It’s no secret that your business’s success depends on being found by the right people. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to Google My Business.
Imagine you own an HVAC repair business. When you create your Google Business Profile, your listing can appear in local search results when people nearby search for services like yours. Your profile displays key details that help potential customers choose your business, including:
- hours
- location
- contact information
- customer ratings
You’ll also appear on Google Maps, which users can use to contact or drive to your business near them..
In short, learning how to Google My Business helps you reach more people, build credibility, and attract local customers. Below is a how to guide to get your Google Business Profile created.
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business (GMB), is a free tool for business owners to manage how their business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. Your profile can display key information such as your address, phone number, hours of operation, website, and customer reviews.
When optimized, your Google Business Profile can help increase your visibility in local search results, build trust with potential customers, and make it easier for people to connect with your business, whether they’re down the street or visiting from out of town.
How To Claim My Business on Google: Essential Steps
Setup Google My Business
To get started, head to Google My Business and sign in to your Google account (if you don’t already).
Then, follow these key steps:
- From the GMB homepage, click Manage Now. You’ll be prompted to search for your business.
- Enter your business name and select it from the list. If your business doesn’t show up, and you’re choosing to add it to Google, you’ll be asked to provide your business name. Type it in the field and select Next.
- Enter your business name and select it from the list. If your business doesn’t show up, and you’re choosing to add it to Google, you’ll be asked to provide your business name. Type it in the field and select Next.
- Now you’ll be asked if you want to add a location for your business on Google Maps. Select Yes or No, then select Next.
- Now you’ll be asked if you want to add a location for your business on Google Maps. Select Yes or No, then select Next.
- If you choose to add a location, you’ll be asked to provide the address. Google might also prompt you to add a location marker on the map for it. If you choose not to add a location, you’ll still be asked if you serve a particular region. In either case, enter the requested information and select Next.
- If you choose to add a location, you’ll be asked to provide the address. Google might also prompt you to add a location marker on the map for it. If you choose not to add a location, you’ll still be asked if you serve a particular region. In either case, enter the requested information and select Next.
- Now you’ll be asked to specify what type of business category yours falls into, such as “marketing agency.” You can always change this later. Enter the category, and click Next.
- Next, you’re prompted to provide contact and website information. Enter it, and select Next. You’ll be brought to a page where you can verify your business. Review it, and click Finish. You’ll also be asked to choose a verification option.
- Next, you’re prompted to provide contact and website information. Enter it, and select Next. You’ll be brought to a page where you can verify your business. Review it, and click Finish. You’ll also be asked to choose a verification option.
Requesting Access
If you see a message that says, “This listing has already been claimed,” don’t worry. You can still proceed by clicking Request Access.
You’ll be asked to fill out a short form with your information. Once submitted, the current owner of the listing will receive an email notification, and you’ll get a confirmation as well. They’ll have seven days to respond.
In the meantime, you can use the Google My Business page to check the status of your request. If the owner approves your access, you’ll be notified by email and can begin managing the listing.
If your request is denied, you can contact Google to appeal the decision. If you don’t receive a response after seven days, you can sometimes claim the listing. Go to the Google My Business dashboard and look for a Claim or Verify button, click it if available to complete the process.
How to Update Google My Business Listing
There may come a time when you will want to update your listing. For instance, the contact information for the business may have changed. Follow these steps to do so:
- Sign in to Google My Business and select the page to which you would like to make edits.
- Choose Info from the menu.
- Click on the section where you want to change information. A box will appear. Make the desired edits, then select “Done Editing.”
Google My Business Listing: Do I Need One?
You might wonder if setting up a Google Business Profile is worth the effort. It may be another task on your to-do list.
That’s a fair concern, but it’s essential to understand the value this listing brings. In addition to helping people find your business through Google Search and Maps, a Google Business Profile offers several key benefits that can directly impact your visibility and credibility:
Sharing Your Reputation
Do you consistently deliver quality service?
Are your customers impressed with the work you do?
If that’s the case, giving your customers a place to share their positive experiences is essential. A Google Business Profile provides precisely that. Showcasing reviews and ratings helps potential customers see why others trust your business, and why they should, too.
Attracting Visitors & Spontaneous Customers
You might already have a strong reputation in your local community, and that’s great. But without a Google Business Profile, you’re missing out on reaching new and visiting customers.
For example, if you run a restaurant, travelers or people exploring a new neighborhood often rely on Google Search and Maps to find nearby dining options. Without a listing, your business likely won’t appear in their results. Unless they happen to walk by, they may never know you’re there.
Appearing Higher in Google Search Results Pages
When you search for a type of business on Google, you’ll often see three highlighted listings at the top of the results. This is known as the Google Local 3-Pack, and being featured there significantly increases your chances of attracting customers.
While a strong SEO strategy plays a role in getting into the 3-Pack, having a verified Google Business Profile is the first requirement. Without one, your business won’t be considered for this prime search real estate.
Building Trust in New Customers
Potential customers might already know your business exists and pass by your storefront regularly. But if they search online and don’t see a Google Business Profile, they may question why it’s missing.
Are you trying to hide customer ratings?
Are you running a legitimate business?
Studies show that consumers are more likely to trust and choose a business with a verified Google Business Profile. It’s one of the simplest ways to build credibility and reach a wider audience. Fortunately, claiming your listing is straightforward; just follow the above steps. It’s a decisive move that can help you connect with more customers than a website or social media page alone.
Working With an Agency to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Once your Google Business Profile is claimed, the next step is optimizing it, and that’s where an experienced agency can make a real impact. From crafting compelling business descriptions to managing reviews, selecting the right categories, and keeping your information accurate, an agency can ensure every detail is working to boost your local visibility.
Rather than tackling it all yourself, partnering with a team that understands local SEO best practices can save time and deliver better results. With the right strategy, your profile becomes more than a listing; it becomes a lead generator.
Work With Oyova to Strengthen Your Google Business Profile
At Oyova, we help businesses do more than just show up; we help them stand out where it matters most. Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful tools for local visibility, but it’s just one piece of a much bigger picture. Our team goes beyond the basics to deliver well-rounded, data-driven local SEO services that connect you with high-intent customers in your area.
We optimize every detail of your Google Business Profile, from crafting accurate business descriptions and selecting the right categories to managing customer reviews and enhancing your visual presence with branded images and updates. But we don’t stop there. We integrate your profile into a broader SEO plan, including on-site optimization, content strategy, and local citation management, ensuring your business earns trust and ranks consistently.
Whether you’re just building your online presence or looking to outperform competitors in your market, Oyova brings the expertise, tools, and personalized support to help you grow. Contact us today!
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