How To Create A Google My Business Profile And Why Is It Important?

To build an online presence and improve their exposure in Google search and maps, businesses and organisations must create a Google My Business (GMB) page. Potential clients may locate and interact with your business more easily, thanks to free GMB profiles offering useful information. 

Google My Business, currently known as Google Business Profile, significantly influences local SEO and online visibility. This is due to the fact that calls or visits from local searches that include "near me" (such as "digital marketing near me") have increased to over 900% and now account for over 88% of all local searches within a day.

This result, also known as the Local Pack, is seen in close to 30% of all Page 1 results and is provided by Google (almost) always for product- and service-related searches. A Google My Business listing is necessary to be included here.

This article will explain how to set up a Google My Business profile and why you should create one.

Why Create a Google My Business Profile?

Improved Visibility

A GMB profile facilitates your company's visibility in maps, the Knowledge Panel, and local search results. More phone calls, internet visits, and foot traffic may result from this improved visibility.

Credibility

Prospective consumers can tell that a GMB profile is well-maintained by its professionalism and reliability. It displays the validity and viability of your company.

Customer Insights

GMB offers information on your audience's location and how they found your company, among other things. You can modify your marketing strategies with the aid of this data.

Customer Engagement

Customers can communicate with you by responding to reviews, following your updates, and asking questions. This interaction can encourage customer loyalty and improve your online reputation.

Free Advertising

GMB is a free product offered by Google that offers a practical way to promote your company online.

Mobile-Friendly

Many consumers use mobile devices to look for nearby companies. Having a GMB profile guarantees that mobile users may easily access your information.



How to Create a Google My Business Profile?

1. Sign in to Your Google Account or Google Workspace

Ensure you're signed in to your Google Account or Google Workspace that you want to use for your business.

• Please note that if you are a client of Love My Online Marketing, we have already set up your professional email on Google Workspace. This means you can just go ahead and sign in using your business email domain (i.e., email@domainname.com.au). You don't have to create another Google Account. You can just use the one we made for you. That's one of the perks of being a Love My Online Marketing client!

2. Visit Google My Business

Go to the Google My Business website at www.google.com/business/ and click "Manage now" or "Start now."

3. Enter Business Information

You'll be prompted to enter basic information about your business, such as its name, address, phone number, website, and business category. Ensure the information is accurate and consistent with what's listed on your website and other online directories.

a. Enter the name of your business

b. Choose a primary business category

c. Add your business address

d. Specify service areas (Only for Service Area Businesses)

4. Verify Your Business

Google will often ask you to verify your business to ensure you're the rightful owner. In 2023, new profiles are automatically required to do a video verification without any other options.

a. Verify your listing by video by following these steps:

• Sign in to your Google Business Profile
• Choose the location you wish to verify (if multiple locations)
• Click the Verify Now button
• Select the Start button
• Submit your verification video

b. To successfully verify your listing via video, Google states the following video requirements:

• Present location – a nearby street, building signage, or surrounding businesses
• Company equipment – office fixtures, furniture, or other displays
• Evidence of management – business license, storage room, or point of sale (POS) system

c. How long does the video verification process take?

• Video verification may take several days, depending on support hours.

d. What to do after verification?

• Once your listing has been confirmed, it will now be found in search. Furthermore, you’ll be able to create your first post, view performance insights, and reply to customer reviews. You’ll also be able to upload photos, add attributes, create posts, and update other business information.
• After verification, ensure your listing is optimised to maximise your profile's visibility in Google Search.
  

5. Optimise Your Profile

After verification, enhance and optimise your GMB profile by adding high-quality photos, a business description, hours of operation, special attributes (e.g., wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating), and other relevant details. Make your profile as complete and informative as possible.

a. Add your services

b. Add business hours

c. Add a business description

d. Add a business logo

e. Add a cover photo

f. Add an opening date

g. Add attributes

6. Manage Reviews and Engagement

Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile and respond to them promptly. Regularly engage with customers by posting updates, events, promotions, and other content.

7. Monitor Insights

GMB provides valuable insights into how customers are finding and interacting with your business. Keep an eye on these metrics to make data-driven decisions. You can also opt to add an agency to your Google My Business.

Takeaway