How to Set Up a GBP From Scratch?
Setting up your Google Business Profile is simple sign into a Google account, visit business.google.com, click “Manage Now,” enter your business name, select your category, and follow the verification steps. Make sure to complete your entire profile with photos, descriptions, and services to maximize local visibility.
What’s Involved in Creating a Google Business Profile?
Create Your Free Account
✔️ Go to the right place Visit Google Business Profile at business.google.com and click “Manage Now” to get started with your setup.
✔️ Use a Google account Log in with an existing Gmail or create a free Gmail account if you don’t have one.
✔️ Check for existing listings Search for your business first to ensure it doesn’t already exist on Google, which saves you time. Once verified, learn how to track your Google Maps SEO performance for ongoing monitoring.
Enter Your Basic Business Info
✔️ Name matters Enter your exact business name without adding keywords (Google can penalize keyword stuffing).
✔️ Choose categories carefully Select the most relevant business category that matches your services to help customers find you. Check out my guide on what’s the best way to choose categories for Google Business SEO for detailed tips.
✔️ NAP consistency Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone information matches across all online listings for better local rankings. Use my local citation checker to verify consistency.
Add Location & Service Areas
✔️ Physical location If you have a storefront, add your address and place the pin accurately on Google Maps.
✔️ Service area business If you go to customers, select “No” for physical location and instead define your service areas by cities or zip codes.
✔️ Contact details Add your phone number and website URL so customers can reach you easily. Make sure your website is mobile friendly for best results.
Verify Your Business
✔️ Choose verification method Google offers verification by phone, email, postcard, or video recording depending on your business type.
✔️ Complete verification Your profile won’t be visible until verified, so complete this step promptly.
✔️ Be patient After verification, your profile may take a few hours or days to appear on Google. While waiting, check out my Google Business Profile optimization checklist to prepare for the next steps.
Optimize Your Profile
✔️ Add compelling photos Upload high-quality images of your storefront, products, and team to engage potential customers.
✔️ Write a keyword rich description Create a compelling business description highlighting your services, values, and unique selling points.
✔️ List all services Add your services with detailed descriptions to showcase what you offer to customers. Learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile for SEO for maximum impact.
✔️ Make regular posts Discover if posting on Google Business Profile helps your Google Maps ranking to improve your strategy.
I’ve helped thousands of local businesses get found online, and a complete GBP is the foundation of your local visibility. Wondering how reviews affect your Google Business Profile SEO? If you’re struggling with your Google Business Profile setup, let’s fix it book a strategy session today!