As a business owner, you know how crucial it is to have a strong online presence, especially on Google. One of the most powerful tools for local businesses is a Google My Business (GMB) listing, now known as a Google Business Profile (GBP).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into what GMB/GBP is, how it can benefit your business, and provide step-by-step instructions on setting up and optimizing your Google My Business listing to improve local visibility in search results and online marketing efforts. Let’s get started!
What is Google My Business (Now Known as Google Business Profile)?
Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile, is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
By creating a GBP listing, also known as a Google Business account, you can showcase your business name, location, hours of operation, photos, and more. This information appears when potential customers search for your business or businesses like yours on Google, increasing your visibility in local search results and driving traffic to your business’s website.
It is highly recommended to create a Google Business account, also known as a Google My Business account, to take full advantage of the features offered by Google My Business for optimizing your local business.
What are the Benefits of Google My Business?
Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile offers numerous benefits for local businesses:
- Increased Visibility: Your business information appears in Google Search, Google Maps, and the Google Local Pack, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
- Better Local SEO: A complete and accurate GBP listing can improve your local search rankings, helping you appear higher in search results when people look for businesses like yours in their area.
- Improved Trust and Credibility: Displaying your business information, photos, and customer reviews on your GBP builds trust and credibility with potential customers.
- Insights and Analytics: GBP provides valuable insights into how customers find and interact with your listing, including search queries, phone calls, and direction requests.
- Direct Communication: Customers can message you directly through your GBP listing, making it easy to connect and engage with them.
How to use Google My Business for Local Marketing?
1. Engage with Consumers
Respond to customer reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you value their feedback. Use Google Posts to share updates, promotions, and events directly on your GBP listing.
2. Highlight your Business
Add high-quality photos and videos to showcase your products, services, and business interior/exterior. Use the Products and Services sections to feature your offerings.
3. Gain Insights
Regularly check your GBP Insights to see how customers find and interact with your listing. Use this data to make informed decisions about your local marketing strategies.
4. Perform Local SEO
Incorporate relevant keywords in your business description, posts, and responses to reviews. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly.
Local SEO Insights:
What is GMB/GBP in Digital Marketing?
In digital marketing, Google My Business/Google Business Profile is a crucial tool for local Search engine optimization. It helps businesses improve their online visibility, attract new customers, and manage their reputation.
What Should I put on Google My Business?
Your google my business page should include accurate and up-to-date information about your business name, address, phone number, website, business address, business category, products/services, logo, cover photo, business’s website, business hours, and business photos/videos.
What are GMB/GBP Attributes?
Attributes are special features or amenities that you can add to your GMB listing, such as “wheelchair accessible,” “outdoor seating,” or “free Wi-Fi.” These help potential customers learn more about your business and what sets you apart.
How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile From Scratch?
Setting up your Google Business Profile from scratch is a straightforward process.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Go to Google Maps and Add Your Business
Search for your business on Google Maps. If it doesn’t appear, click on “Add your business.”
Step 2: Create Your Business Account
Sign in to your Google Account or create a new one for your business.
Step 3: Fill Out Your Business Name and Category
Enter your business name and select the most accurate category that describes your business.
Step 4: Add Your Location
If you have a physical location that customers can visit, add your address. If you serve customers at their location, you can skip this step.
Step 5: Choose Your Service Area
If you serve customers at their location, specify your service area by adding the cities, counties, or regions you cover.
Step 6: Add Your Contact Information
Enter your business phone number and website URL.
Step 7: Opt In to Updates and Recommendations
Choose to receive updates and recommendations from Google to help you improve your GBP listing.
Step 8: Verify Your Listing
Google will send you a verification code by mail, phone, or email to confirm that you are the rightful owner of the business. Follow the instructions to verify your listing.
How to Claim an Existing, Unverified Listing?
If you come across an existing, unverified listing for your business on Google, you can claim and take control of it by following these steps:
Step 1: Search For Your Business on Google Maps
If your business appears but is marked as “Claim this business,” it means your listing is unverified.
Step 2: Look for the “Claim this Business” Button
Click on the “Claim this business” button to start the claiming process.
Step 3: Click “Manage Now”
After clicking “Claim this business,” a window will appear. Click on the “Manage now” button to proceed.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Google will send you a verification code to confirm that you are the rightful owner of the business. Follow the instructions to verify your listing.
How to Request Access to a GBP Managed by Someone Else?
If your Google Business Profile (GBP) is managed by someone else and you need access, you can request access by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Create Page
Visit the Google Business Profile page and click on “Request Access.”
Step 2: Request Access
Enter the email address associated with your Google Account and click “Request Access.”
Step 3: Fill Out the Form
Provide your contact information and explain why you should be granted access to the GBP listing. Submit the form and wait for a response from the current listing owner.
How To Optimize Your Google My Business Profile?
- Complete all sections of your GBP listing, including business description, products/services, and attributes.
- Add high-quality photos and videos showcasing your business, products, and services.
- Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly, both positive and negative.
- Use Google Posts to share updates, promotions, and events.
- Monitor your GBP Insights regularly to track your listing’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
FAQ’s:
Is Google My Business Completely Free?
Yes, creating and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free.
How can I Access my Google Business Profile Account?
You can access your GBP account by signing in to Google Maps or Google Search with the Google Account associated with your business.
Who can use Google Business Profile?
Any business that has a physical location or serves a specific geographic area can use Google Business Profile.
How do I use Google Business Profile?
To use GBP, create or claim your listing, verify your business, and then manage your profile by adding and updating information, responding to reviews, and creating posts.
Where do Google Business Profile Listings appear?
GBP listings appear in Google Search, Google Maps, and the Google Local Pack when users search for businesses like yours.
Is Google My Business Still Active?
Yes, Google My Business is still active, but it has been rebranded as Google Business Profile.
Do You Need to Have a Physical Address to Use GBP?
No, businesses that serve customers at their locations, such as plumbers or mobile dog groomers, can use GBP without a physical address.
What to Do If You Don’t Want to Display Your Address in GBP
If you don’t want to display your address, you can choose to hide it in your GBP settings. However, you’ll still need to provide an address for verification purposes.
How to List More Than One Location on Google My Business Profile?
If your business has multiple locations, you can create a separate GBP listing for each one. Manage them all under a single Google Account for convenience.
How to Change an Address on Your Google My Business Profile?
To change your address, sign in to your GBP account, click on the “Info” tab, and then click on the address field to edit it. Follow the prompts to verify your new address.
What to Do When Your Business Category Isn’t Available on GBP?
If your specific business category isn’t available, choose the closest available category that accurately represents your business. You can also suggest a new category to Google.
What Are Labels in GBP and Why Are They Important?
Labels are tags you can add to your GBP listing to help you organize and filter your locations if you manage multiple listings. They are for internal use only and are not visible to the public.
What is the Difference between Google Business Profile, Google Listings, and Google Places for Business?
These terms all refer to the same thing – the free tool provided by Google to help businesses manage their online presence. Google Places for Business was the original name, which was later changed to Google My Business, and most recently, to Google Business Profile.
Conclusion
Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile, is a powerful tool for local businesses looking to improve their online visibility, attract more customers, and manage their reputation.
By setting up and optimizing your GBP listing, you can showcase your business information, engage with customers, and gain valuable insights to inform your local marketing strategies.
At VH-info, we understand the importance of a strong online presence for SaaS businesses. Our team of experts can help you navigate the world of local SEO and make the most of your Google Business Profile. Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help your business grow.