How to Set up a Google Business Profile
What is now known as a Google Business Profile started in 2004 as “Google Local” and in 2022 Google renamed it and integrated Google My Business into its Google Search and/or Google Maps features. Because Google My Business is now so heavily integrated into Google Search, Google Maps for those with multiple locations, and even Google Adwords, it is a valuable Google service for a business owner.
Key to setting up a Google Business Profile is to ensure your team has a 100% consistent way of indicating your NAP – or “Name”, “Address” and “Phone Number”. Teams for example shouldn’t use ON, Ont. or Ontario variations but consistently use the same format everywhere for these key business location details.
- Business Name – use the business name you would like to appear on the web. This does not necessarily need to be your official, registered name.
- Address – Start by entering the street address in the first line, and then adding a line for the suite or unit number. Google is sometimes finicky with how it displays unit numbers, so you may have to adjust it.
- Phone Number – Keep the phone number simple with the ###-###-#### format. If you are expecting many out-of-country calls it may make sense to put the +1 at the front.
Avoid for example these inconsistent uses of NAP
- 1020 King St. W
- 1020 King Street West
- (416) 000-0000
- 416-000-0000
Claiming Your Listing
Once your listing has been created the next step will be to verify your business with Google. This can often take up to 7 days.
Watch this short video on how to set up a Google My Business account if you want to appear on local search / business results.
Here is a link to the step-by-step instructions to set up a Google Business Profile: https://support.google.com/business/answer/6300717?hl=en
If you had a previous Google My Business Account in place you can learn about the new features and how to transition via: Search Engine Journal – The New Google Business Profile and go directly to the dashboard to manage your account: https://www.google.com/business/