Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets you manage your business’s visibility on Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping. It’s your online business card that helps customers find you and engage with your business.
Why do I need a Google Business Profile?
- Increase visibility: Increases brand awareness and drives conversions from search. Businesses with photos receive 42% more directions requests and 35% more clicks to their website.
- Google Maps presence: A must for offline businesses, as Maps is a key source of customers.
- Customer engagement: The ability to respond to reviews and questions, receive notifications, and post news.
- Inform: Provide up-to-date information: hours, contacts, services, prices, and attributes.
- Local SEO: Profile information influences local search rankings.
- Analytics: Access data on how customers find your business, what queries they use, what actions they take on your profile, photo performance, and call/click tracking.
Who is this useful for?
GBP is suitable for almost everyone:
- Physical businesses (stores, restaurants, salons).
- Online businesses (even without a physical address).
- Professionals and freelancers (lawyers, doctors, designers).
- Non-profit organizations.
How do I create a Google Business Profile or claim an existing business on the map?
- Go to your Google Business Profile page or find your business on Maps.
- Enter a name and select a category (online retail, local store, service business).
- Add an address (if you have a physical location) and/or specify a service area.
- Provide contact information (phone, website).
- Verify business ownership. This is a required step before your profile will be publicly available. Verification methods include video call, video recording, postcard, phone call/SMS, email.
- If your business is already on Maps, look for the “Verify business ownership” option in the location description on Google Maps and complete the verification process.
Important: Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free.
Read more about setting up a Google Business Profile in the article on our Google portal.
When should you contact Google My Business specialists?
If you have any difficulties with verification, managing multiple branches, duplicate profiles, or need ongoing support, you should contact a professional. GBP is an essential tool for local marketing and customer acquisition through the most popular search engine.
The Wise IT team provides Google My Business implementation services. Leave the problem solving to official Google Cloud service partners! Get a free consultation now: