{"id":15642,"date":"2024-04-09T13:21:28","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T18:21:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.webii.net\/blog\/?p=15642"},"modified":"2024-10-07T08:59:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T13:59:24","slug":"google-business-profile-how-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.webii.net\/blog\/google-business-profile-how-to\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Business Profile 101: How to Use it & SEO Benefits for Your Local Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Google Business Profile. You may have heard of it. But you\u2019ve most likely interacted with it before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you type in a local search query into Google, such as \u201crestaurants near me,\u201d the search engine results page (SERP) will generate a list of restaurants in the surrounding area based on their distance to your location. This list contains different Google Business Profile accounts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Google Business Profile is like social media for local SEO. It\u2019s an account you create, optimize for search, and post on to attract your local target audience on Google\u2019s platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a Google Business Profile is especially crucial for local businesses. If local customers can\u2019t read your company reviews or your business doesn\u2019t appear in related search results when they\u2019re looking for location-based services or products online, you\u2019ll become lost to your competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a local business owner, we understand managing another social platform and your trade may seem daunting. Google Business Profile is free and user-friendly, making local SEO easier while reaping its benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read our complete guide to Google Business Profile and why local business owners must take advantage of it for their bottom line.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Small

Small local business marketing illustration assisted by AI<\/p><\/div>\n

How to Create a Google Business Profile (GBP): A Step-by-Step Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n

As mentioned above, a GBP listing supports your <\/span>local SEO<\/span><\/a>, which is critical for local businesses. Local SEO uses <\/span>on-page and off-page SEO<\/span><\/a> to increase your local visibility and traffic in the surrounding areas. It helps you reach target customers who live nearby by adhering to Google\u2019s local search algorithm when they use related search queries for your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn how to create a GBP account, optimization tips to attract local consumers, and the benefits it offers your local business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Create a Google Business Profile Account & Verify Your Listing<\/span><\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to creating a GBP account.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Google Business Profile Account Creation<\/span><\/h4>\n

To create a GBP listing, you must have a Gmail account. While you can use a personal Gmail account, we highly recommend creating a separate <\/span>Gmail business account<\/span><\/a> for added data security and to make your brand look more professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Select Your Business Name & Category<\/span><\/h5>\n

If you already have a business Gmail, go to <\/span>business.google.com<\/span><\/a>, and click Manage Now. You\u2019ll enter your exact business name and category from the drop-down list. Pick a business category that best represents your company. If you\u2019re a restaurant, you can type in a sushi restaurant. This information can be updated later, so don\u2019t get too hung up on this part.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Add Your Business Location or Service Areas<\/span><\/h5>\n

Next, you\u2019ll add your business address or general service areas. If you don\u2019t have a physical store or office, you can click \u201cNo\u201d when Google asks, \u201cDo you want to add a location customers can visit like a store or office?\u201d You\u2019ll then enter the local cities you serve to attract people who live in these areas instead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enter Your Business Contact Information<\/span><\/h5>\n

The contact information you add is public, so ensure the phone number, email, and website are valid as people may use this to reach out to you. If you don\u2019t have a website, you can click the option, \u201cI don\u2019t have a website\u201d and hit \u201cNext.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Verify Your GBP Listing with Google<\/span><\/h5>\n

The last step to creating a GBP account is verifying it with Google to ensure your business is legitimate and you provide accurate information. You can skip this step for now but understand that it\u2019s not searchable until you verify.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You can <\/span>verify your GBP listing<\/span><\/a> in five ways:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Phone Call or Text<\/b>: Get a verification code via call or SMS.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Emai<\/b>l: Get a verification code via email.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Video Recording<\/b>: Verify your business via video recording for local businesses with a physical address, like an office or storefront. Google has video recording verification rules, like unedited videos without breaks, and showing evidence your business exists, so ensure you follow their requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Live Video Call<\/b>: Verify your business by joining a live video call with a GBP representative. Google has live video call verification rules, like street names and business equipment, so ensure you\u2019re prepared before meeting with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Mail<\/b>: Get a verification code via postcard within 14 business days.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It takes up to seven business days to verify (except by mail) and you\u2019ll receive a notification once you\u2019re approved or denied. If your listing is denied, you can re-verify after you update your GBP listing information. Common reasons for verification denial, include blurry photos, insufficient evidence to legitimize your business, and dated information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Optimize Your GBP Listing for Search Engines & Users<\/span><\/h3>\n

    After your account is created and verified by Google, the next step is GBP optimization. Optimizing your GBP means adding information to your listing based on Google\u2019s algorithms so it appears for location-based search queries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Your GBP optimization should include:<\/span><\/p>\n