In today’s digital age, so many businesses want to gain visibility online. And with Google being the most popularly used search engine in the world, having a Google Business Profile can be a game-changer for your business.

In this blog post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about creating, managing, and optimizing your Google Business Profile.

What is Google My Business? Google Business profile formerly called Google my business. Google My Business is a free tool provided by Google that allows business owners to create and manage their businesses on Google.

Google Business Profile appears on Google Search and Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find your business and learn about your products or services. It also allows customers to find your business information; business name, location, Opening and Closing hours, holiday closing dates, phone numbers, and products or services offered.

To use Google My Business, you need to have a Gmail or Google account. If you don’t have one already, you can create one for free. Once you have a Google account, you can create a Google Business Profile for your business.

How to Create a Google My Business Profile

One fantastic benefit of creating a Google My Business Profile is that it makes it easy to get your business found on Google and attract new customers thereby increasing revenue. Here are the steps to create a profile:

On your mobile or computer device, sign in to your Google Account, or create one.
Go to Google My Business and sign in with your Google account.
Google my business sign up Page
Type in your business name. You may also be able to select your business from the list of suggested businesses as you type.
- In case you get a message that someone else has already verified the business, request ownership of the Business Profile.
  Google My Business; Find and manage your business
Search and choose your business category. Then proceed to the next step.
Choose whether you have a physical location for customers to visit.
- For businesses with a physical location during business hours: Choose Yes.
  - You may be asked to enter your business address or position a marker on a map for the location of your businesses. When finished, click the Next button.
- For businesses that don’t have a physical location during business hours: Click the No button.
- NB: Depending on the category of your choice, some categories require a physical location
Enter the address of your business.
- You can set your service area based on the cities, postal codes, or other areas that you serve.
Enter a phone number and website link.
Proceed to the next step by clicking on the Next button.
- Also, you have the option to create a website based on your information.
Click on the Finish button.
Select a verification option.
- NOTE: We recommend reviewing your information before you request verification.

Verification is an important step to ensure that you are the owner or an authorized representative of the business. A verification code will be sent to you via mail or phone. Once you receive the code, enter it into your Google My Business account to verify your business. Sometimes, verification might take some time for your business to get verified, especially in Nigeria. You might have to request a verification code again.

Once your business is verified, you can start adding more information to your Business Profile, such as photos, hours of operation, and a description of your business.

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How to Manage Your Google Business Profile

Below are useful tips on how to manage your Google Business Profile:

By Responding to Customer Reviews: After engaging with your service or products, customers tend to drop a review of how they feel about your service or product. These reviews are very important to business success online. So, responding to them promptly is very important.
Adding and Updating Information on Your Profile: It is also important to keep your profile information updated in order to make sure that your new and existing customers find the most accurate information about your business. Details such as opening and closing hours, services offered, contact information, and holiday period these details when necessary in order to keep your business profile accurate.
Using Google My Business Features To Enhance Your Profile: It is vital to note, Google My Business offers a range of features to help you enhance your profile and better engage with customers. For example, you can create posts with updates about special offers or upcoming events; add virtual tours of your business; link people directly to bookings or purchases; run ads; track insights into how many people view or call from your listing; and more.

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Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

Optimizing your Google Business Profile can help you rank higher on Google Search and Maps. Here are some tips to help you optimize your profile:

Choose the right category

By choosing the right category for your business can help Google understand your business and show your profile to the right audience.

Using relevant keywords

By strategically placing relevant keywords in your GMB profile can help your business rank higher in search results. Research keywords that relate to your business and include them in your profile content.

Encourage customer reviews

Positive reviews on your business profile can enhance your online reputation and influence potential customers to visit your business. Try as much as possible to encourage happy customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile. At the same time, respond to negative feedback too in a professional manner to show that you care about your customer’s satisfaction.

Use Google Posts

One great advantage of using Google Posts is that it allows business owners to share important news, events, or promotional offers directly on their Google listing. Make use of this feature to provide updates and engage with your target audience.

5. Adding Keywords To Rank For

This is possible when you separate your business name with a slash symbol, thereby adding a keyword you want to rank for.

Reasons Why you need a Google Business Profile

Improve your Local SEO: A Google My Business Profile can help your business to appear in local search results, making it easier for potential customers in your area to find your business. ALSO READ: Some of the best SEO tips to rank your website to the first page on Google Search Engine
Attract More Customers: With your business profile on local results, this tends to attract potential customers to your business. Also, with the information on your Google Business Profile, customers can easily locate and contact you easily.
Connect with Customers: A Google Business Profile provides a platform for you to communicate and engage with your customers through review responses, answering queries, and Google Post updates.
Enhance your Online Reputation: Positive reviews on your GMB profile can impact your online reputation and influence potential customers to visit your business.
Cost-effective: Creating a Google Business Profile is free and can provide priceless exposure and visibility for your business in Google search results and maps.

CASE STUDY: Google My Business Profile Of Skincare Store

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Conclusion

A Google Business Profile is a valuable tool for any business looking to increase its online presence and attract more customers. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a profile that accurately represents your business and helps you stand out on Google Search and Maps.

WHY YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE IS CRUCIAL FOR YOUR ONLINE SUCCESS IN 2023

How to Create a Google My Business Profile