FAQs
How do I get my small business on Google?
Getting your small business on Google is easy. Here's how:
- Go to Google Maps
- Search for your business address
- Look for the Business Profile on the left
- Click "Add your business"
Or, you can right-click anywhere on Google Maps and select "Add your business." Another option? Click the Menu icon in the top left corner of Google Maps and choose "Add your business."
After that, just follow the steps to create your Google Business Profile. Make sure you:
- Fill in all the info (and make it accurate!)
- Pick the right business categories
- Add some great photos
- Verify your business (usually by postcard, phone, or email)
Ben Fisher, a Google Business Profile Gold Product Expert, says:
"Creating a Google Business Profile is completely free for businesses with a physical location, online store, or those who meet customers in person."
How to optimize GMB for SEO?
Want to boost your local search game? Here's how to optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile:
- Verify Your Business: It's like getting a stamp of approval from Google.
- Complete Your Profile: Don't leave any blanks. The more info, the better.
- Keep It Accurate: Always update your info. Old details = bad news.
- NAP Consistency: Your Name, Address, and Phone number should be the same everywhere online.
- Choose Categories Wisely: Pick ones that really fit your business.
- Add Great Photos: Show off your business with professional pics.
- Get Reviews: More reviews = more trust from Google (and customers).
Joy Hawkins, a local SEO guru, says:
"Consistently updating your GMB profile with posts, photos, and responding to reviews can lead to a 35-50% increase in profile views within just a few months."
So, keep your profile fresh and watch your visibility grow!