14 March 2024

Google My Business, GMB now known as Google Business profile, is an authentic way for businesses to approach customers through Google Maps and search. With the help of Google My Business Profile, business owners can boost business visibility on search engines, gain more credibility via reviews and comments and control business information. What is Google Business Profile? Google Business Profile was first known as Google My Business and My Google Business; it is a free search engine tool that helps businesses influence how their business shows up in search engine search results, maps and shopping platforms. The tool is free to use and helps as Google listing lets businesses connect with targeted audiences through posting updates regarding their products or services. The data is shown across Google and boosts visibility in online search. With an attractive My Google Business account, users can manage their listings and how they are shown across Google gadgets and products, including search and Maps. The tool is helpful for businesses operating locally in some specific area offering a particular set of services. With the help of Google’s business profile, people in the area can easily find it. Around all businesses are eligible to create a Google Business Profile – GBP. It also includes business listings that run online (without physical location).     Simply put, GMB is a way of Google Business listing that effectively boosts the online presence and helps increase profit. Here in this blog, SEO Syrup, one of the top SEO agencies in London, will provide a comprehensive guide on creating a Google Business Profile and its benefits. So don’t wait up, let’s get started: How to create a Google Business Profile? If you want to ensure more chances of success, creating a Google business page can prove to be a smart choice. Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to make Google Business Profile from scratch. Add business on Google Maps: The first step is to navigate to Google Maps and open the menu for further proceeding on the left corner of the page. You will find the “Add your business” button. Click to proceed. Creating Business Account: Many business owners already have business accounts, so they can sign in to skip the step, however, if you don’t have one. Here is how to create it. Click the “Create Account” tab and select Manage My Business from the menu. You will find a form here that requires information. Fill it out. The required information includes your username and other details. Once filled out, click on the “Next” tab. Once done, the account will be verified using your phone number. Once verified, the search engine will ask for a few necessary details and redirect you to their terms and conditions page. Start setting up your Google business profile after clicking the “Agree” tab. Provide Category and Business Name: To start with the GMB profile, select your business name and its specific category. Once you have typed the business name, the search engine will show you existing business listings with similar names in the database. If your business name is not there First, type out your business name. Google will show you a list of existing businesses in its database as you type. If it is not on the list, write the exact business name. Make sure you are not stuffing it with keywords, as it might result in the suspension of the account by the search engine. Once done, type your business category in the given tab and choose the one from the list. The business category helps Google know more about your business and makes it more searchable. The business category can always be changed or added more. Mention Location: You can add a location if your business has one physical location. It is an optional step; however, you might be asked to add a location for a few industries, like hotels. If your business does not have a physical location, click on “No.” On the contrary, if you have clicked on “yes”, the search engine will ask for the detailed address. The address will be shown on Google Maps; therefore, ensure you have typed the accurate results. Google will show you a list of potential duplicate listings; if your address is not there, choose the “None of these” option. Add Service Area: The data under this section varies based on your prior choice of adding or not adding a physical business address. If you have added a business address, the step can be skipped. However, the search engine will ask if you provide office visits or home deliveries. Choose between “yes” or “no” accordingly. You can skip the step if you have not added a business address. All you need to do is choose an area from the given suggestions or type the name of your service area. Fill in the contact information details: Now is the time to add contact information to the profile. Add your phone number and the website link. Visitors will find you using these details, so double-check for any errors. Subscribe to Google for recommendations: Google helps boost visibility by Google Business Profile, and subscribing to it for recommendations and updates is useful for the Google business page. You can choose between yes or no to allow search engines to provide suggestions and best practices for an optimised business listing. Listing Verification: Once the details are filled, it is time to move to the next step, i.e., verification of business listing. Your GMB will be visible once it is verified. Therefore, it’s good to verify business while creating a profile rather than skipping it for later. There are five easy ways to verify businesses. By Call or message on your phone where you will get the verification code By Video Live Call with a support representative By email where you can get the verification code By Video recording where, you can upload a video showing proof of business equipment, location and about you that you are the only authorised manager or business runner. By postcard, however, is time-consuming as you will get a postcard to a