Here are easy steps on how to create a Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business).
Have a Google Business Profile (GBP) is important, especially to local businesses. Here are the easy steps on how to create one:
Step 1: Create a Business Google Account
Before you can create a Google Business Profile, you’ll need to create/sign into a Google Account. Visit accounts.google.com and choose ‘Create an account’. If you already have an account, choose ‘Sign in’ instead!
Step 2: Go to the Google Business Profile Gateway
Visit google.com/business and click ‘Manage Now’ to begin. Search your business name to make sure it’s not being used by anyone else. If it is, you can request that management of the profile be handed over to you. Just click ‘Request Access’ and you’ll be guided through the process. If your business name doesn’t appear, then click ‘Add your business to Google.'
Step 3: Business Name & Category
The business name that you use should exactly match your official business name. Do not add any keywords into the name! Next, choose the category that most closely matches the business. In total, you will have the option to set one primary category and up to nine secondary categories.
We recommend using only four categories to simplify both your customers and the search engine's understanding of your company.
Step 4: Physical Location
If you have a physical location that customers can visit for face-to-face interactions, then select ‘Yes’ and click ‘Next’ to provide the address. It’s important to make sure the address is accurate and complete to avoid any confusion to customers or issues with verification. If your business only operates online, or has a physical location but doesn’t receive customers in person, then select ‘No’ instead.
Step 5: Home Deliveries/Services + Service Areas
If you operate as a service-area business or if you deliver services to customers at home, then select ‘Yes’ on the next step. If you select ‘Yes’ then you’ll need to enter the areas (zip codes/cities) that your business serves or delivers to. You can come back and edit this info later, and you’ll be able to add new locations if you ever expand!
Step 6: Contact Information
Enter your business phone number and website URL.
Step 7: Verification
In this step, you’ll need to choose a verification method to prove your business is operating at the provided address.
Postcard (Most Common)
- Receiving a postcard by mail to the business address is the most common route for verification. It usually arrives within 5 days.
- The postcard will contain a code that must be entered into the appropriate place within your GBP account. If you don’t receive the postcard, then you can request a replacement.
You can also verify by phone or email, but those options aren’t available to everyone.