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Let's start at the beginning for all of those who are not familiar with Google.
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Google My Business, now often just called a "Google Business Profile," is a free tool provided by Google that helps your business show up in local search results and on Google Maps. Have you ever searched for a business, like “coffee shops near me,” and seen a list of businesses with photos, directions, hours, and even customer reviews? That’s the power of Google My Business in action. Here’s what it looks like:
When customers see your business in these results, they can quickly learn more, find your location, contact you, or check your business hours—all of which makes it easier for them to choose you over a competitor.
Why is a Google My Business Profile Important for Small Businesses?
For small businesses, especially those with a local focus, GMB can be a game-changer because it:
Boosts Visibility in Local Searches: When people search for services or products in their area, GMB helps your business appear in those search results, often at the top.
Increases Customer Trust: A complete GMB profile with reviews, photos, and business hours makes your business look more professional and reliable.
Encourages More Engagement: GMB includes features like customer reviews, questions, and direct messaging, making it easy for potential customers to connect with you.
Whether you run a bakery, a construction company, or a pet grooming service, setting up and optimizing your GMB profile is essential for getting noticed.
How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Now, let’s dive into the steps you need to create and make the most out of your GMB profile.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile
Create a Google Account (if needed)
To get started, you need a Google account (Google email account). If you don’t already have one, you can create one for free at Google Accounts. For easier management, use your business email to keep things organized. If you do not have a business gmail account setup yet, you can create one for free - for example: quickemarketing@gmail.com. Or, you can use a personal email to complete this step, but keep in mind that you will want to remember which account you used and will always need access to it.
Visit Google My Business
Go to Google My Business and click on "Manage now."
This will begin the setup process to claim your business profile.
Enter Your Business Information
Business Name: Enter your exact business name as it appears everywhere else. You can exclude "LLC" in this title.
Business Category: Choose the category that best fits your business (e.g., “Coffee Shop,” “Construction Company”). Don’t worry, you can add more categories later if needed.
Add Your Location
Physical Location: If customers visit your location, select Yes and enter your business address. This helps your business show up on Google Maps.
Service Area: If your business doesn’t have a physical storefront (like a landscaping or mobile business), select No and list the areas you serve. However, if you’re comfortable with making your home address public, consider selecting Yes and entering your home address, followed by the areas you serve. Having a physical address can sometimes help bypass Google’s video verification step and may also improve your local search ranking, giving your business an additional visibility boost.
Enter Contact Information
Phone Number: Provide the best contact number for your business.
Website: Add your website URL if you have one. This gives customers another way to reach you. If you need a website, don't fret, Quicke Marketing can help!
Verify Your Business
Google will typically verify your business by contacting the phone number you provided during setup. Make sure you have access to this phone line, as you’ll receive either a call or a text with a code to complete verification. After entering the code, Google may take up to 7 days to process your request, determining if they have enough information to verify your business. Occasionally, they may request additional verification steps, such as a video verification.
Video Verification (if required):If prompted for video verification, Google will look for specific details to confirm your business location and legitimacy. Here’s what you need to include:
Proximity to the Address: Start by showing yourself walking to your street sign and back to your property to confirm the address.
Business-Related Evidence: Show any visible company vehicles, branded equipment, or tools you use for your business.
Office Proof: Enter your workspace—whether it’s a dedicated office or your kitchen table—and show any business documents as proof.
This video approach helps Google verify that you operate from the listed address, which can ultimately improve your search ranking by adding credibility.
Step 2: Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile for Better Visibility
Once your profile is set up, follow these tips to make it more attractive and helpful to potential customers.
Choose Additional Categories
Go to your profile’s Info section and add any relevant additional categories that describe your business, such as Bakery or Coffee Shop.
Write a Compelling Business Description
In 750 characters, describe what makes your business unique. Mention any specialties (like organic ingredients or family-owned values) to help you stand out.
Add Business Hours
Set up accurate opening hours so that customers know when they can reach you. Update your hours for holidays or special occasions as needed.
Upload High-Quality Photos
Include photos of your storefront, products, or services to give potential customers a sense of what you offer. Profiles with good photos tend to attract more views. Here is a helpful link: Best Practices for GMB Photos
Step 3: Using Reviews and Q&A to Engage Customers
Encourage Customer Reviews
Reviews build credibility. Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews, and be sure to respond to each one. Thank positive reviewers and handle negative feedback professionally. This step is vital to your google rankings!!!! Here is a helpful link: How to Respond to Customer Reviews on Google
Use the Q&A Feature
GMB allows customers to ask questions directly. Post frequently asked questions (FAQs) yourself or respond promptly to new inquiries to keep your profile informative. Yes, you can ask and answer the question yourself!
Step 4: Updating and Managing Your GMB Profile
Use the Google Maps app
Download the Google Maps app to manage your profile on the go. You can respond to reviews, answer questions, and update information directly from your phone. Once you download the app, you will want to login with the same email account you used to setup the account.
GMB through Google Maps Click "Your Business Profiles" to gain access to your account.
Post Regular Updates
Use the Posts feature to share offers, events, or updates about your business. Each post can include an image and a call-to-action (e.g., “Learn More” or “Call Now”).
Check Performance with GMB Insights
GMB Insights show valuable data, such as how many people clicked on your profile or called you directly from Google. Review these insights monthly to understand how your profile is performing and adjust your strategy as needed.
Conclusion
Setting up your Google My Business profile is a crucial step in making your small business more visible to local customers. A well-maintained profile not only helps people find your business but also builds trust by providing accurate, up-to-date information. Now that you have the basics in place, your business is ready to make a strong first impression on Google.
If you’re interested in taking your profile to the next level, check out our blog on Optimizing Your Google Business Profile for SEO to learn how to enhance your ranking in local search results and drive more traffic to your business.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at quickemarketing.com. We’re here to help you shine in the digital space!
Quicke Marketing
850-565-9343
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