Having your business listed on Google is a great way to get your brand out there, see reviews, and create an official profile for your business. However, the process of creating and/or claiming a Google Business Profile may be more complicated than expected. Here is how to create and claim your Google Business Profile listing.
Create A Business Through Google Business
- Step 1: Sign in to your business email and go to Google Business Profile
- Step 2: Look to see if your business is already registered, if it is, you should be able to claim it (see below). If not, click ‘Add your business to Google’
- Step 3: Enter the name and category of your business as directed. IMPORTANT NOTE: don’t try to add superfluous info to your business name such as location or your title (eg. attorney or real estate agent).
- Step 4: You will then be asked if you want to add a location customers can visit. If you have a physical office, click ‘Yes’. If not, click ‘No’. If you are service-oriented and work from your home or don’t have a storefront, choose ‘No’ and enter your true service area.
- Step 5: If you chose ‘Yes’, enter the address at which you would like your business to be listed at. (Note: This will also show up on Google Maps)
- Step 6: While technically optional, if you are serious about your Google Business Profile listing, it is recommended that you add a website and phone number. Note: Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) should match as closely as possible across all of your business citations.
- Step 7: Verify the business! You can choose to do this either now or later, but once your business is verified by Google, it will be listed in search and on Google Maps.
⚠CAUTION: Don’t Get Suspended
Over the years, Google’s guidelines have evolved. Make sure you’re aware of what is and isn’t allowed when setting up your Google Business Profile. Stay up to date, and don’t blindly follow an outdated course, blog, or guide that could get your Google Business Profile suspended. Even guides from as recent as last year are still urging business owners to follow practices that now go against Google’s guidelines. Here are a few common ones:
- Don’t try to add superfluous info to your business name such as location or your title (eg. attorney or real estate agent).
- Don’t try to use a PO Box or mailbox in a remote location
- If you’re a service-oriented business and customers do not come to your location, follow Google’s guidelines and only add service areas within a 2-hour radius.
Claim A Business Through Google Maps
If your business has already been created at some point in time, then it should be listed on Google Maps. The easiest way to claim your business through Google Maps is as follows:
- Step 1: Search your business’ name in Google Maps
- Step 2: When your business pops up, look for the shield with a checkmark icon that says ‘Claim this business’. Click on it.
- Step 3: Click ‘Manage Now’. From there, the process is very similar to steps 3-7 as listed above.
Need Help Adding Your Business To Google?
Some business owners do run into issues and find it challenging to get answers. Google doesn’t always tell you exactly what the problem is with your business profile. If you’re having a hard time creating your Google Business Profile, reach out to us at 919-404-7470. We love solving problems, and we’re happy to help.
Or, maybe you know you need to create a Google Business Profile, but you simply don’t have time. We can handle that for you quickly and easily.