Google My Business Profile. How to create your Google My Business Profile and verify your business account with Google?

Almost every business owner knows after reading our blog article “What conclusions do customers draw from Google Maps reviews?” what an online user thinks when evaluating a brand. With the information in this post, you will deepen your knowledge of managing your business online and learn why you should create a Google My Business account. 

GMB – online business management

Have you ever heard the phrase “Every business should have a profile on GMB”? No? Google My Business, or GMB, is one of Google’s services, namely a free tool that helps you position your business online, as well as present basic information about it. Creating a company profile in Google My Business is the first step to make your business profile appear in Google maps, which plays an important role in increasing the visibility of your brand in the online space. Check out how to create a business profile in Google My Business?

Google business profile displays in 2 cases:

1. Typing a specific company name into the search engine. In this case, a business profile with the main characteristics of the company will appear in Google search results.
2. General searches, such as location, industry. With the help of such keywords, potential customers can find your business in Google maps.

However, it is important to remember that your competitors are also presented in the Google Maps panel in the search results. That is why you should stand out among them, so that users will choose you. Customer reviews and ratings will help. The more positive comments your company gets, the better users will perceive your company. If you want to get as many reviews as possible or improve your business profile, use modern application Rating Captain. It is a tool that makes the process of managing your company’s online reputation easier.

Verification of your company profile

Verification of your business profile is a crucial step after creating a business account on Google Maps. This process protects you from activating false profiles on Google. There are several ways to verify your business profile:

1. Postcard. The most popular verification method that is obviously related to the company’s location. If you choose this option, you will receive a verification code through the post mail, which will be valid for 30 days from the date of receipt.
2. Via telephone. This method is suggested if you already have a GMB account and is very quick to perform. An automated machine will call you and give you a unique code for verification. 
3. Via e-mail. Very rarely available method. The verification code is sent to the company email.
4. Google Serach Console. In order to take advantage of Google Search Console verification, it is worth to link your business profile with the previously mentioned tool. Make sure your site is connected to GSC before you enter your business location in Google. 
5. Aggregate Verification. Applies to businesses that have more than 10 branches. This method involves filling out a special spreadsheet that must include information about each business location. 
6. Text message. This is very fast, but also one of the rarely available verification methods. You should receive a text message that contains a special code. 
7. Trusted Verifier. Trusted Verifier is a Google My Business partner that verifies newly created businesses by the method of visiting the business in person and checking some business documents.

Google My Business services

Having Google My Business profile helps in gathering information by both customers and business owners. Some GMB services are described below.

Business information

Have you ever come across a business profile in Google searches? I believe you have! The most important company information a customer searches for is the website, company address, opening hours, phone number or e-mail address. Additionally, you can add a category of the company’s activity (e.g. online store, restaurant), attributes (e.g. payment methods), description. It is worth remembering about the company photos, e.g. team, inside and outside the office, logo, 30-second video.

Posts

If you run a blog or want to share additional information about your company, use the “Entries” option in GMB, of which there are as many as 5 types:

• COVID-19. Entries notifying you of pandemic related changes, e.g. change in working hours, policies related to health and safety requirements, etc.
• Events. Promoting company events, such as holding an educational webinar. There is an option to select any button here.
• News. In this type of entry you can place information about the introduced news, e.g. opening of a new store. Also as in the “Events” there is an option of choosing a button here.
• Products. Description of selected products from the “Products” tab in the Google profile. Entries about products cannot be shared. 
• Offers. Presenting sales or promotional offers. When adding this entry, you can choose the start and end date of the offer, and in addition, the “View Offer” button visible in the Google business profile for customers will be automatically selected.

Statistics

Google collects all possible data about your business profile. First, it shows you how customers select your profile, most often it is search engine and Google Maps. In the statistics panel you will also find information about views, organic actions, as well as from Google Ads. Google also includes statistics about customer integrations with your business (Source: support.google.com):

• how your business profile is found,
• keyword searches,
• how your business is found on Google,
• customer actions,
• searches related to directions,
• trying to call your phone number,
• photo viewing,
• your company’s visibility and recognition.

Reviews

When choosing a local business, as many as 60% of Internet users check reviews on Google My Business (according to Review42). This is the basis for analyzing how a business cares about customer reviews. Everyone wants to be heard, especially clients who have the baggage of a negative shopping experience. That’s why Google created the “Reviews” tab on the business profile so other consumers can compare the reputation of companies and make an informed choice. Read on and find the answer to how effectively manage Google reviews.

It is important to remember not to delete negative comments. Sometimes there are fake reviews from competitors, in that case it’s good to know how to fight fake reviews. We already wrote about this on our blog, read here.

Chat

One of the benefits of having your business profile on Google is effective communication with your clients. With the “Messaging” service, or “Chat” and “Text Message,” which are available on the mobile version of search engine, you can take care of quality customer service. By clicking on the “Ask a question” button, Internet users can ask a question without switching to your website. If you are interested in such an option you should obligatorily install a special application in Google Play or App Store. As the owner you have 24 hours to answer, otherwise this function will be blocked on your Google account.

Products

The service “Products” is most often chosen among the owners of online stores. Already from the name, it is clear that such an option allows you to add products that you sell in your store. All data you need to complete this section are: product name, description, price, photos and category. Additionally, you have the possibility to select any button for a particular product.

There is also a paid version of “Products” – Google Shopping. This tool promotes your goods by displaying them in the 1st row in search results, which helps to increase the visibility of your business. If you want to run an effective product campaign.

Summary

An entrepreneur is a person who not only runs his business but also keeps track of current trends. If you want your business to succeed, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on what’s happening not only in your industry but also in the market. Nowadays, most people decide to do things online: shopping online, studying online, working remotely. In order not to lose potential clients, use the tool we wrote about in this article – Google My Business and control your online visibility and reviews of your business.