How to Set Up and Get Started With a Google Business Profile

46% of Google searches have local intent. With billions of searches per day, targeting searches with local intent is an important part of any marketing strategy and having a Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business) is an essential element of that.

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What is a Google Business Profile? 

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a tool for business owners to increase visibility by appearing in local search results and on Google Maps. Creating a GBP is free and allows you to display important information about your business such as location, opening times, contact information, and website. 

It will look something like this:

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How to Set Up an Account

Setting up a basic Google Business Profile couldn’t be easier. Here are the steps you need to follow.
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Step 1: Create a Business Profile

The first thing you need to do is create an account. To do this, head to https://www.google.com/business/. You will need a Google account first, if you don’t have a Google Account you can set one up by visiting google.com/accounts.
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Step 2: Add Basic Business Information

• Business name - The first thing you’ll be asked to add is the name of your business. If your business has an existing listing it will appear in the drop down menu. If one already exists, be sure to use this to avoid creating a duplicate listing. Next, you will be asked to confirm the name of your business. Check you have used correct spelling and capitalisation and don’t include any additional details as these go against Google’s guidelines. 
• Category - Choose the category from the drop down menu that best suits the primary function of your business. This is an important step as it will ensure your listing is seen by the right audience. 
• Location - You will be asked if you want to add a location. If you have a physical store, office, or somewhere people can visit you, click ‘yes’. 
• Service areas - Optionally, you can input the areas where you serve customers. This allows visitors to understand how far you can deliver/offer services and will appear on Google Maps as an area of coverage. 
• Region - Select the region of your business. 
• Contact information - Your contact details will appear on your listing and make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you directly - so make sure it’s accurate!

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Step 3: Verify Your Account 

You will need to add the physical mailing address of your business. Google will then send you a postcard with a code to verify your listing. It should take around four days to arrive. You do have the option to verify later but we recommend getting this step completed straight away. 

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You’re Ready to Go!

When you have completed each step, your basic GBP listing is ready. Once you have finished creating your profile, it’s a good idea to look at optimising your listing to get the most out of your Google Business Profile. 

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How to Share GBP Access 

You may want to give other people access to your listing, whether it be for your internal team or an external marketing team. Only owners can add or remove users and you can do so in the business profile settings under ‘people and access’. 

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Why Google Business Profiles Are Important 

Increases Visibility 

Having an optimised GBP will contribute to your local SEO and help increase your visibility in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you online. 

Provides User Generated Content

Your GBP will show customer reviews. Reviews offer users a great insight into your business and positive feedback can help build your brand credibility and trust amongst visitors. It also provides you with an easy way to engage with your audience and improve customer satisfaction. 

Offers Quick Access to Important Information About Your Business 

Visitors can easily see essential information including your opening times and contact information, making it quick and simple for potential leads to get in touch. 

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Need a Hand With Your GBP?

A good Google Business Profile can accelerate the success of your business and bring valuable traffic to your website. If you feel like your business would benefit from an optimised GBP, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!