Google Business Profile: Why Every Business Needs One and How to Set It Up

When was the last time you searched for a business online? Did Google pop up that neat little box with the company’s name, hours of operation, and even customer reviews? That’s Google Business Profile (GBP) working its magic! Whether you’re running a bakery, a barber shop, or a tech consultancy, if you’re not on GBP, you’re missing out on serious visibility. So, sit back, get comfortable, and let’s dive into why Google Business Profile is your business’s best friend—and how you can set one up to shine online.

What Is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool that helps businesses manage their presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It allows you to control how your business appears to potential customers, giving them all the info they need at a glance—like your address, opening hours, website, phone number, and customer reviews.

Why Is It Important?

Imagine you’re hungry and looking for prata joint nearby. You hop on Google, and it shows you the nearest spots, complete with reviews, directions, and even photos of their delicious pratas. Now, imagine your business not showing up in those search results. Sucks, right?

Here’s why your business needs a Google Business Profile (aka GBP):

• Improved Local Search Visibility: Having a GBP helps your business show up on Google Search and Maps, especially for people looking for services “near me.”
• Customer Trust: A business with verified details and reviews is more credible. GBP helps build that trust.
• Easy Access to Information: Whether it’s your hours of operation or the latest updates, GBP ensures that your customers have all the info they need, fast.
• Engagement Opportunities: Through reviews and Q&A, your customers can engage with your business directly on the platform.

How to Create Your Google Business Profile (Step-by-Step)

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a GBP yet, no worries. It’s pretty straightforward to set one up:

1. Go to Google Business Profile: Visit business.google.com.
   
2. Sign in with Your Google Account: You’ll need a Google account to manage your profile. If you don’t have one, create it first.
3. Enter Your Business Name: Type in your business’s official name. If it already exists, you’ll see it pop up in suggestions. For the sake of this guide, we will create a GBP for a made-up business called PrataSifu😎
   
4. Choose Your Business Category: Select the most relevant category for your business (e.g., “Indian Restaurant”).
   
5. Enter Your Location: Depending on the business category you selected in previous step, Google will decide if you are required to enter a location.
   Pro-tip: If your business doesn’t have a physical location, eg you operate an online store, or you are a freelance consultant, etc. You may indicate a service area instead, eg “Singapore”, “West Singapore”, etc.
   
   • If you chose “Yes” in step #5, enter your business address
     Indicate if you provide deliveries or home and office visits
     
     If you do offer deliveries or home and office visit, you’ll be asked to add the areas you serve
     
     
   • If you chose “No” in step #5, you’ll be asked to indicate your service area
     
6. Add Contact Information: Enter your business phone number and website URL if you have one.
7. Verify Your Business: Google will need to verify your business either by giving you a call or send text message to your phone number to confirm that your business exists. If the phone number you provided is a landline, your only choice is to get Google to call you. Else you may choose for either a call or text message if you have given a mobile phone number.
   Pro-tip: The call is automated and you will be given a 6-digit code, which will be used for verifying your GBP.

Once verified, your Google Business Profile will be live!

How to Claim an Existing Google Business Profile

Maybe someone already created a profile for your business—no problem. Here’s how to claim it:

1. Search for Your Business on Google: Type your business name in Google Search or Maps.
2. Click on the Profile: When your business profile appears, click on the link that says “Own this business?”
3. Follow the Prompts: Google will guide you through the steps to claim ownership. They’ll ask for some proof, like your business address or a verification call.
4. Verify Your Business: You’ll likely need to verify your ownership just like you would when creating a new profile.

Keeping Your Profile Up to Date: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve got your GBP up and running, keeping it updated is crucial. Here’s how you can make sure your profile stays fresh:

1. Sign in to Your Google Business Profile: Go to business.google.com and log in.
2. Select Your Business: If you manage more than one business, select the correct one.
3. Edit Business Info: Click on “Info” from the sidebar to edit details like your address, hours, and phone number.
4. Post Updates: Share special announcements or offers by clicking on “Posts.” This keeps your customers informed about what’s new.
5. Manage Photos: Go to the “Photos” tab to add or update images of your business, products, or services.
6. Check Insights: Google provides data on how many people are seeing your profile, how they interact with it, and where they’re coming from. Use this info to adjust your strategy.

Features of Google Business Profile You Should Know

GBP isn’t just a directory listing—it’s a full-on engagement tool! Here are a few features you can take advantage of:

• Updates: Keep customers in the loop with special offers, new services, or upcoming events. Posting regularly boosts your visibility.
• Reviews: Customers can leave reviews, and you can respond directly. This is your chance to build trust and loyalty.

How to Ask for Customer Reviews

Now, reviews are golden. But, how do you get them? Here are a few simple ways to ask:

• Directly Ask: After a successful sale or interaction, ask your customer to leave a review. A quick “Would you mind sharing your experience on Google?” works wonders.
• Email Follow-Up: Send a follow-up email with a link to your Google review page, making it easy for customers to leave feedback.
• In-Store Signage: If you run a brick-and-mortar shop, a simple sign at the counter asking for reviews can nudge customers to do so.

Handling Negative Reviews

Negative reviews—every business gets them. It’s how you respond that matters:

1. Stay Calm: Don’t take it personally. A defensive response can make things worse.
2. Acknowledge and Apologize: Start by acknowledging the customer’s experience and apologizing for the inconvenience.
3. Offer a Solution: Let them know you’re taking steps to resolve the issue or invite them to contact you directly to discuss further.

This shows other potential customers that you care and take feedback seriously.

We care about this topic so much we wrote a blog post about handling negative reviews. Have a read!

Need Help Setting Up Your Google Business Profile?

Not sure if you can handle all this on your own? No worries! We’re here to help. If you’re not confident setting up or managing your Google Business Profile, reach out to us. We’ll get everything set up and optimized, so your business shines online. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your Google Business Profile up and running today—because being found online shouldn’t be left to chance.