Google Business Profile Initial Setup

Time to add your business to Google for free by setting up your Google Business Profile from the start.

What Is A Google Business Profile, And Why Is It Important?

Google Business Profile is a tool created by Google for anyone who manages or owns a local business.

Its purpose is to oversee your online presence across Google Search and Maps.

It’s more than just a location marker—it’s your digital business card.

By optimizing your profile, you boost visibility in local searches and make it easier for customers to find and engage with your business. 

By optimizing your profile, you boost visibility in local searches and make it easier for customers to find and engage with your business. 

And the most important part: It is FREE!

Here’s why setting up a Google Business Profile is a game-changer for your local SEO campaigns:

Every business, whether a small shop or a service provider, benefits from being discoverable online.

Ready to get started? The Google Business Profile initial setup process is straightforward and user-friendly.  

You’ll claim your business, verify ownership, and optimize your profile in an early stage. 

Once you’re set-up, you can easily manage everything through your Google Business Profile New Merchant Experience (NMX) dashboard. 

How To Add A Business To Google: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check if Your Business Is Already Listed

Start by going to Google Maps or Google search results and searching for your business.

Ensure it is not already listed, as Google automatically adds many unclaimed businesses.

If your business appears in the results but has not been claimed, you will see an option to “Claim this Business.”

Click on it and follow the step-by-step process to claim your listing. Google provides this straightforward process for all business owners.

You must create a new profile if you cannot find your business listed. This ensures that no duplicate or inaccurate listings confuse potential customers.

Step 2: Create a Google Account for Your Business

If you don’t already have a Google account for your business:

a) Visit accounts.google.com.

b) Click Create account and choose To Manage My Business.

c) Enter your business name and email address, and create a strong password.

d) Follow the prompts to complete your account setup.

Pro tip: Use a business email rather than a personal one to keep things organized.

For businesses with multiple branches or larger teams, having a professional email enhances credibility and promotes collaboration.

Once set up, you can access your Google Business login page at business.google.com to manage your profile anytime.

Step 3: Add Or Claim Your Business

Once logged in, click Manage Now and type your business name.

For example, if your business is called “Mega Jersey Plumbers” and is located in Belleville, New Jersey, you would enter this information.

Google will then guide you in selecting a business type.

You will have three options: online retail, local store, or service business.

Select all that apply:

1) Online Retail: Select this option if you operate an e-commerce store or sell products from home and prefer that customers not visit a physical site.

Examples: Digital Printing Service, Custom T-Shirt and Apparel Store, Eco-Friendly Home Goods E-commerce, Subscription Boxes for Gourmet Snacks, Online Electronics and Gadget Marketplace

2) Local Store: This applies to businesses such as restaurants, pet supply shops, and other physical stores that customers visit.

Examples: Bakery, Pizza Restaurant, Grocery, Hair Salon, Gym

3) Service Business: This includes businesses that provide services at the customer’s location.

Examples: Plumber, Roofer, Electrician, Wedding Photographer, Αrchitect, HVAC Services

Step 4: Choose the Right Category

Categories are crucial for helping potential customers find your business.

Choose a broad yet relevant category that most people will likely search for when looking for your services.

For example, a broad category like ‘clothing store’ is ideal if you sell clothes for everyone. In contrast, a niche category like “men’s clothing store’ can help target a more specific audience if it aligns with your offerings.

Additionally, explore niche categories that better reflect your unique services.

Step 5: Add Your Business Address

If you have a storefront, you must get this right at all costs because this small detail can influence most of your business profile aspects, like:

Correct driving or by-foot directions

Verification methods that depend on this (Video Verification and Postcard).

Ranking for “near me” terms based on the searcher’s location.

Step 6: Specify Your Service Area

Accurately list the towns, cities, or regions where your business operates.

Avoid adding locations far beyond your actual reach, as this could negatively affect your profile.

For instance, if your business is in Kansas City, Missouri, include nearby towns like Lenexa or Olathe, but avoid listing places too far away, like Springfield or Wichita.

Google’s guidelines recommend keeping your service area within a two-hour driving radius of your business location to ensure accuracy and build trust with potential customers.

Google uses algorithms to verify service areas, and discrepancies could lead to your listing being removed.

Step 7: Provide Contact Details

Include your phone number and website(optional choice).

Although a website is not mandatory, it can significantly enhance your business’s credibility and visibility while increasing your overall local search rankings.

