Google Business Profile

Google My Business, now referred to as Google Business Profile (GBP), is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It helps businesses create and update their profile, engage with customers, and improve local SEO.

To create a Google Business Profile, visit the Google Business Profile website and click “Manage now.” You’ll need to enter your business name, address, and other relevant details. Follow the prompts to verify your business.

Verifying your business helps establish your legitimacy, improves your chances of appearing in local searches, and allows you to manage your business information, respond to reviews, and engage with customers effectively.

You’ll need to provide your business name, address, phone number, website, business category, and hours of operation. Adding photos and a description can also enhance your listing.

To improve visibility, optimize your Google Business Profile by keeping your information up-to-date, adding high-quality photos, regularly posting updates, encouraging customer reviews, and responding to inquiries and reviews promptly.

If your address changes, update your Google Business Profile immediately to reflect the new address. This ensures customers can find you and helps maintain your listing’s accuracy.

To respond to reviews, log in to your Google Business Profile, navigate to the “Reviews” section, and click “Reply” next to the review you want to address. Acknowledge positive feedback and address any concerns in negative reviews professionally.

Benefits include increased online visibility, improved local SEO, the ability to engage with customers through reviews and Q&A, access to insights about customer interactions, and the ability to showcase your business through photos and posts.

If you have multiple locations, you can manage them from a single Google Business Profile account by adding each location separately. Ensure that each location has accurate information and is verified.

Yes, businesses without a physical location can still list themselves by using service area specifications. You can specify the areas you serve rather than providing a physical address.

Approval times can vary. Typically, it takes a few days for Google to review and verify your business information. You’ll receive a notification once your listing is approved.

If your listing is suspended, review Google’s guidelines to identify the reason for suspension. You can then make necessary changes and submit a reinstatement request through your Google Business Profile account.

To add photos and updates, log in to your Google Business Profile and navigate to the “Photos” or “Posts” section. From there, you can upload new images or create posts to share updates and promotions.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, make it easy for them to do so by providing direct links, respond to existing reviews, and provide exceptional service that prompts customers to share their experiences.

You can track performance through the “Insights” section of your Google Business Profile, which provides data on how customers interact with your listing, including views, searches, and actions taken.

Yes, you can! If you meet with customers in person, you can have a profile even without a physical address. If you have a business location but also go to customers’ homes, you can have a profile too. This applies to service businesses, like plumbers or cleaners, that don’t have customers come to a store but visit them instead.