how do i register my business with google

How do I Register My Business with Google

Small, local businesses often don’t have large budgets to compete with big box retailers, but there are still ways to take the lead. Platforms like Google Business Profile help these small businesses manage their online presence on Google and Maps.

Registering your business on Google is free. This blog post teaches you how to get your business listed in Google searches.

What is a Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, is a free Google listing tool that allows you to manage and optimize your business profile on Google. Your business profile mainly includes details like address, contact, operating hours, website link, photos and videos, and reviews.

Let’s see how it works:

Suppose you own a boutique. By listing your business on Google, you are optimizing your online presence for someone in your area searching for “trendy and fashionable clothes near me” or “custom cloth designer in Toronto.”

google business profile

As you can easily spot, the stores optimized for keyword search are showing all the key business details about their business that a customer would want to know.

Take Suzy Shier, for example. They have mentioned where their store is located, contact details, rating, and opening time.

google business profile result

Upon clicking, I can access a more detailed view of their profile, including photos, a summary, reviews, and additional options.

All this information makes up the Google “listing.” It’s simply a collection of business details that a user can easily access online when they search for services, stores, etc., related to your business.

Your GBP helps your audience understand your business and how they can reach you.

What’s featured in Google Business Profile?

Google Business profile features the following:

  1. Key business details like operating hours, products/services, address, etc.
  2. Photos and videos offer an insightful view to customers.
  3. Business updates, like what you are launching and what’s up with your social media or blog section, informing the audience about the arrival of a new collection or special discounts.
  4. Reviews and responses.
  5. Q&A section to address questions.
  6. Booking & appointment option.
  7. Messaging option.

Here are some dashboard features a business can leverage

here are some dashboard features a business can leverage

Why create a Google My Business account?

Your GBP plays a crucial role in boosting your overall online visibility as it lets you establish credibility through reviews and sharing valuable information with the audience.

Tells about your business

You can draw in a huge number of potential customers by consistently using your business information. A person actively searching the services related to your business is likely to trust if he finds all the key details in your profile.

Boost your local visibility

A GBP allows your business to appear in the local search results and Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

Builds your reputation

When you keep your profile updated, it indicates you are a genuine business to both customers and search engines. Potential customers often read reviews before trusting a business. GBPs feature customer reviews, star ratings and written comments. Responding to the reviews helps businesses form a positive image.

Allows you to interact directly with customers

GBPs feature direct messaging, a Q&A section, and reviews, which allow businesses to engage with customers directly. They also offer insights and analytics that provide insights into how customers interact with your business listing. Leveraging this information, businesses can make data-driven decisions.

What do you need to claim and verify your business on Google?

To claim and verify your business on Google, you need a Google account, your business name, address, and phone number. Also, you will likely need to provide additional information, like a business category and sometimes a website address.

To verify ownership, Google will usually send a postcard with a verification code to your business address, though other methods like phone call or video verification may also be available depending on your location and business type.

So, basically, you need to have a:

Google Account

You can create a Google account for free. Many people confuse it with Gmail but less do they know Gmail is one of the features of Google accounts.

Business Profile

This is your free business listing tool. Your listing will appear on Google Maps, the local results of Google Search, and the right-hand Knowledge Panel of Google Search.

Google My Business account

A Google My Business account is a free tool that allows you to manage your business’s online presence on Google, including Google Search and Google Maps. It’s also known as a Google Business Profile (GMB).

Steps to create a Google Business Profile?

  • Create Your GBP listing

Visit the Google Business Profile. Thereupon, click on the “Manage Now” button.

create your gbp listing

  • Provide business details

After clicking on the “Manage Now” button, you will enter into the process of adding your business to Google. Now, start filling in the information, such as your business name.

When you fill your business name, a drop down menu will appear that will show you the business names similar to yours. However, since you don’t have a business profile yet, you should choose the first option that says “Create a business with this name.”

provide business details

After this, click on the “Continue.”

after this, click on the continue

Then, in the next step you have to select your business type from the options available and then click “Next.”

select your business type

If your business type is online retail, you will have to add your website. On the other hand, if you choose “Service business” or “Local store,” you don’t have to add your website.

Finally, enter your business category and click “Next.”

business category

  • Add the location of your business

add the location of your business

Upon choosing online retail or local store as your business type, you will need to add the physical address.

After this step, you have to locate the exact address of your business on Google Maps. However, you don’t have to follow this step if you choose “Service business.” But you can add the areas where you serve.

  • Add Contact Information

add contact information

Enter your business’s contact details, such as the website’s URL and phone number, and click on “Next.” This process is crucial as it makes it easy for customers to reach you.

  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions

agree to the terms and conditions

Read all the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Then click “Continue.”