Ensure the contact information is consistent across all platforms, including your social media profiles and email signatures.

Once you’ve entered your contact information, you can opt-in to receive updates and tips from Google about managing your business profile.

Step 8: Verify Your Business

Google requires proof that your business is legitimate. Verification methods include:

Phone Verification: Receive a verification code instantly via phone call or SMS. This quick method requires a valid phone number listed in your profile and is often available for businesses with an established online presence.

Postcard Verification: It was the most common method back in the old days. Google mails a postcard to the business location, which includes a unique verification code. This process usually takes one to two weeks for delivery.

Video Verification: This process involves recording a video showing your business’s exterior, interior, location, and operations. This helps verify authenticity and ensures that Google can confirm your business details. It has become one of the primary methods for verification.

Instant verification: Verified websites through Google Search Console enable instant verification, which skips the postcard wait and activates your profile quickly.

Live Video Call Verification: You will have a live video call with a Google representative to verify your location and how your business operates in real time.

Follow the instructions provided by Google for your specific verification method.

Google often provides multiple methods to choose from; if the first fails, you can try the next available one.

Google may also ask for a re-verification after verifying your GMB, so keep that in mind.

Once verified, your profile will gain visibility, and you can add more details that attract customers.

You can also skip this process temporarily and return once your initial Google listing configuration is over.

Step 9: Add Operating Hours

You get to adjust the hours of the week your business is open and ready to serve the customers.

Remember that you have to get this right and constantly make changes during holidays or specific seasonal times because people don’t want to call or, even worse, visit your store only to find out that the gates are closed.

And a tiny detail to reference here: Opening hours influence the visibility of GMB profiles, as Google prioritizes ranking open businesses. However, you will not completely disappear from the map.

Step 10: Craft Your Business Description

Create an engaging description with unique selling points to capture user interest and enhance your Google Business Profile.

You don’t necessarily have to do this right away.

In fact, you can study this guide to create the best gmb description that converts, or if you know how to use AI, simply go to ChatGPT and use this custom GPT I made just for that case.

Step 11: Add Photos Of The Store Or Your Work

Gather beforehand some images from the ins and outs of your storefront.

If you’re a service-based business, use some pictures with your equipment, professional vehicles and during work photos.

These are only a few examples of the vast amount of imagery you can include on your business page, but you can always add more later and over time as you manage your GBP.

Remember that photos are one of the best conversion factors you can use. They can significantly increase your Google business profile engagement and bring many people to your business.

Step 12: Free Credits To Get Started (Optional)

Lately, I’ve noticed that Google is offering free Google Ads credits to promote your listing on Maps and in local search results towards the end of setting up your Google Business Profile.

If you plan to use ads for a promotion, you can skip the free claim at the beginning and use them later.

The way this works always differs per profile and industry, but usually, it goes like this:

“Claim €500 advertising credit; you can use it if you first spend €500”.

The credits typically expire within 30 to 60 days after claiming.

Step 13: Use Google Workspace (Optional)

Google Workspace helps businesses appear more professional and provides productivity, collaboration, and communication tools. Users can either try Google Workspace or ignore the suggestion.

You don’t need this in most cases (except if you own or manage multiple branches of a business).

Optimizing Your Google Business Profile For Better Visibility

After verifying your profile and finishing the initial Google Business Profile setup process, you can access your business listing and begin your magic.

Fill in every detail precisely and execute one-time and ongoing optimizations to increase your local search rankings.

Want to make your business stand out on Google? Here’s a short summary of optimization tips:

Begin to edit your business profile core information  — leave no field empty.

Choose accurate additional business categories if applicable.

Add high-quality videos of your business, products, and services.

Encourage customer reviews and respond promptly.

Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, and events.

Optimize the Products and Services sections.

Add Questions & Answers.

Keep track of performance by utilizing Google Business Profile Insights.

And so much more, which you can quickly implement using my FREE Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist.

Take the First Step Towards Local Success

Setting up your Google Business Profile is not an option; it’s necessary for any business wanting to attract clients online.

By following this initial Google Business Profile setup guide, you’re laying the foundation for increased visibility, trust, and direct engagement with potential customers.

Don’t leave opportunities on the table. Start now:

✅ Claim your business.
✅ Verify ownership.
✅ Optimize your profile for maximum impact.

The sooner you get started, the faster you’ll connect with local customers searching for precisely what you offer.

Your future customers are out there—make it easy for them to find you on Google.