Google My Business (GMB) is a key tool for businesses. It helps improve online visibility and connect with customers.
With GMB, you can show important details like your location, contact number, and working hours. This information appears on Google Search and Maps. A good GMB profile boosts local SEO and builds customer trust.
Here’s a simple guide to help you set up your GMB profile.
Step 1: Sign In to Google
Follow these easy steps to set up your Google My Business account:
Go to Google My Business
Open your web browser and go to the Google My Business website. This is where you will manage your business profile online.
Click “Manage Now”
On the homepage, find the “Manage now” button and click it to start.
Sign In with Your Google Account
- Log in with your Google account.
- If you don’t have one, click “Create account” and follow the steps to make a new account.
You need a Google account to use Google My Business features.
Use the Correct Account
If you have more than one Google account, use the one for your business.
These steps will help you start managing your Google My Business profile. It will make your business more visible online and help you connect with local customers.
Step 2: Add Your Business
After signing in, you need to add your business details. Follow these simple steps:
Search for Your Business
Type your business name in the search bar. Google will check if your business is already listed.
Select or Add Your Business
- If your business name appears, select it.
- If it doesn’t appear, click “Add your business to Google” to create a new listing.
Choose the Right Category
Pick a category that fits your business. This helps Google show your profile in the right searches.
Add Accurate Information
Fill in details like your business name, address, phone number, and website. Check everything to make sure it’s correct.
Optimize for Local Search
Use keywords about your services and location. This helps people find you easily.
By following these steps, you’ll build a strong online presence with Google Business.
Step 3: Provide Accurate Business Information
Giving correct business details helps customers find and contact you easily. Follow these steps:
1. Add Your Business Location
- If you have a store or office, provide the exact address. This makes it easy for customers to find you.
- If you don’t have a store but deliver products or services to customers, select “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” Explain your service areas clearly so customers know where you work.
2. Include Contact Information
- Phone Number: Share a working phone number that customers can use during business hours.
- Website URL: Make sure your website link is correct and updated. Customers often visit websites first for more details.
By sharing complete and correct details, you help customers trust you. This makes it easier for them to reach you, creating better experiences and more business opportunities.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Verifying your business on Google is important. It shows that your business is real and helps people find you online. Google has different ways to verify your business. Here are the main options:
Postcard by Mail
Google will send a postcard to your business address. The postcard will have a special code. When you get the postcard, log in to your Google My Business (GMB) account. Enter the code to confirm your business. This usually takes 5–10 business days.
Phone Call or Email
Sometimes, Google lets you verify faster with a phone call or email. If this option is available, you’ll get a call or email with a code. Use the code to verify your business. This works if your phone number or email is already listed.
Instant Verification
If your business is verified on Google Search Console, you might qualify for instant verification. This skips the mail or phone process and verifies your GMB listing immediately.
These methods make sure that only real businesses are shown on Google. This helps build trust and improves your online presence.
Step 5: Make Your Profile Better to Attract Customers
Improving your business profile can help you get more customers and gain their trust. Here’s how to do it:
Upload Clear Photos
Share clear pictures of your shop, inside view, team, and what you sell or offer. Good photos make your profile look great and help customers trust you. They can see what your business is like before visiting.
Write a Short, Interesting Description
Write a short and catchy description about your business. Stay within 750 characters. Talk about what makes your business special, like your values, main services, or what sets you apart. This helps customers understand why they should pick you.
Update Business Hours
Add your business hours and keep them updated, especially for holidays or special days. This helps customers know when they can visit or call you.
Turn On Messaging
Let customers message you directly from your profile. This makes it easy for them to ask questions, share feedback, or make appointments. It also shows you care about good customer service.
Add Special Features
Include extra details like “Free Wi-Fi,” “Pet-friendly,” or “Wheelchair accessible.” These features help customers know if your business meets their needs.
Keep your profile updated and easy to understand. It will make your business more attractive and trustworthy!
Step 6: Maintain and Update Your Profile
Keeping your business profile updated builds trust and ensures accurate information. Follow these simple tips:
Update Your Business Hours
Always update your hours if they change. This is important for holidays, special events, or unexpected closures. Accurate hours help customers plan their visits easily.
Share Regular Updates
Post about new products, services, or promotions. This keeps your profile interesting and helps customers stay informed about your business.
Respond to Customer Reviews
Thank customers for positive reviews. For negative ones, reply politely and try to solve the issue. This shows you care about customer feedback and want to improve.
Check Your Contact Information
Make sure phone numbers, email addresses, and website links are correct. This helps customers reach you without problems.
By keeping your profile updated, your business will stay trusted, visible, and relevant.
Step 7: Leverage GMB Insights
Google My Business (GMB) Insights gives you helpful information about your customers. This can help you improve how your business appears online. Here’s how to use it:
Check Search Terms
GMB shows the search words people use to find your business. Learn what they search for and update your website and GMB profile to match these words. This will help your business show up in more searches and attract the right customers.
Track Customer Actions
GMB tracks what people do, like visiting your website, asking for directions, or calling you. If many people visit your website, it means your site is useful. If they call or request directions, your business is interesting to locals. Use this information to make it easier for people to reach you.
See Customer Locations
GMB shows where your customers are from. If many are from a specific place, you can create offers or services for that area. This helps you connect better with local customers and grow your business.
Final Tips for Success with Google My Business
Keep Your Business Details the Same Everywhere
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the same on your website, social media, and directories. This helps search engines and customers trust you.
Ask for Good Reviews
Happy customers? Ask them to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business profile. These reviews make your business look trustworthy and help it show up more in local searches.
Use Important Words
Add keywords related to your services in your business description, posts, and services. This helps people find you when they search for what you offer.
Update Your Profile Often
Post updates, offers, and events regularly. Also, update business hours and services when they change. An active profile attracts more customers and ranks higher.
Focus on Local SEO
Fill out your profile completely. Add high-quality pictures and update details quickly when things change. A complete profile boosts your local visibility.
By setting up and keeping your Google My Business profile updated, you can get more people to see your business online. This helps your brand become known as a trusted local business. More people will visit your website and become customers. Tech Empires can use these steps to grow its online presence and attract more local clients.
