To get your business on Google Maps, you need to set up a Google Business Profile. It only takes a few minutes. This post shows you how.
It’s Free and Easy to Set up
Have you ever wondered how all those businesses show up on the Google Map in search results, and get a profile box to the right of the search results page? It’s their Google Business profile, a free listing provided by Google that can show when people search for what your business offers!
Getting your Google Business Profile set up is quick and easy. Below are step by step instructions for creating and setting up your profile. It only takes a few minutes.
What you’ll need to set up your Google Business Profile
Setting up your Google Business Profile is much quicker if you already have these items in place:
Gmail account (paid or free)
Google Business Profile requires a Gmail address. You can use a paid or free Gmail account. You can set up a free Gmail account here: https://accounts.google.com/ and follow the ‘sign up’ links.
A physical address
Google Business Profile will not accept a P.O. Box address, so you must provide a physical address. This business verification requirement reduces the number of ‘fake’ Google Business Profile accounts.
Businesses that deliver services or sell products from a store or office will want to show their physical address.
Google only shows your address if you want it shown.
There are many businesses that have home or private locations they do not wish to be public. As you go through the setup, there will be an option to display or not display your address publicly.
One or two pictures and your business logo helps your business on google maps
As you reach the end of the setup process, you will be asked if you want to load pictures. It’s a good idea to have at least one or two pictures relating to your business, as well as your logo, because your Google Business Profile is a visual media.
Creating your Google Business Profile – The Bare Minimum
This is a short, simple process. Go to www.google.com/business and follow the setup links. You will be asked for:
- Your business name
- Your business category. Choose the category that most closely reflects your business. This is one of the primary drivers for showing your business profile in search results. You can always change it later.
- Show or not show your address.
- Serving area. These are locations you target – cities, provinces (states), country. You can input up to 20 different locations.
- Contact information. Input your phone number, email address, and website address.
- Address information. Regardless of whether you choose to display your address publicly, Google will need a physical address so it can verify that your business is real.
- Verify your business. This may happen instantly with a text message to your phone number, or Google may choose to mail you a post card with a code.
If you’ve only done the minimum, your profile probably won’t be widely shown…..
Your Google Business Profile is now available, but without more information about you and your business, Google won’t know when to display your information in search results. And since Google likely has dozens of other business profiles in your category, your profile will show less often. It’s kind of like you have ‘paid the ante’ in a poker game, but if you don’t place a bet, you’re not really in the game.
If you want your business to be displayed on user searches, fill in the rest of your profile. This includes hours of operation, description, products (including pictures) and services.
Getting Google Business Profile Working for You
There is a lot of information you can add to your profile. The more you provide, the better your profile will perform. It’s strongly recommended you complete all of the following:
Your hours of operation
Google will show your hours and if you are open / closed at the time of the user’s search.
Your business description
Be succinct but clear about what you do and why people should buy from you.
Messaging
Google Business Profile has an instant messaging feature. Careful, this can be a blessing or a curse.
Turn on Messaging if you can consistently answer messages within 60 minutes of receipt. If you cannot answer messages within 60 minutes of receipt, leave it off. You can be ‘penalized’ or considered unreliable if you are slow to answer.
Products and Services
There is lots of space to show products and services. Google displays them to users. Show a picture and include a brief description of your product or service.
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