A friendly chatbot wearing a Google colored question mark helping a confused storefront owner build a Google Business Profile on a laptop.
Google Business Profile

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that allows businesses
and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. By
creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile, you can increase your visibility, attract
more customers, and build trust with potential clients.

1. How do I create a Google Business Profile?

To create a Google Business Profile, follow these steps:

  1. Go to
    https://www.google.com/business/
    and click Manage now.
  2. Sign in to your Google Account or create one if you don’t have one.
  3. Enter your business name and select the category that best fits your business.
  4. Enter your business location if you have a physical storefront.
  5. Add your business hours, contact information, and website.
  6. Verify your business by mail, phone, or email.

2. Why is my Google Business Profile not showing up?

There are several reasons why your Google Business Profile might not be showing up:

  • New Listing: If your listing is new, it can take some time for Google
    to index it and make it visible in search results.
  • Incomplete Information: Make sure you have filled out all the
    necessary information on your profile, including your business name,
    address, phone number, website, and business hours.
  • Pending Verification: Google requires businesses to verify their
    listings to ensure accuracy. If you haven’t verified your listing yet, it
    won’t show up in search results.
  • Suspended or Disabled Listing: Google may suspend or disable
    listings that violate their guidelines.
  • Low Ranking: Your listing might be ranking low in search results due
    to factors such as lack of reviews, incomplete information, or poor
    website SEO.
  • Incorrect Business Category: Choosing the wrong business category
    can affect your visibility in relevant searches.

3. How do I optimize my Google Business Profile for SEO?

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is crucial for attracting more
customers and improving your search engine rankings. Here are some tips:

  • Use Relevant Keywords: Include relevant keywords in your business
    name, description, products/services, and posts.
  • Choose the Right Categories: Selecting accurate and specific
    categories helps Google understand your business and show it in relevant
    searches.
  • Add High-Quality Photos and Videos: Visual content can make your
    profile more engaging and attractive to potential customers.
  • Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive reviews can boost your
    credibility and improve your search rankings.
  • Respond to Reviews: Engaging with your customers by responding to
    both positive and negative reviews shows that you value their feedback.
  • Keep Your Information Updated: Regularly update your business hours,
    contact information, and other relevant details to ensure accuracy.
  • Use Google Posts: Share updates, offers, and events with your
    audience using Google Posts.
  • Add Products and Services: Showcase your offerings by adding a
    detailed list of your products and services, including descriptions,
    prices, and photos.
  • Enable Messaging: Allow customers to contact you directly through
    your Google Business Profile by enabling the messaging feature.
  • Track Your Insights: Monitor your profile’s performance using Google
    My Business Insights to understand what’s working and what can be
    improved.

4. What are Google Business Profile attributes?

Google Business Profile attributes are specific features or characteristics
that describe your business. They provide additional information about your
business to potential customers, such as:

  • Accessibility (e.g., wheelchair accessible, parking available)
  • Amenities (e.g., Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, restrooms, kid-friendly, pet-friendly)
  • Offerings (e.g., delivery, takeout, dine-in, online appointments)
  • Highlights (e.g., women-owned, black-owned, veteran-owned)
  • Payment options (e.g., credit cards accepted, debit cards accepted)

Attributes can appear on your Google Business Profile in different ways,
including as icons, short descriptions, or filter options.

5. How do I add or edit attributes on my Google Business Profile?

To add or edit attributes on your Google Business Profile:

  1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile account.
  2. If you have multiple locations, select the location you want to manage.
  3. Click on Info from the left-hand menu.
  4. Scroll down to the Attributes section.
  5. You can then add or edit attributes based on the options available for
    your business category.
  6. Click Apply to save your changes.

6. How do I get my Google Business Profile verified?

Google uses various methods to verify businesses, including:

  • Postcard Verification: Google sends a postcard with a unique
    verification code to your business address.
  • Phone Verification: You receive an automated call with a
    verification code to your business phone number.
  • Email Verification: Google sends an email with a verification link
    to your business email address.
  • Instant Verification: Some businesses are eligible for instant
    verification if they are already verified with other Google services.

Once you have received the verification code or link, follow the instructions
provided by Google to complete the verification process.

7. How often should I update my Google Business Profile?

It’s recommended to update your Google Business Profile regularly, ideally at
least once a week. This ensures that your information is accurate and up-to-date for
potential customers.

