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Google Business Profile: Setup and Optimization

From Zero to Visible:
 
(A free White Paper compiled by Darryl Manning for Get Found Websites https://getfoundwebsites.com/)


Introduction to our FREE Google Business Profile White Paper

Why a Google Business Profile Matters for Local Businesses

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is your business’s free, official listing on Google.

(It is like having a FREE introductory website on Google with information about your business and links to your website, reviews, and more.)

It powers how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps, including your name, address, phone number, hours, website, reviews, photos, products/services, and updates. For many local searches (e.g., “plumber near me,” “best tacos in [city]”), Google prominently displays GBP results before traditional website links. A well-claimed and optimized profile can:
 
  • Increase visibility in local search and Maps
  • Drive calls, website visits, and direction requests
  • Build trust via reviews, photos, and up-to-date info
  • Improve local SEO, helping you outrank competitors
  • Provide insights (analytics) on how customers find and interact with your business

If you don’t claim your profile, Google may still show partial information sourced from users or the web—often incomplete or inaccurate. Claiming or creating your GBP gives you control.

Skipping a Google Business Profile is leaving free visibility on the table. It’s a no-cost way to appear in local search and Google Maps when customers are actively looking to buy.

Without a verified, optimized profile—complete with categories, photos, services, and reviews—you’ll rank lower, lose trust, and hand leads to competitors who show up on Google searches instead of you.
 

Google Business Profile White Paper

You can continue reading the white paper on this page or fill out this form to have it sent to your email to use as a reference.
How to Claim or Apply for a Google Business Profile

In today’s digital-first world, having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for businesses of all sizes. It’s a powerful tool that helps you appear in local search results, connect with customers, and drive traffic to your business. This white paper provides a step-by-step guide on how to claim or apply for a Google Business Profile, ensuring your business is visible and accessible to potential customers.
 
What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps. It provides essential information about your business, such as your name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and customer reviews.
An optimized Google Business Profile can:
  • Increase your visibility in local search results.
  • Help customers find and contact your business easily.
  • Build trust through reviews and accurate information.
  • Drive traffic to your website or physical location.
 
Why Claiming or Applying for a Google Business Profile is Important

If your business isn’t listed on Google, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to attract local customers. Claiming or applying for a Google Business Profile ensures that:
  • Your business appears in Google’s Local Pack, Maps, and search results.
  • Customers can find accurate and up-to-date information about your business.
  • You can engage with customers through reviews, posts, and Q&A.
 
Step-by-Step Guide to Claim or Apply for a Google Business Profile

Step 1: Check if Your Business is Already Listed

Before creating a new profile, check if your business is already listed on Google. To do this:
Go to Google Maps. Search for your business name. If your business appears, it means a profile already exists. You’ll need to claim it instead of creating a new one.

Step 2: Sign in to Google

To create or claim a profile, you’ll need a Google account. If you don’t have one, create a free account at accounts.google.com.

Step 3: Go to Google Business Profile Manager

Visit the Google Business Profile Manager to start the process.

Step 4: Add Your Business

If your business isn’t already listed, follow these steps to create a new profile:
Click on the “Manage now” button. Enter your business name. If it doesn’t appear in the search results, select “Add your business to Google.” Choose a business category that best describes your business.

Step 5: Enter Your Business Information

Provide accurate and detailed information about your business, including:
  • Business name
  • Address (if you have a physical location)
  • Service area (if you serve customers at their locations)
  • Phone number
  • Website URL

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google requires verification to ensure you’re the rightful owner of the business. There are several verification methods:
  • Postcard by Mail: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This is the most common method.
  • Phone or Email: Some businesses may have the option to verify via phone or email.
  • Instant Verification: If you’ve already verified your business with Google Search Console, you may qualify for instant verification.
  • Video Verification: In some cases, Google may request a video call to verify your business.

Once you receive the verification code, enter it in your Google Business Profile Manager to complete the process.

Step 7: Optimize Your Profile

After verification, optimize your profile to make it more appealing and informative:
  • Add high-quality photos of your business, products, or services.
  • Write a compelling business description with relevant keywords.
  • Update your hours of operation, including holiday hours.
  • Enable messaging to allow customers to contact you directly.
  • Regularly post updates, promotions, or events to keep your profile active.

Step 8: Monitor and Manage Your Profile

Once your profile is live, it’s important to manage it regularly:
  • Respond to customer reviews promptly and professionally.
  • Update your information if there are any changes (e.g., new hours or location).
  • Use Google’s insights to track how customers interact with your profile.
 
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Business Already Claimed:
If your business is already claimed by someone else, you can request ownership through the Google Business Profile Manager. Google will guide you through the process of verifying your ownership.

Verification Delays:
If you don’t receive your verification postcard within 14 days, you can request a new one through your profile dashboard.

Duplicate Listings:
If you find multiple listings for your business, you can request to merge or remove duplicates through Google Support.
 
Best Practices for Managing Your Google Business Profile
  • Keep Information Accurate: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are always up-to-date.
  • Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond to all reviews to show you value feedback.
  • Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your business description to improve local SEO.
  • Leverage Insights: Use Google’s analytics to understand how customers find and interact with your profile.
 
Conclusion
Claiming or applying for a Google Business Profile is a crucial step in building your online presence and attracting local customers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your business is visible, credible, and accessible to potential customers.

If you need assistance with creating, claiming, or optimizing your Google Business Profile, contact us today. Our team of experts is here to help you maximize your online visibility and grow your business.