It also provides businesses with access to promotions and marketing tools to reach more customers. The Google My Business app gives you an important tool for boosting your local search presence and engaging clients online. Google Business Profile is a free business listing from Google. It allows you to provide details and photos of your business, including your location, services, and products.
You can now update your Business Profile directly from Google Search and Maps. To start, sign in with the Google account used to verify your business. On Google Maps, tap your profile picture on the top right corner of the mobile app and select “Your Business Profile to access these tools. On Google Search, look up your business by name or search “my business to update your profile.
Create your profile at no cost, and you can manage your business from Google Search and Maps to start reaching more customers. In particular, a listing for a local business is more likely to appear when people search for a nearby business using Google Maps. Business Profiles have replaced Google Places for Business, Google Listings, and Google+ Business Pages. If you have special hours for holidays or even as a one-off, make sure they are reflected in your Google Business Profile.
Most businesses verify ownership via phone, SMS, or requesting and receiving a postcard to your address from Google. You can show that you offer both in-person and online services on your Business Profile using attributes. This includes businesses with a physical location (like a restaurant or store) and businesses that provide services by meeting with clients in other locations (like consultants or plumbers). Google Business Profiles have strong local SEO, so the information you share will rank above third-party sites that might have out-of-date details.
If you’re already logged into a Google account, you’re automatically logged into Google Business Profile Manager. If you’re looking for additional guidance, schedule 1-on-1 time with a specially-trained Google Advisor to get recommendations for your Business Profile and more. You can also have a profile if you’re a hybrid business that serves customers at your business address and visits or delivers directly to customers. Once you have a Google My Business listing, clients can easily locate your company online and in person.
If your business does not have a location customers can visit but offer in-person services or deliveries, you can list your service areas. Without a Google My Business listing, you are missing out on a lot of visibility that any other sane business owner would love to have.