Many people choose a business based on its five-star reviews. But how often have you opted for a different business or restaurant simply because the one you originally searched for had little to no information online? To stay competitive in any market, your business must appear in online search results and on Google Maps.
Claim your Existing Business Location(s)
As a business owner, your first step is to claim any existing business location(s). This will give you the control to update your business information as needed and ensure the information is accurate. This includes your business description, photos, contact information, physical address, normal business hours, any special hours, and a link to your website. To claim an existing business listing:
- Go to Google Maps and find your business
- Look for a "Claim this Business" or "Own This Business?" link
- Then click the "Manage Now" button if it’s your business
- Verify your business listing
There are five ways to verify your listing:
- By phone: Get a call or text with your verification code
- By email: Receive an email with your verification code
- By postcard: Get a postcard with your verification code
- By video recording: Show proof of your location in a video
- By live video call: Prove your location in a live call
If your business does not come up in a Google search, then you can set up a brand new Google Business Profile for your business.
Set Up your New Business Location(s)
You can set up a Google Business Profile in under five minutes. It is that easy. Be sure you are signed into Google with your email account. This can be a Gmail account or your current business email. If you do not have an account, you can quickly create one with your existing email.
- Go to Google Search or Google Maps to set up your business profile.
- Select “Add your business”.
- Fill in the details of your business such as name and location and save your information.
- Your business should now have a Google Business Profile
- If you have multiple locations, create a separate Google Business Profile for each one.
Keep Your Locations Up to Date
Now that your business is on Google Business Profile, you're well on your way to showing up in search results. This is an important and essential channel to market your business. Upload photos of your business, both inside and out. Let potential new customers know what your business can offer them. Post any updates or upcoming events to your location's listing and let people interact with your business. Also, make sure that all of your business information is correct and up to date.
Google Business Profile is a free and easy way to make sure your business is at the forefront of consumer decision making. It's important to be there so you can be noticed!
