Is your business on Google yet? If not, it needs to be.
In the world of digital marketing, having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential. It’s often the first thing a potential customer sees when they search for your services.
With a complete, accurate profile, you can:
- Increase your visibility in Google searches
- Receive and respond to customer reviews
- Provide up-to-date contact information and hours
- Track calls and analyze data from potential customers
Today’s consumers expect quick, reliable info. If they can’t find what they need, they’ll move on to a competitor. To help you avoid that, here’s a simple guide on how to create a Google Business Profile.
5 Simple Steps to Create Your Google Business Profile
1. Set Up Your Google Account
Not a surprising first step, but you need to make sure your business has an account with Google.
Visit www.google.com/accounts. Sign in with your existing Google account or create one if needed. Then, you can begin setting up your Google Business Profile.
Tip: If you discover a profile already exists for your business, click "Claim this business" (found in Google Maps). A quick verification process will guide you through reclaiming it.
You can also choose to add owners and managers to your profile. To do this:
- Sign in to your profile from a computer
- Select Users in the left menu
- Enter the name or email address of the person you’d like to add
2. Complete Your Profile with Up-To-Date Information
Use the same spelling and naming conventions your customers already know. This ensures consistency and helps you rank higher on Google. Add critical info like:
- Address
- Phone Number
- Website
- Hours of Operation
You may need to mark your business location on a map.
Once your profile is verified, you can edit any details as your business changes.
3. Select Primary & Secondary Business Categories
Your business category is how Google knows which searches you’re relevant for. You can choose:
- One primary category: e.g., “Plumber” or “Painter”
- Up to nine secondary categories (though many experts recommend fewer than four, as too many categories can confuse the search engine and decrease your ability to rank for key categories)
There are over 3,500 GBP categories, so choose the most specific ones possible. This increases your chances of appearing in the right local searches.
4. Add Photos to Your Profile
- Add your logo to help consumers recognize your brand
- A cover photo is a great way to showcase your services or location
- Additional photos of your team, offices, and products offer a quick peek into what you do
5. Verify Your Local Listing
Before you can fully manage or update your profile, you need to verify it. If you don’t verify, you won’t be able to make changes in the future.
The most common verification method is via postcard:
- Google sends a postcard to your business address, usually within 14 days
- Ensure your address is fully accurate, including suite numbers, floors, or building numbers
- Once the postcard arrives, follow the instructions to enter your unique code and confirm your listing
Other verification options are:
- Phone Call: If eligible, Google will call the phone number associated with your profile. You’ll be given a code to enter online.
- Text Message: Some businesses can receive a code via SMS—handy if you don’t want to wait for a call.
- Email: In certain cases, Google sends a code to your business email. This typically requires using an email domain that matches your business name.
Once verified, your Google Business Profile is officially yours to manage.
You can edit details, respond to reviews, and keep your information up to date so customers always find accurate info.
Why It Matters
With your Google Business Profile in place, customers can quickly find your address, hours, reviews, and more. This added visibility improves your credibility, helping you outrank competitors who haven’t taken time to set up their information.
Need Help?
If you’re ready to strengthen your digital presence but don’t have the time to handle everything yourself, Scorpion can help. We specialize in creating and managing Google Business Profiles so you can focus on running your business.
Schedule a consultation today to see how we can make your listing stand out!
