Google Business Profile Set Up: 2024 Step-By-Step Tutorial For Best Results (Includes Verification)

Summary

This tutorial offers a step-by-step guide to creating and optimizing a Google Business Profile, ensuring visibility on Google Search and Maps. It covers account setup, choosing the right business type, and the verification process, including a detailed explanation of the new video verification method. The guide also advises on adding services, setting business hours, utilizing messaging features, crafting a compelling business description, and enhancing the profile with photos to attract more customers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Create a Google account specifically for your business to keep personal and business emails separate.
• 📍 Use google.com/buus to set up a Google Business Profile and check for existing listings to avoid duplicates.
• 🏢 Choose the appropriate business type during setup—local store or service business—to ensure accurate representation on Google Maps.
• 📝 Provide accurate business information such as category, address, phone number, and website during the setup process.
• 🔒 Verification of your Google Business Profile is crucial for legitimacy and to manage your business's information effectively.
• 📞 Common verification methods include phone call, postcard, and video verification, with video verification being the primary method for new listings.
• 🎥 For video verification, ensure the video is a single continuous recording showing the business location, category, and proof of representation.
• 🛠 Customize your business listing by adding or removing predefined services to match your business offerings.
• ⏰ Set accurate business hours as they can affect your ranking on Google Maps and are important for customer expectations.
• 💬 Enable the messaging feature in your Google Business Profile to generate leads but ensure prompt responses to maintain the feature.
• 📷 Add photos to your profile to increase engagement, showing off products, services, and the business environment authentically.

Q & A

What is the purpose of creating a Google Business Profile?

The purpose of creating a Google Business Profile is to make your business discoverable on Google Search and Google Maps, allowing potential customers to find you when they search for a business like yours.

Why is verifying a Google Business Profile important?

Verifying a Google Business Profile is important because it proves to Google that your business is legitimate and authentic, and it ensures that only authorized individuals can manage the business information on the profile.

How has the verification process for Google Business Profiles changed since last year?

The verification process has become more detailed and stringent, with video verification now being the main method used by Google to check if a business qualifies for a listing.

What are the steps to create a Google account for a business?

To create a Google account for a business, go to accounts.google.com, click on 'create an account', fill in your name and date of birth, choose between a suggested Gmail address or create your own, and follow the steps until you reach the confirmation page.

What should you do if Google has already created a listing for your business?

If Google has already created a listing for your business, you should click on the 'manage now' button and continue with the process instead of creating a duplicate listing.

What are the two most common business types for a Google Business Profile?

The two most common business types are 'local store', which is suitable for businesses with a physical location where customers can visit, and 'service area business', which is for businesses that visit customers at their homes.

How can predefined services in a Google Business Profile listing help your business be found on Google Maps?

Including predefined services in your listing is a ranking factor, meaning your business is more likely to be found on Google Maps when someone searches for those services.

Why should business hours be set accurately on a Google Business Profile?

Setting accurate business hours is important because it can affect your ranking on Google Maps, as listings are more likely to rank higher during their operating hours.

What should be included in the business description of a Google Business Profile?

The business description should include a summary of what the business offers, what sets it apart from the competition, and any other helpful information for potential customers, without using promotional messages or phone numbers.

Why are photos important for a Google Business Profile and what types of photos should be used?

Photos are important because they can boost the visibility and credibility of your profile, leading to more requests for directions and website clicks. Real images that reflect the business, such as products, services, happy customers, and the business environment, should be used instead of generic stock photos.

What is the final step after setting up a Google Business Profile?

The final step is to ensure that the profile is verified by Google, as it will not show up on Google Maps or search results until verification is complete.