Google My Business – How to Set Up & Optimize Your Profile

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Google My Business – How to Set Up & Optimize Your Profile

Alyson Scott • Dec 13, 2021

A Google My Business account is quick and easy to set up and, best of all, FREE! It’s a great way to boost your SEO efforts and get your website ranking better, so you show up in searches.

If you don’t already have one, we'll break down how to sign up quickly. And if you have an account, continue reading to make sure you maximize your profile to get the most significant benefits.

Benefits of a Google My Business Page:

1. Google My Business helps people find you.

Everyone needs a web presence, whether you are an online business or brick and mortar. People are online searching and shopping – and you want them to find YOU. A GMB account boosts your SEO efforts, builds awareness, and makes it easier for potential clients to get in touch.

2. Google My Business helps you keep your customers informed.

Make sure your customers are getting the most up-to-date information about you and your business. You can add a profile with details such as contact information and business hours so clients can easily find the info they need. You can also post important updates, such as a new product or service, a new location, or share your Covid protocols to keep everyone safe.

3. A GMB page boosts your client’s confidence in you.

A GMB helps you appear more professional in the eyes of potential clients. 70% of people are more likely to visit a business with a complete GMB profile. Your previous customers can also leave reviews right on your page, which helps to build trust and confidence in your organization.

How To Set Up Your Google My Business Profile

1. Sign into Google My Business.

You can set up your account at https://business.google.com/create. Make sure you sign up with your business email.

2. Add your business.

Enter your business name and select the appropriate category for your industry.

3. Enter your location.

Mark whether you have a physical location clients can visit and add your address. In the event you do not have a physical location and have a home office like most virtual assistants, you can hide your personal address by following the three simple steps:

Click on Info on the left-hand side.
Click on the pencil icon next to the address field.
Click “Clear Address”.

4. Fill in your contact info.

Add your contact information (phone, website, Facebook page, etc.)

5. Finish and manage your listing.

Click finish, and you will be asked to verify your business.

How to Verify Your Google My Business Listing

Sign in, click on verify my business, and choose a way to verify. (Postcard by mail is the default option, but you may also be able to confirm by phone or email).

Once you receive your verification code, you can enter and officially verify your business!

How to edit your business.

Sign in and click on edit to fill in your profile. You can add multiple locations, create a bio, add photos, post updates, share new blogs or promote upcoming sales.

How to Make the Most of Google My Business

Fill out the entire profile.

Giving as much information as possible helps Google match you to customer searches. This is also an excellent opportunity to provide potential clients with the info they are looking for.

Add relevant images.

Adding a logo, cover photo, and images of yourself, your business, your products and services, is a great way to build trust with potential clients and showcase all you have to offer.

Make use of the special features.

Depending on your industry, unique features are available to help customize your profile. If you're a restaurant, you can add menus and a link for reservations. Hotels can display their rating and various amenities they offer.

Ask for reviews and respond.

Testimonials help people make decisions about which businesses to choose. Providing social proof is a great way to show potential customers you know your stuff! Respond to positive and negative reviews, keeping things professional and in your brand voice.

Setting up a Google My Business profile takes only a few minutes and is a great FREE way to boost your SEO efforts and online presence.

If you need help setting up and optimizing your Google My Business page, reach out and one of our virtual assistants can help.

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