Step 1: Go to google.com/business
Be sure to bookmark this address, as you’ll need it to access your Google Business Profile listing in the future.
Step 2: Log in with your Gmail account
If you don’t have a Gmail account, visit google.com/accounts. You’ll be able to create a free account with any email address.
Step 3: Enter your business name
Be sure you spell your name correctly and exactly as it shows on your business signage. Use Title Case (where you capitalize the first letter of each word.) This is the first impression for a customer, and you want to make sure it’s a positive experience.
Step 4: Enter your business address
This screen is where you’ll enter your business address, so Google can verify that your business exists. This cannot be a post office box or mailbox in a storefront like Postal Annex or UPS Store. You can also only have one business per residence.
Please note, your business address needs to be written precisely as it should appear for mailing purposes.
Step 5: Choose whether you’re a storefront or a service provider
Here’s where you choose whether you want customers to visit your storefront or if you work from home or would prefer your customers don’t visit your office; you can choose a mile radius around your business, a specific city or state, or a group of zip codes.
Rental stores should opt for storefront.
Step 6: Choose your Primary business category
Choosing your primary category is very important because it dictates where and when you will show up on Google searches.
Step 7: Add your phone number and website
Both phone calls and website clicks are tracked by Google Business Profile, so make sure your information is correct here.
Step 8: Verify your local listing (most likely with a postcard)
According to Google, to manage your business information in Search, Maps, and other Google properties, you must verify your business listing. The verification process helps Google make sure your business information is accurate and that only you, the business owner or manager, have access to it.
Once you have requested verification, Google will send you a card in the mail. Please note, without this card you will not be able to verify your business, so make sure you and your team are on the look out. It can take Google a few weeks to send the card out.
Step 9: Finish populating your Google Business Profile listing
Fill out as much information as you can on your business to complete your profile.
Interested in optimization support for your Google Business Profile? Get in touch with us today!
