Is Your Business Hidden?
Are you just not visible or showing up when people search for the product or service you have? Do you have a Google Business profile and don’t know what it does for you and the visibility of your business? Apply below for a google business profile audit.
Review Your Google Business Profile (Formerly Known as Google My Business)
Formerly known as Google My Business, GMB, or Google listing, a Google Business Profile (GBP) is Google’s way for businesses to edit and present their business information across Google Maps and Google Search Results. This is the information that shows up when someone in your local area searches for your business.
Your free Business Profile (previously known as your Google listing) makes it easy for people to find your contact information, learn about your products and services, and even see your reviews in order to determine whether to do business with you.
It’s also an excellent tool to help confirm to Google that your information is correct when people are searching for you, your business, and your products, services, or solutions. On top of that, it adds a weight of credibility that you are a viable and trustworthy business.
Your Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business and GMB) helps customers find you in the moments they want to know, go, do, or buy. It is easily found on Google Search and Maps. Plus, it’s already mobile friendly and responsive, making it that much more convenient for people to buy from you or do business with you.
With your Business Profile, you have a great opportunity to show the uniqueness of your business, the fantastic products and services you offer, and social proof that you provide what customers want from you.
The social proof and credibility gained from this free tool positions your business as a valid and valuable business to anyone searching.
If you want more customers, one of the easiest ways to do that is by setting up your Google Business Profile, keeping it active with posts/updates, and responding to your reviews.
Here’s your free access on how to get your local business on Google Search and Maps and use the free Google Business Profile tool (formerly known as Google My Business, GMB, or Google listing).
Google Business Profile Tips Playlist
Q: How much does Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) cost?
A: Free. No cost at all. Please do not let anyone charge you for your Google listing. You can pay to have someone “manage it for you” or “create content for your Business Profile” but know that a Google Business Profile is 100% free.
Q: I am a home-based business. Can I have a Google Business Profile? I’ve heard that you cannot have a GBP without publishing your actual home address.
A: Yes, you can! You can suppress your address from ever being published. When you set up your account, Google will ask you if you would like your location to be published. If you select, “NO, I provide products and services to my customer’s location,” then Google will not display your address.
Q: What if my business is by appointment or my location is not public facing (i.e. I have a warehouse where I keep my tools, supplies, and/or inventory)?
A: You can also choose to not have your address published to Google Search and Maps. If you select, “NO, I provide products and services to my customer’s location,” then Google will not display your address.
Q: Why does Google still ask for my address when I select, “NO, I provide products and services to my customer’s location”?
A: Google still needs your actual address (not a P.O. box) to send a Google postcard, a direct mail piece that has a 5-digit verification code you must enter to prove that you own the business. The Google postcard will be sent to your address as part of the verification process.
Q: I have a website. Do I really need a Google Business Profile since I’m already online?
A: Yes. Google Business Profile supports and promotes your existing website by giving your business a distinct presence on Google Search and Google Maps. Your Google Business Profile gets more exposure than your website. The more you (and all your digital properties) show up on the first page of Google, the better. This is the ultimate tool to get you to show up there!
Q: How do I sign up for a Google Business Profile account?
A: Go to Google.com/Business, click “Manage now,” and follow the prompts.
Q: I have more than one location. How do I handle a Google Business Profile for those locations?
A: If you have several locations, then you can set up each location under the same Google login. You can have up to 100 locations with one free Google account.
Q: It says I need to be verified before I can use my Google Business Profile account. How do I do that?
A: Follow the instructions at Google.com/Business to claim and verify your business for your Google Business Profile. Google will send you a Google postcard, a direct mail piece that has a 5-digit verification code you must enter to prove that you own the business. Do not mistake it for junk mail! Most of the time, this is how the verification process works. In some very unique cases, however, you may be able to verify your Google Business Profile by phone. You will find out if this option is available to you during sign-up.
Frequent Mistakes in Google Business Profiles
Watch out for these 3 most common errors businesses make with their GBP.
Incorrect business name
Be sure that your Business Profile name is correct and reflects your actual business name.
Inaccurate information
Outdated or false information on your Google Business Profile can result in your Business Profile not being visible.
Poor quality or outdated photos
This is about your business, so real photos make a world of difference. Stock photos take away from your credibility. People want to get to know you, your business, your products, and your services.
Actual photos, videos, and virtual tours are an important part of your Business Profile. Plus, these visual assets encourage engagement with your Business Profile and website, which is a key ranking factor on Google.
Basic Checklist to Review Your Information and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Business Info Optimization Checklist:
Official Business Name
Street Address
Suite or Unit
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Website Address
Email Address (company email address)
Short Business Description
Long Business Description
Primary Category
Secondary Category (you can select up to 9 secondary categories)
Business Logo
Business Hours
Special Business Hours (drive up, curbside pickup, holiday closures)
