How To Set Up a Google Business Account | Mailchimp

How to create a Google business profile

Every business eligible should have a Google business profile to help them grow their online presence and build brand awareness. Here’s how to claim and set up your free business listing:

Step 1: Claim your account

When you’re ready to begin, you can claim your Google My Business account using Google Business Manager. Google will ask for your company email account, which it will use to help verify you’re the owner or manager of the business.

Once you’re logged in, you can enter your business name in the search bar. If your business doesn’t appear, you’ll need to add it by selecting your business category and going through the steps on your screen.

Step 2: Enter the location

Google will ask if you have a physical location where customers can visit. Depending on your type of business, you may not have a physical business address customers visit.

For example, if you provide a service like a plumber, you might not have a storefront. Either way, click Yes or No to proceed to the next step. If you click No, Google will ask you which areas you service.

Step 3: Enter contact information

The goal is to complete your profile as much as possible. Google needs your business contact information to verify it, so share your business number and website address.

Step 4: Verification

Google needs to verify your business by its location, so you’ll need to give them your business’s address. It will not accept a PO box because you must have a physical location, even if customers can’t visit you there. Google will then give you options for how to verify your account. In most cases, you’ll only have the option to verify by postcard in the mail. However, service businesses may be able to verify through email address.

Once your postcard comes in the mail within a few business days, you’ll enter the five-digit verification code to verify your business.

Step 5: Customization

Once you’re verified, you can complete your profile by entering your business hours, messaging preferences, and description of your business, and upload photos to provide potential customers with as much information as possible.

Always upload photos of your business’s interior and exterior. Believe it or not, your business address is part of your brand identity, so you should only upload high-quality images that can help customers find you.

Step 6: Respond to reviews

Over time, your Google business profile will get reviews. You’ll be notified through the email address you used to sign up for your account.