Getting Started
1. Visit Google Business Profile:
2. Sign in: Use your Google account (create one if needed)
3. Add your business: Click "Add your business to Google"
4. Enter business name: Type exactly as you want it to appear
5. Select business category: Be specific (e.g., "Italian Restaurant" rather than just "Restaurant")
6. Add location information:
- For businesses with a physical location: Add your address
- For service-area businesses: Specify service areas
7. Add contact information:
- Phone number (preferably a local number)
- Website URL
- Business email
Verification
1. Verify your business:
Options typically include:
- Postcard by mail (most common, takes 3-5 days)
- Phone call or text (if available)
- Email (if available)
- Google Search Console (if your website is verified)
2. Enter verification code when received
Optimize Your Profile
1. Add business hours:
- Regular hours
- Special hours (holidays, seasonal changes)
2. Add a business description (up to 750 characters):
- Start with most important information
- Include your unique selling proposition
- Mention products/services
- Use keywords naturally
3. Add photos (high quality, well-lit images):
- Cover photo
- Logo
- Exterior photos (building, entrance)
- Interior photos
- Product/service photos
- Team photos
4. Add products or services:
- Create categories
- Add items with descriptions and prices (if applicable)
- Include photos for each item
5. Create posts (update weekly):
- What's New posts
- Offers/promotions
- Events
Advanced Optimisation
1. Set up messaging: Allow customers to message you directly
2. Add attributes: Highlight special features (Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, etc.)
3. Create a booking link/button: If applicable
4. Set up Q&A: Add frequently asked questions and answers
5. Respond to reviews: Reply to all reviews promptly and professionally
Monitor & Maintain
Check Insights regularly: Monitor views, searches, and customer actions
Keep information updated: Hours, services, photos
Post regularly: Weekly is recommended
Respond to messages promptly: Aim for within 24 hours
Troubleshooting
1. Ownership conflicts:
If someone else has claimed your business
- Request access from current profile manager
- Appeal to Google Support
2. Suspended account:
- Review Google guidelines
- Submit reinstatement request
3. Incorrect information:
- Suggest an edit
- Contact Google support
Quick Tips
- Google ranks complete profiles higher
- Respond to all reviews within 24 hours
- Update photos quarterly
- Create seasonal posts and offers
- Monitor competitor profiles for ideas
- Local keywords in description help visibility
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across web
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