8. How do I add a manager to my Google Business Profile?

To add a manager to your Google Business Profile:

  1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile account.
  2. If you manage multiple locations, select the location you want to add a manager to.
  3. Click on Users from the left-hand menu.
  4. Click on the Add User button.
  5. Enter the email address of the person you want to add as a manager.
  6. Choose the appropriate role for the new manager (e.g., Owner, Manager).
  7. Click on the Invite button.

The person you invited will receive an email with instructions on how to
accept the invitation and become a manager of your Google Business Profile.

9. How do I respond to reviews on my Google Business Profile?

Responding to reviews shows customers that you value their feedback and
are committed to providing excellent service.

  1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile account.
  2. Go to the Reviews section.
  3. Find the review you want to respond to and click Reply.
  4. Write a thoughtful and professional response.
  5. Click Post to publish your response.

10. How can I remove negative reviews from my Google Business
Profile?

While you can’t remove negative reviews directly, you can try to address the
reviewer’s concerns and potentially get them to remove or edit their
review. If the review violates Google’s review policies, you can flag it
for removal.

Conclusion

Your Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for attracting customers and
growing your business. By understanding the answers to these frequently
asked questions, you can optimize your profile for maximum visibility and
impact. For businesses that lack the time or expertise to manage their
Google Business Profile effectively, consider seeking assistance from a
reputable digital marketing agency.

Note: Zing Business Systems provides done-for-you solutions for Google
Business Profiles or provides ideas and solutions for the DIY business
owner.

Experience the future of business AI and customer engagement with our innovative solutions. Elevate your operations with Zing Business Systems. Visit us here for a transformative journey towards intelligent automation and enhanced customer experiences.

Author: Matt Kallunki

Background and Experience Born in North Carolina and raised in a military family that moved frequently across North America, Europe, and Hong Kong, Matt Kallunki learned the values of adaptability and resilience from an early age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, bringing dedication and commitment to his service—a trait he has carried through every opportunity since. His education at Utah Valley University and later at Utah State University, along with diverse roles in technology, hospitality, and marketing, has shaped a career marked by innovation and leadership. As a veteran, Kallunki proudly leads Zing Business Systems, a veteran-owned and operated business. Inspiration and Innovation The constant throughout Kallunki’s career has been the importance of effective marketing—an insight first gained while running his initial restaurant. This understanding guided him through various entrepreneurial and consulting roles, eventually leading to the foundation of Zing Business Systems. Here, Kallunki has harnessed emerging technologies to provide small businesses with smart, scalable communication solutions. Zing Business Systems: Bridging Technology and Opportunity Zing Business Systems turns everyday challenges into growth opportunities. The company's flagship service, the Missed Call Text Back, ensures that small businesses never miss out on potential customer engagements. Kallunki equips his clients with tools that streamline communication, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their core business and customer relationships. Customer Impact Kallunki's technology revolutionizes how businesses interact with customers. From automotive to professional services, he helps business owners centralize operations and automate routine tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Dedicated to continuous innovation and expansion, Zing Business Systems is committed to empowering more businesses with effective communication tools. With over two decades of marketing experience and a lifelong passion for service, Kallunki is redefining standards in business engagement and management. More About Matt In addition to his professional pursuits, Matt Kallunki is a lifelong motivated learner with a diverse array of hobbies and interests that span both creative and technical fields. From open boat sailing and spear fishing to ham radio operation and gardening, Matt's activities reflect his broad interests and relentless curiosity. A Cold War to present military enthusiast and avid reader, he also indulges in audiobooks, constantly seeking new knowledge and adventures. As a certified scuba instructor and divemaster, Matt takes his passion for exploration below the water's surface, teaching others and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater world. His love for hands-on creation is evident in his skills in woodworking and metalworking, while his technical acumen shines through in his interests in cybersecurity and networking. Photography is another passion, capturing moments from his ventures and everyday life, showcasing his artistic eye and attention to detail. Whether it’s running marathons, launching high-powered rockets, or nurturing his garden, each hobby Matt engages in reflects a facet of his dynamic personality and relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Connect with Matt Kallunki You can connect with Matt and learn more about his work and Zing Business Systems through various platforms: Visit https://blog.zingacp.com/about-us-page for social and medial links.