How to setup a Google Business Profile (Google My Business): A Step-by-Step Guide (Updated 2024)

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free business profile that enables you to control and manage how your business appears on Google Search, as well as Google Maps, with the aim of increasing customer discovery and interaction.

Setting up a profile can be really beneficial for businesses, however sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start - so let's explore a step-by-step process to set up your Google Business Profile (Google My Business) in 2023:

Step 1: Create a Google Account

If you don't have one already, the first step is to create a Google account. This account will be the administrative account for your business profile.

1. Go to the Google account creation page.
2. Fill in the necessary information (i.e. first name, last name, date of birth etc).
3. Accept the terms and conditions and create the account.

Step 2: Start the Google Business Profile Setup

Once you have your Google account, it's time to create your Google Business Profile:

1. First, navigate to the Google Business Profile homepage.
2. Click on the "Manage Now" button in the top right hand corner.
3. Log in using the Google account you previously created.

Harnessing The Power of a Google Business Profile: The Benefits for Small Businesses (Google My Business)
‍

‍

Step 3: Add Your Business Information

Now that you're logged in to your business profiles, you'll need to provide accurate information about your business. This is a really important step as this can help optimise your Google Business Profile (Google My Business).

To add your business information:

1. Enter your business name. Be sure to use the exact name that customers recognise and see on your signage, logo, website etc.
2. Select a business category. This is also important as it helps Google understand what kind of services or products you offer and to help ensure you show up in the right search results.
3. Add your business location (if applicable). If you have a physical store or office, add your complete address. If you do not have a physical location but still serve customers in certain areas, select the option "I deliver goods and services to my customers," and add your service areas. If you're more of a digital business (like the website and SEO services we do here at Wakeford Digital) then you can still add in your service area.
4. Enter your business phone number and website URL. If you do not have a website, you can get in touch with us at Wakeford Digital to help create a professional website design in Hobart for your business.

‍

Step 4: Verification

The next step is verification. Google needs to ensure that your business is legitimate and that you are the rightful owner of the business profile:

1. Google provides several verification options, including by postcard, phone, email, instant verification, or bulk verification. You can choose the most convenient one for you.
2. Follow the instructions given for your selected verification method when received.
3. Once you receive your verification code (if applicable), go back to Google Business Profile (Google My Business), enter the code, and click "Verify."

Step 5: Optimise Your Profile

After verification, it's time to optimise your business profile:

1. First, you can start by uploading quality photos which could include your logo, cover photo, products, or images of your staff or premises.
2. Create a compelling business description - this should explain who you are, what you do, what sets your local business apart from the competition, as well as any other important details.
3. Fill out the additional details - this means making sure to include your opening hours, business address, opening date, service area, attributes (e.g., "wheelchair accessible," "free WiFi"), and more.

Once you've optimised things, another important step to setting up your Google Business Profile (Google My Business) is to visit your profile and add services.

Adding these services to your business profile can help tell Google exactly what you deliver to customers, and in turn help suggest what keywords or service phrases it should rank you for - which is great for search engine optimisation and your business online profile.

Along with the services, adding in the service areas to your business profile can go a long way to helping boost local SEO which is important for all small businesses.

Step 6: Engage with Customers

Now that your business profile is live and optimised, it's time to engage with customers:

1. After receiving them, respond to customer reviews, both positive and negative. This shows potential customers that you care about feedback and shows a sense of trust for potential new clients.
2. Make use of Google's posting feature to share updates, promotions, or news directly on your profile.
3. Regularly check your analytics and insights to see customer interactions and discover ways to improve your profile.

In conclusion

Setting up a Google Business Profile is an essential task for any small business looking to increase its online visibility and improve search engine optimisation through google search.

Remember that this is an active profile — therefore it's important to keep your information up-to-date and continuously engage with your audience through updates, responding to reviews and adding up to date images.

Combined with a good SEO campaign and professional website design for your business, setting up and maintaining a Google Business Profile (Google My Business) is an essential step.

Thanks for reading!
- Dom