Picture this, after a turbulent workday, making it home late and as exhausted as ever, the worst thing you want to do is slave over an elaborate meal. But with your stomach growling for sustenance, ordering takeout seems like your only option – but where?

Chances are you’ll turn to Google, you’ll pick up your smartphone to find the nearest restaurant with the best reviews and some mouth-watering photos.

These results are often shown through Google Business Profile.

Imagine you are now the proud owner of that restaurant. Congratulations, you just gained a brand new customer!

Google records demonstrate that each month, restaurant searches amount to more than five billion, hotel inquiries total three billion, clothing store searches reach one billion, and hair and beauty salons garner 600 million queries.

As a digital marketer, it is your duty to convert those inquiries into new customers. When prospects are searching for an exact product, service, or kind of business on Google Search and Maps, the Google Business Profile enables them to easily find what they need.

What is a ‘Google Business Profile’?

Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is an invaluable resource for small business owners and nonprofits alike. It offers a wide array of opportunities to communicate with your customers by creating updates on your profile, and monitoring interactions between customers and businesses on Google Search & Maps- all free!

Think of a Google Business Profile as having your own patch of land on the local search engine. When customers must make an instantaneous decision, they turn to Google for direct and speedy results. This is known as a micro-moment in which their query requires urgent attention.

If you have a Google Business Profile, then potential customers can easily find and connect with your business to satisfy their needs.

Keep in mind that while a Google Business Profile doesn’t replace your website, it is an effective complementary marketing profile that helps draw more attention to your website.

A verified Google Business Profile will do wonders for your business – it helps you attract, engage and convert customers. Take advantage of the features available to maximize success:

• Cultivate relationships with customers by engaging them through phone conversations, messaging platforms, or responding to their reviews.
• Witness how your customer base engages with and celebrates your brand on Google.
• Showcase your products, pictures, or menu selections directly on Google.

To get started, it is essential to craft a Google Business Profile. So let’s take the plunge and learn how!

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How to create a Google Business Profile for your business

Now that you’re aware of the amazing marketing possibilities Google Business Profile can provide, let’s take a look at how to create one. Here are seven simple steps for setting up your very own Google Business Profile!

Step 1: Go to Google Business

Take a few moments to open your browser and visit google.com/business, or you can simply click here! Keep this link handy since you’ll need it in the future for managing your Google Business Listing — trust me, it’s worth saving!

Step 2: Log in using your Google Account

Jump into your online experience by clicking ‘sign-in’ on the website, and enter your email address and password. If you don’t already have an account set up, simply head over to google.com/account or click here for easy setup – it’s totally free! Create a personalized account featuring your desired email address and unique password with ease.

Step 3: Input your Business Name

If you’ve already devised a clever or creative business name, now is the time to flaunt it online. Make sure that your title’s spelling and capitalization are spot on – this can be a customer’s first introduction to your brand, so make certain their experience is positive from the start!

Step 4: Input your Business type and Business Address

Nailing the business name is not enough; accuracy on this screen is also essential. Here, you will enter your company’s business type and address for Google to validate its existence. Unfortunately, post office boxes or mailboxes from stores such as Postal Annex and UPS Store won’t do here. Additionally, keep in mind that one residence can only be used for a single business entity.

Step 5: Add your website and phone number

Your website is a significant part of your customer’s experience. Ensure that it has an attractive design and prominently displays the correct contact information, making it simple for customers to reach you. A well-crafted website will make all the difference before they even step foot into your store!

Step 6: Customize your profile

Clear and concise communication is integral to building trust with potential customers. By displaying your business hours, messaging options, a comprehensive description of your company, photos, and services (e.g., for restaurants – dine-in, takeout, or delivery), you’ll give consumers the confidence they need to choose you as their preferred provider!

Step 7: Wait for all of your information to be verified and claim your local listing

Verification of your business may take up to seven working days. Upon confirmation, you’ll receive an alert. If the first option fails to verify your business, please try another verification approach as the “Get verified” button will re-appear again.

Keeping your business information up-to-date in Google Search, Maps and other properties is essential – And the only way to do that is to verify your listing. The confirmation process helps guarantee that everyone remembers the most accurate details of your enterprise and guarantees exclusive access just for you as owner or manager.

Envision a new customer entering your store and informing you that they discovered you on Google. Now, wake up from this daydream because it can become reality with the help of Google Business Profile! Make use of this costless resource brought to you by Google so that more customers will be able to find and connect with your business as soon as possible.