What Are Basic Steps to Setup a Google Business Profile Listing

By Tom Seest

What Is Google Business Profile?

Formerly known as Google My Business, Google Business Profile is among one of the most effective advertising and marketing tools for your company, whether it is an online business or a physical brick-and-mortar store. Developed by Google, Google Business Profile is a tool that makes it possible for entrepreneurs to expand as well as handle their digital visibility on the internet. Through Google Business Profile, you are able to not only update the information for your business organization but it will also allow you to develop a platform that drives interaction with your customers and clients.

Having a detailed Google Business Profile increases the rankings for your business in Google search results as well as increases rankings on Google Assistant, as well as Google Maps. Essentially, Google Business Profile can be utilized by your business to attract new customers, along with making sure you have great engagement and continual interaction with existing consumers. When setting up your Google Business Profile listing, it is essential to enhance your electronic existence by making certain that the information added on your Google Business Profile listing boosts involvement by your customers and clients, draws in high-quality traffic, and enhances your authority as measured by the Google search algorithms.

Does My Business Meet the Requirements for a Google Business Profile Listing?

If your business either has a physical location that clients or customers can go see, or you travel to where your customers are, you can create a profile for your business on Google. Your Google Business Profile should not get suspended as long as you make sure that your Google Business Profile is accurate and reflects your actual business and you don’t mess up and post forbidden content or violate Google policies as posted at https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177.

Represent your business as it’s consistently represented and also identified in the real-life across signs, stationery, and various other physical branding. Make sure your address and/or service area are accurate as well. Pick the fewest variety of categories it takes to explain your general core organization. There need to only be one profile per business, as this can create troubles with how your details show on Google Maps as well as Search.

If you are uncertain as to whether your business qualifies or how to implement your own Google Business Profile, you can actually use the Google Small Business Advisors at https://business.google.com/advisors/.

Where Do I Setup My Google Business Profile Online?

You can start by visiting the Google site at https://www.google.com/intl/en_my/business/ which will allow you to create and set up your Google Business Profile. Setup your account there, set up or create the name of your business for your profile, establish the physical address for your business, create a location for each physical business location,
and verify that your business location is inserted on the map (for brick and mortar businesses) correctly.

What Should I Know About Google Business Profile Primary and Secondary Categories?

One of the most important things to consider for your Google Business Profile is the “category” section. Google makes you choose at least one main category for your business listing which is referred to as the primary category. There are many to choose from and you should be able to find one that closely describes your business activities. You will find a match most of the time and there will be multiple categories that fit the service you provide sometimes. Many businesses will stop at selecting one category but depending on your vertical, adding more categories will enhance your chances of being found for related products and services. Select a first primary category, and then you will be able to select additional categories. Make sure your primary category reflects the main keyword for which you’re trying to rank in the search engines. This first category in your listing is visible to the person searching using the various Google search algorithms. You can read more about optimizing your categories at https://dbaplatform.com/properly-optimizing-google-business-profile-categories/.

What Details Do I Need for My Google Business Profile Listing?

You will want to add your business operating hours and list your products and services offered. Consider including the prices of your products and services. You will also want to add in your website contact information including the exact URL structure from your website on the Google Business Profile listing. Check that the inserted URL, name, and address are the same across all other online listings for your business. Use tools such as Direction Local and Smarty Streets to ensure your NAP (name, address, and phone number) is consistent.

How Do I Verify and Claim My Business on Google Business Profile?

Google will offer several ways to verify your business and its location. These verification options include email, postcard, phone, and instant verification. They will verify sensitive information regarding your business such as its physical location and mailing information. You can also submit a form for requesting ownership of your Google Business Profile listing.

Is There a Checklist for Setting Up a Google Business Profile?

Yes, we’ve compiled a checklist you can download which contains all of this information as relayed in this blog post.

You can download the Adobe PDF version of it by clicking this link:  google-business-profile-checklist-01-setting-up-a-google-business-profile-listing.

Let us know if you have any additional questions by contacting us through the information listed on our website.