How to claim your Google Business Profile
Many entrepreneurs don’t know this, but Google gives every business a free website called a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). For many businesses, this may be automatically created by Google and auto-populated with information it finds online about your business.
Artist Dynamix has looked at scores of businesses in Western Massachusetts, where we’re based, and over 90% of the businesses we audit online do not update their Google Business Profiles. This means that the businesses that do can easily outshine all the others with a few well-thought-out, strategic updates.
Below is a search engine results page, showing the Artist Dynamix Google Business Profile down the right. As you can see, there is quite a bit more information that we could add here.
Claiming your business profile is important for this and the reasons below:
Take control of how your business appears
Firstly, it allows you to take control of how your business appears in online searches. When you claim your profile, you can ensure that essential information, such as your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation, is accurate and up-to-date.
This accuracy not only helps potential customers find you more easily but also boosts your credibility and trustworthiness.
It’s really important to understand that some people may make a decision about your business before they even click through to your website – based on how impressive your Google Business Profile is.
Manage your online reputation
Secondly, claiming your profile gives you the power to manage your online reputation effectively.
By responding to customer reviews and feedback, you can engage with your customers, demonstrate your commitment to their satisfaction, and address any concerns promptly. This can significantly improve your business’s reputation and attract more customers, as positive online reviews are often considered when people make purchasing decisions.
Blow up your local search rankings
Local search refers to searches online where people are looking for a business in their area to fulfill a need or provide a service or product.
If someone is online looking for a birthday gift, for instance, they may not care where the geographic location of the supplier is, as they can jump onto Amazon and have it delivered to them in a few days.
But if someone forgot about a birthday and they need a birthday present today, NOW, they’ll probably care very much about geographic location. They want a local merchant they can visit and buy that gift.
When they do a search online, it will be a local search.
Common local searches include searches for restaurants, plumbers, doctors, landscapers, web developers, etc.
An optimized and well-maintained online profile can significantly enhance your local search engine rankings. It is an important part of any solid local search engine optimization strategy.
When you provide detailed and relevant information, upload high-quality images, and regularly post updates to your Google Business Profile, search engines are more likely to favor your business in local search results.
This means that potential customers who are looking for products or services in your area are more likely to discover your business, leading to increased traffic and potential sales. Claiming your profile is a vital step in harnessing the power of the internet to grow your business and reach a broader local audience.
Here’s How to claim your Google Business Profile
1. Visit the Google Business Profile website
Start by going to the official Google Business Profile website at https://www.google.com/business.
2. Sign in or create a Google account
To claim your business listing, you’ll need to sign in with your existing Google account or create one if you don’t have it already. Google accounts are free to create.
3. Search for your business
Use the search bar on the GMB website to look for your business.
Google will suggest possible matches based on the information it has.
Click on your business if you find it.
4. Verify your business details
Check the information Google has about your business.
Make sure it’s accurate. If there are any errors, you can correct them.
5. Choose a verification method
Google needs to confirm that you’re the rightful owner or an authorized representative of the business. Google typically provides different verification options:
Postcard
Google will mail a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once you receive it, enter the code in your Google Business Profile account to confirm your listing.
Phone
In some cases, you might verify by phone. You’ll get a code sent to your business phone number.
Email
Google may offer email verification for certain businesses.
Instant Verification
If you’ve previously verified your business with Google Search Console, you might be eligible for instant verification.Select the verification method that’s most convenient for you and follow the provided instructions.
6. Complete the verification
Depending on your chosen method, you’ll need to follow the specific steps to complete the verification process.
If you’re using the postcard method, you’ll have to wait for the postcard to arrive and then enter the code. For phone or email verification, you’ll receive a code right away.
7. Enhance your Google Business Profile
Once your listing is successfully verified, you’ll have full control over your Google Business Profile account. Take the opportunity to provide accurate details, add high-quality photos, and include any other information that can help potential customers learn more about your business.
With your Google Business Profile listing claimed and verified, you can start managing and optimizing it to boost your online presence and local SEO.
Regularly update your information, respond to customer reviews, and post relevant content to attract more local customers.
Next: learn how to leverage your Google Business Profile to get tons of free exposure
We’ve prepared a guide that walks you through the step-by-step process of claiming your Google Business profile and then optimizing it to make sure your business makes the most of the free exposure that Google offers.
This guide will show you what information to update on your profile and give you more information on leveraging the power of the amazing free tool. You can get your free copy of the Google Business Profile guide here.
Fungai Tichawangana
Fungai 'Your Web Guy' is a writer, web developer, and creative entrepreneur. He is the founder of Artist Dynamix and is passionate about helping businesses and creatives use digital marketing tools to take off and fly. When you see him put his hand up, he is reaching for the sky.