What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your virtual business card at Google. When someone enters your business name in Google Search or Google Maps, this profile appears as the first point of contact.

It's free and allows you to show your most important information: from address and opening hours to photos and customer reviews. By filling in this information carefully, you radiate reliability and increase the chance that potential customers will choose your company.

With a complete and professional company profile, you clearly distinguish yourself from competitors who have hardly or hardly set up their Google listings.

Why You Should Claim Your Business on Google

Let's say you run a local bakery or a landscaping company. So how do new customers end up with you?

Many people start their search directly with Google. If you don't claim or optimize your GMB listing, you run the risk that your business will be barely visible, even if people specifically search for your services.

When you build a complete and up-to-date profile, your business will:

• Stand out more in local search results: Customers in your area see your listing more quickly, with the advantage that they don't have to scroll through a laundry list of other companies first.
• Increase your reliability: With complete data, current photos, and reviews, you show that you are professional and active.
• Improving your position in Google: According to Google, a comprehensive and consistently updated profile often gets higher priority in search results. And because most people don't look beyond the first page, that higher spot is worth its weight in gold.

Step-By-Step Guide to Claim Your Business on Google

Are you convinced of the importance of a Google Business Profile? Then it's time to claim your GMB listing. Follow these steps to become not only discoverable but also attractive in Google:

Step 1: Go to Google Business

Open the Google Business page and sign in with the Google Account that you want to connect to your business. Don't have a business account yet? Then create one so that all communication remains central and professional.

Step 2: Fill in Your Company Details

Be accurate and consistent. Use the same company name, address, and contact information as on your website and other platforms. This way, you can avoid confusion among customers and Google. Also, choose the most appropriate category, so you'll appear in the right search results faster.

Step 3: Continue to Complete GMB Listing

Include a clear company description, keep your opening hours up to date, and upload relevant photos. The more complete the profile, the more reliable it looks.

Do you run a restaurant? Then show pictures of your dishes and interior, for example. Do you have a hair salon? Then a glimpse of the end result with satisfied customers immediately inspires confidence.

Step 4: Verify

Once you've filled in all the details, Google wants to make sure you're really the owner. Depending on your preference and availability, you can opt for phone verification, SMS, a postcard, or direct verification via Google Search Console. The choice sometimes varies by business type.

Step 5: Optimise and Track

Ready? Actually, you've just started. The strength of a Google Business Profile lies in regular updates. Adjust your business hours for holidays, respond to customer reviews, and add new photos regularly. This way, you stay relevant and keep the attention of both Google and potential customers.

The Importance of Staying Updated

Claiming your Google Business Profile is just the first step. To get real results, you need to check and update your data regularly. Imagine you have adjusted business hours during the holidays but don't provide them to Google. That will mean that potential customers are locked in front of a closed door.

Customer reviews also require attention: a quick and friendly response shows that you are customer-oriented and value reliability. For help with your review management, check out our software: RepManager.

In addition, it is smart to regularly post new photos or updates, for example about current promotions or new products. This keeps your profile attractive and up-to-date for both Google and interested visitors.