Why Claiming Your Google Business Profile Matters
A verified Google Business Profile offers multiple advantages:
- Control Over Your Information: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are accurate.
- Boost Local SEO: Google favors verified profiles in local searches.
- Build Credibility: Verified businesses appear more trustworthy to customers.
- Access Insights: Track how customers find your business, what actions they take, and how to improve your strategy.
To understand the broader impact of GBP on local visibility, see our local SEO statistics for small businesses.
Step 1: Sign In or Create a Google Account
Before claiming your business, ensure you have a Google account.
- Visit Google Account and sign in or create a new account.
- Use a professional email address tied to your business.
Your Google account will be linked to your GBP, so use one that your team can access securely.
Step 2: Find Your Business on Google
- Go to Google Business Profile and click “Manage now.”
- Type your business name in the search bar.
- If your business appears, you can request ownership.
- If it doesn’t exist, select “Add your business to Google.”
Adding your business manually ensures that all information is accurate and consistent with your website.
Step 3: Enter Business Information
Provide accurate and complete details to make your profile stand out:
- Business Name: Ensure it matches your signage and website.
- Business Category: Select a category that best describes your services. This affects which searches your business appears in.
- Address: Use your physical location if you serve customers there.
- Service Areas: Include cities or neighborhoods served if you operate remotely.
- Phone Number & Website: Ensure they match your official website and contact details.
For guidance on selecting the right business category, read our Google Business Profile guide.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Verification confirms your ownership and allows full access to your profile. Google may offer multiple verification methods:
- Postcard Verification: Google mails a code to your business address.
- Phone Verification: Google sends a text or call with a verification code.
- Email Verification: Available for certain businesses.
- Instant Verification: Possible if your website is already verified in Google Search Console.
Verification is crucial; unverified businesses have limited visibility and features.
Step 5: Optimize Your Profile
Once verified, optimization helps your business rank higher and attract clicks:
- Add Photos & Videos: High-quality images of your services, team, and office boost engagement.
- Write a Compelling Business Description: Use keywords relevant to your services naturally.
- List Products or Services: Clearly outline what you offer.
- Set Accurate Hours: Include holiday hours to avoid customer frustration.
- Enable Messaging: Allow customers to message you directly for inquiries.
Regularly updating your GBP signals activity to Google and improves local SEO rankings.
Step 6: Collect and Manage Reviews
Customer reviews significantly impact GBP performance:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
- Respond promptly to both positive and negative feedback.
- Showcase reviews on your website to strengthen credibility.
Our professional SEO services include review management strategies to enhance visibility and local rankings.
Step 7: Post Updates and Offers
Google Posts let you share promotions, announcements, and events:
- Create posts about special offers, new services, or blog content.
- Include relevant images and CTAs to drive website traffic or appointments.
- Post consistently to maintain engagement and activity.
For tips on integrating posts with content strategy, see our SEO services page.
Step 8: Monitor Insights
Google provides analytics on profile performance:
- Customer Actions: Track calls, direction requests, and website clicks.
- Search Queries: Understand which keywords bring visitors to your profile.
- Views & Engagement: See how your profile compares to competitors in your area.
Analyzing these insights helps refine your local SEO strategy and maximize ROI.
Step 9: Keep Your Profile Updated
Your GBP should evolve as your business grows:
- Update services, hours, and contact information regularly.
- Add seasonal promotions or new service offerings.
- Ensure photos and posts reflect current branding and offerings.
Consistency across your website and GBP improves trust and search engine ranking.
Conclusion
Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile is a critical step for any local business aiming to improve visibility, attract leads, and build credibility. A fully optimized GBP combined with effective SEO services ensures your business ranks higher, attracts more clicks, and converts more customers.
Start today by claiming your profile, optimizing your information, and actively managing reviews and posts.
Learn more about improving your online presence at SEO for Local Business.