At BAP Agency, one of the most important first steps we take with our clients is setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP). A GBP (which you may also hear referred to as Google My Business) is your custom business listing for Google and Google Maps. This listing is viewed and interacted with by anyone who searches for your business online. A GBP is a free tool that allows your potential customers to learn more about you just with a quick Google search.
You may be asking yourself, “why do I need to set up a GBP if my business already shows up on Google?” By verifying your listing and setting up your GBP, you can ensure accuracy with the information displayed, make improvements, and you can share updates about your business. Having an active Google Business Profile also provides insight to current performance metrics – you can learn how many people have viewed your listing, asked for directions, or clicked on your website link from Google. In short, your GBP allows for complete control of your business’s Google presence.
Step 1: Add Your Business
The first step towards an active GBP is to sign in to Google with your business account and then head to Google Maps. Enter your business address into the search bar. At that point, you should be able to click the link that says “Add Your Business.”
Step 2: Verify Your Business
Once Google has all of the information about your business that it needs, you will need to confirm with Google that you are, in fact, the business owner or person responsible for the online presence of the business. This can be done in a variety of ways including via phone call, text, email, postcard, and/or video. Google will prompt you to do the appropriate verification method(s) for your business. Once you have completed the verification step, it may take up to 5 business days for Google to satisfy the verification step. This part can be frustrating, but it’s necessary to ensure legitimacy and maintain a credible GBP presence.
My Business is Verified, Now What?
Congratulations! You have successfully set up your GBP! Using this free tool puts you on track to boost online visibility and improve SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which are both vital to your business and its success. Don’t be complacent – be active in keeping your GBP polished. Always ensure your business hours are up-to-date, and add your holiday hours regularly. Similar to how you would want a resume to be current, functional, and visually appealing to score you a job, a GBP should have all of those same qualities, so potential clients stay engaged with you.
You should make sure to have a large quality of business photos on your GBP. Provide clear street views of the building, pictures of your lobby, images of your products, pictures of staff interacting… essentially, provide photos of anything that would make someone feel comfortable pursuing your services. In addition to business pictures, you should utilize your GBP as a social media platform. When you’re highlighting something on Facebook, Instagram, and wherever else, you should take the extra step and make sure to post it to your GBP as well. Use the same caption and the appropriately sized graphic/image.
BAP Agency is Here to Help
Leveraging a Google Business Profile is essential for businesses aiming to boost local visibility and establish a solid online reputation. BAP Agency offers comprehensive social media services and we’re ready to support you from the initial setup to regular updates that keep your profile active and engaging.
We can help make the setup and management of your profile easy, so you can “Make Your Mark” on the world!