  • Verify Your Business

verify your business

Now, you need to verify your business. Although this step can be done anytime, you must prioritize it since unverified profiles don’t appear in Google Maps.

Google may verify your account in multiple ways, including phone, postcard, video recording, live video call, and email.

The verification options are mostly based on your business type, location, etc. For example, businesses with physical locations will likely be verified by postcards.

This process can take from a few minutes to a week.

  • Finish up adding the remaining information

Now, it’s time to add the remaining details. The more detailed your profile is, the better its chances of appearing in local searches.

How to verify your business on Google?

verify your business on google

There are two ways to claim your business profile, let’s learn what are the steps involved in both:

Method 1: Verify your business profile directly from the Google My Business page

  1. Log in to your Google account and go to your business profile.
  2. Click on “Get Verified.”
  3. Choose your preferred method, like email or phone.
  4. If you choose email, check your inbox for a verification code and enter it on the Google My Business page.
  5. Your business profile should be verified once you enter the code.

Key points to note

  1. Depending on your location, you might have options like a video recording or a live video call for verification.
  2. After you submit your verification request, Google may review and confirm your business in a few days.

Method 2. Verify your business profile directly from Google Maps

  1. Open Google Maps
  2. Search for the business name and select the correct profile.
  3. Tap on “Claim this business” in the business profile.
  4. Select a verification option.
  5. Follow the instructions provided on the screen.

How to claim existing Google business listing?

Google can generate business information automatically in some instances. This can happen even when a business does not have a Google Business Profile.

You can claim this unmanaged listing. This will give you complete control over the listing, which means you can personalize your business details and correct the inaccuracies. Moreover, you can engage with your customers.

Here is how you can claim the existing GBP:

  1. Go to the business profile on Google.
  2. Click on the “Manage Now” button.
  3. The rest of the steps are the same as creating the GBP.

How do I request access to a GBP?

If you are unable to claim your GBP listing, it is because it is being managed by another account.

In such a case, you can request to claim the ownership of GBP.

For this, you also need to go to your Google Business Profile and click on “Manage Now.”

Next, type in your business name, and you will see a drop-down of listings that match the name and address of your business. Click on your business name that represents your business.

Now, Google will confirm that another email address manages this listing. Click on “Request Access.”

After this step, Google will ask you for some details, as shown in the picture below. Fill out the form and click “Submit.”

And, that’s all; you have sent the request to the account holder.

What to do after requesting the ownership?

The current account holder has three days to respond to your request. To check the status of your request, you can sign in to your Business profile or click on the link in the confirmation email.

Now, there are can follow outcomes:

  1. You’ll be notified that your request is approved via email.
  2. Your request may be denied. In this case, you can suggest an edit to the profile or appeal the denied request.
  3. You don’t hear back. If you don’t get a response after three days, you can claim the profile yourself. However, this may not always be feasible.

How to Manage a Google Business Profile?

To manage your profile:

  1. Keep your business information updated
  2. Respond actively to your customers
  3. Leverage the posting feature to share the news about your latest collection or blog.
  4. Review your performance data to get insights into customer behaviour.

Did you know 46% of Google searches have local intent (Source: Search Engine Roundtable)? This highlights the growing importance of Local SEO.

If you also want to target local search queries effectively, consult SEO Toronto Experts today, as we can help you with the following:

  1. Local SEO audit
  2. Local keyword analysis
  3. Landing Pages Creation
  4. Building Local NAP Citations
  5. GBP Optimization
  6. Maintain Reviews

We offer these services to both B2B and Ecommerce brands.

FAQs

Is a Google My Business account free?

Yes, creating a business profile and listing your business on Google is completely free.

How do I set up a Google My Business account?
  • Create a Google Account: If you don't have one already.
  • Go to Google My Business: Visit https://business.google.com/create
  • Start the Process: Enter your business name and address.
  • Verify Your Business: Google will send a verification code by phone or postcard.
  • Provide Business Details: Add your website, hours, and attributes.
  • Add Photos: Include a profile picture, cover photo, and other relevant images.
  • Create a Post: Share updates and news about your business.
How do I get my business on the first page of Google?

You can boost your online presence on Google by focusing on different types of SEO and local SEO. SEO Toronto Experts have more than a decade of experience in helping businesses rank at the top of SERPs. Discuss your requirements now and prepare yourself for the future of SEO!

What is the function of Google Business Profile?

Google business profiles can help customers find your business online conveniently. They can also help businesses boost their online presence and build a positive reputation.

How can I see my business on Google?

You can see your business on Google simply by searching it on Google Search or Google Maps.

What types of SEO services does a business need to boost its online presence?

You can find this out by consulting with an SEO agency. They will assess your needs and offer you personalized services. Usually businesses often need the following types of SEO services:

If you need help with any of these, talk to SEO Toronto Experts.

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