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By Emily Steel, Marketing Manager at Omega High Impact Print Solutions
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business looking to thrive. One of the fundamental steps in establishing your online presence is creating a Google Business Profile. Whether you run a local bakery, a small consultancy, or a booming e-commerce empire, a Google Business Profile can help you connect with potential customers and stand out in local search results. In this blog, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a basic Google Business Profile, ensuring that your business is easily discoverable by people in your area and beyond.
Let's get started!
Step 1
Go to business.google.com/create.
Start typing your business name in the search field to see if a business profile was already created. If it was, you can request access to the page from the current owner.
If a business profile does not already exist, click the “Add your business to Google” link.
Enter your business name as you would like it to appear on Google. Then start typing your business category. Select the most appropriate category. You will be able to change or add an additional category later.
Step 2
If you have a physical location that you would like to appear on Google Maps, select yes. If you are an online business or do not want your business to appear on Google Maps, select no.
Step 3
If you provide services to a local area(s), you can add select areas by typing the names and selecting from the options that appear. Note: you can be specific or broad with the areas you add in this field.
Step 4
Select from the dropdown the country in which your business is registered and does business.
Step 5
Enter your business phone number and website (optional). This is included in your business profile and is used by Google to get in contact with you about your business.
Step 6
If you would like notifications from Google (activity, tips, etc.), select yes. Otherwise, select no.
Enter your business’ mailing address. This will not be shown to the public.
Select how you would like Google to verify your business: via phone or a video call to show your office.
Add the services that you offer customers. Google autogenerates suggestions. However, you can add your own by clicking Add custom service.
Step 7
If you have operating hours that you would like to appear on your Google profile, select the slider next to the appropriate day of the week and enter your open and close times.
Step 8
If you would like customers to be able to message you through Google, leave the Accept Messages option turned on. Otherwise, click the slider to the off position.
Step 9
Add a business description with keywords that explains who you business is, what it does, and who it serves.
Step 10
Add photos of your business that show your products and/or services. These will appear on your Google profile in search results.
Step 11
If you would like to immediately start advertising your business on Google, select Start Now. Otherwise, select Skip.
When you search for your business on Google, it will show a blue check icon that says You Manage this Business Profile.
Step 12
Click your Google result page and it will show a business profile card with the information and images that you uploaded. Click edit your business information to quickly edit the information that appears on this card.
Step 13
Click Manage your Business Profile to edit more aspects of your business profile, such as adding the ability to book appointments, adding products, get a Google review link, etc.
It may take Google a couple of days to approve your profile and uploaded images. You will get a notification when things are approved. However, check back regularly to make sure everything has been approved and if there is an issue, you can contact Google’s business support if you believe there was a mistake.
With your newly created Google Business Profile, you've taken a significant step toward boosting your online visibility and attracting more customers.
Remember that your profile is not a one-and-done task; it requires regular updates and monitoring to keep it fresh and relevant. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews, post engaging content, and respond promptly to inquiries. By maintaining an active and accurate Google Business Profile, you'll not only enhance your online reputation but also increase your chances of reaching your target audience and growing your business.