How to Create a Google Business Profile with its Verification: A Definitive Guide

Safalta expert Published by: Ishika Jain Updated Thu, 09 Feb 2023 02:47 PM IST

Highlights

More than you might realise is possible with your free Google company listing, also known as your business profile. When properly designed, it highlights your best qualities and makes it simple for customers to find, understand, and get in touch with your company.

Source: Safalta.com

Owners of businesses can connect with customers through Google Search and Maps by using Google My Business, currently known as Google Business Profile. Maintaining a company profile enables you to take control of your information, acquire credibility through reviews, and enhance your visibility on Google.

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Table of Content:
Configuring a Google Business Profile
Start a business account on Google
Go to the Gateway for Google Business Profiles
Find the Company
Include the company name and the category
Go to the place of business
Does the company offer services or deliveries to homes?
Add Contact Information
Maintain Knowledge
Check the Company
 Add Your Hours of Operation
Include texting
Include a business summary
Upload Images:


Configuring a Google Business Profile:

One of the best tools for marketers to use when interacting with local businesses is Google Business Profile, originally known as Google My Business. Without GBP, firms cannot appear in the Local Pack or Local Finder, which ought to be a top priority for organizations of this kind. According to research, 88% of customers who conduct local product or service searches on their mobile devices will call or visit a business within a day. Additionally, 97% of customers claim that they find out more online than from any other source about local businesses. These two excellent numbers underline how crucial it is for nearby companies to establish a good internet presence. The first step to successful SEO is setting up a Google Business Profile for the company or the local businesses you're collaborating with. This in-depth tutorial will show you how to create a Google Business Profile in the right manner since doing so is crucial.

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Start a business account on Google:

You must first create a Google Account to order to build a Google local listing. Everyone can get a Google Account, and using one is easy.
To create your Google Account, you could either are using an existing email address or create a new one. To get started, go to accounts.google.com and click "Create an account."


Go to the Gateway for Google Business Profiles:

Go to google.com/business and click "Manage now" once you have the new email address to get started:
  • Google has several business-related products and services, including Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite), Google My Business, and Google AdWords.
  • Google Workspace is a business-oriented suite of productivity and collaboration tools that includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Meet.
  • Google My Business is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence on Google, including search results and Google Maps.
  • Google AdWords is an advertising platform that allows businesses to display advertisements in Google search results as well as on other websites throughout the internet.
All of these products are available via the Google Workspace or Google Ads Dashboards, which serve as a central hub or "gateway" for managing your Google business tools.

Find the Company:

To start, enter the company name to determine if a profile already bears that name. If it does, you will see it show up as you type. Click "Add your business to Google" if the business name doesn't show up. Don't worry if the company already has a Google Business Profile created for them. You can ask to be given control over the profile's management. You will be taken through the procedure if you simply click "Request Access."


Include the company name and the category:

The next step in creating a new profile is to add the business name & category. The name you give here must be an exact match to your company's legal name. Avoid the temptation to include any keywords in the name because Google prohibits this. Select the category that best describes the business next. Don't worry if you're not entirely sure what to choose just yet. You'll have the chance to update this within the profile later, in addition, to adding more categories.
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Go to the place of business:

The address can now be given if the company has a physical location. To verify the location, you might be requested to place a pin on a map. To avoid any client confusion or problems with the verification procedure, the address you provide must be precise and comprehensive.


Does the company offer services or deliveries to homes?

Select "Yes" on the following screen if it is a service-area business or if the company delivers goods to clients' homes. You must indicate the regions that the company distributes to or services if you choose "Yes." Each time your company grows, you'll be able to add additional locations and change this information at a later time.

Add Contact Information:

The business's contact information must then be added. In addition to entering the phone number, you can also include the company website. Tick the box on this page if the company doesn't have a website. You can add this information if a website is later developed. You must submit the client's contact information when setting up GBP on behalf of a client as an agency, not your own. It's a good idea to make it obvious to your client that Google will get in touch with them for the verification procedure, which we'll cover in a moment.


Maintain Knowledge:

You'll be asked if you want to receive helpful hints and suggestions from Google before proceeding to validate the business. You are under no duty to accept this information, but you might find it useful.

Check the Company:

You must select a verification technique at this stage to demonstrate that the company is open at the provided address. The most typical method of verification is to get a postcard in the mail at the business address, but you may also have the choice to confirm by phone or email.

 Add Your Hours of Operation:

It's crucial to include your business hours so that potential clients will know when to come by or get in touch with you. The hours you indicate must be exact, and you must always update this information if your operating hours vary, whether they do so permanently or just temporarily. Your business's hours may temporarily change for several reasons, including statutory holidays or sick employees. It's a great idea to inform your customers in these circumstances.
Include texting:

It's a terrific approach to engage your audience and increase sales to accept messages from potential buyers inside GBP. However, you have to only make use of this feature if you intend to maintain it constantly. Unresponsiveness to messages will undermine user experience and jeopardize the reputation of your company. Simply click the option to accept messages if you desire to. At any time, you can return and stop using this feature.


Include a business summary:

Giving them a description of the company will enable them to determine whether it meets their demands and what it is all about. You have 750 characters to utilize in this part, so make the most of it by using them to succinctly convey the most crucial facts.


 
Upload Images:

Including images is a great approach to give potential customers a better idea of the company and a taste of the brand. Customers have the option of adding their images to the listing, while others will do so while writing a Google review for you. It's a good idea to mix in a few of your images among the user-generated content because you won't be able to control the order in which pictures appear on your listing. Make sure to highlight various features of your goods and services as well as various locations within your actual establishment.

 
More than you might realize is possible with your free Google company listing, also known as your business profile. When properly designed, it highlights your best qualities and makes it simple for customers to find, understand, and get in touch with your company.
 

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What do Business Owners Pay for Google Guarantee?

Verified business owners must pay $50 every month for Google Guarantee; this fee is just for Google Guaranteed businesses. Your company's Google My Business listing will be updated as a result of this certification.

What occurs if your Google business account isn't verified?

You have no control over the information that appears in your business profile without a Google My Business account, and according to a BrightLocal survey, 68% of customers would quit patronizing a local business after seeing inaccurate information online. Your reputation could suffer.

How long does it take for Google to verify a business?

It takes roughly 5 days to complete the verification process. You'll receive a message if the procedure is successful. Otherwise, the "Verify Now" button will reappear on the app, and you will have to authenticate your company's listing using a different way.

Can Google verification be avoided?

Since it is a crucial security measure, there is no official way to get around Google account verification.