Step-by-Step Process to Create Google Account for Business in 2023
August 16, 2023
Prashant Shukla
According to Similarweb, Google receives an astounding 80+ billion visits each month. Google’s Maps app has been downloaded over 5 billion times (Source: Android Police). Clearly, Google holds immense potential for businesses to attract potential customers as most sales conversations take place through search engines. Organizations can harness the power of Google through search results and Google Maps by setting up a Google Business Profile. That’s why Google My Business is a core part of the local SEO services strategy of many businesses.
What is a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business)?
Google renamed Google My Business to Google Business Profile to simplify its functions and improve the user experience. It is a free service that allows businesses to create a profile containing all the crucial information about it, like contact information, operating hours, type of services, and more. This listing appears in Google Maps and Google Search results.
Here are two screenshots of the Google Business Profile of Techmagnate to illustrate that –
Businesses can customize the listing with photographs, exclusive offers, posts, and myriad other features to attract more customers and drive foot traffic. However, it does require a thorough approach to setting up the profile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to
create Google account for business:
Step 1: Create a Google Account (Applicable to New Businesses)
How to create a Google account for your business? The first step is to create an official Google account for business. However, this is only applicable to businesses without a Google account. Creating an account allows businesses to manage their profile efficiently and keep official and personal information separate.
Step 2: Visit Google Business Profile Manager
After the Google account is created, it’s time to set up the GMB profile through Google Business Profile Manager. Here, the business name and category need to be added. It’s important to select the right option which provides an accurate account of the business type.
This will be followed by –
- Adding the location
- Including the Phone number
- Showcasing the web address (optional)
- Setting up alerts
Step 3: Profile Verification
The next step is Verification, and without it, Google will not show the profile on search results. Businesses can complete this step after setting up the profile. However, it is advisable to get it done right away and focus on customizing the profile after setting it up instead of still working on verifying it.
There are several ways to accomplish this crucial task –
- By Phone: Receive an automated call or text from Google containing the verification code
- By Email: Google will send an email containing the verification code
- By Postcard: A postcard with a unique verification code will be mailed to the registered address.
- By Video Recording: Share visual proof of the business location, equipment, and managerial authority via a recorded video.
- By Live Video Call: Similar to the video recording method, this involves a live call with a support representative showcasing the required proof.
The verification options vary depending on the business. For brick-and-mortar businesses, postcard verification is the norm. The postcard contains a five-digit code that businesses must input after logging into their account. In instances where a physical location is absent, the personal address is used. Here, options like phone calls and text messages are the norm.
Step 4: Adding Business Hours and Services
Now that the Business Profile verification is complete, it’s time to provide essential details for a better customer experience:
- Operating Hours: Share when the business is open for customers to know when to visit.
- Service Offerings: Highlight the range of services, helping customers understand the offerings.
- Service Areas: Define the service areas to clarify where services are available.
Accurate and comprehensive information informs customers, making the profile enable enough to guide potential customers.
Step 5: Turn on Messages
Google allows businesses to enable the chat feature on the GBP profile for customers to get in touch with them promptly. Businesses can set up and customize the first automated text that customers receive. In addition, the scope of sharing rich media like photographs is possible. Messaging is a great feature that businesses must enable. In addition, it’s easier to manage, as businesses get notified when customers message.
Step 6: Craft a Compelling Description
The business description serves as the “About Us” section. So it offers a prime opportunity to showcase the unique selling points and engage potential customers. However, according to Google, certain guidelines must be followed –
- Incorporate the business’s mission and historical background.
- Focus solely on information that adds value and relevance for the customers.
- Provide pertinent details about the offerings, products, and services
The description is not for adding nonsensical or gimmicky text. It should not emphasize special offers, prices, or sales pitches [Examples include “50% off everything” and “Top-notch bagels at $5!].
Instead of resorting to these tactics, businesses should use the description section to talk about the offerings, their background, and so on. More importantly, it’s a great place to add relevant keywords naturally and a compelling copy for potential customers.
Step 7: Add Eye-Catching Photos & Videos
Photos convey to potential customers information about the offered products, space/office area details, and so on. It is crucial because, according to Google, business profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% click-throughs to their website compared to those without.
It’s clearly evident that businesses should give potential customers a visual taste of what they provide through images and videos. However, all businesses should have a unique approach to adding photographs. For instance, restaurants should feature photos of the menus, dishes, and space. In contrast, service businesses like plumbing should showcase images of the process and tools they use, along with glimpses of their skilled professionals in action.
Unlock this Resource : How to Optimize Google My Business
Step 8: Advertise on Google (Optional)
Lastly, businesses can leverage Google ads to enhance their online presence further. Though this step is entirely optional and in no way affects the listing’s presence on organic search results, it does give the profile a boost to reach more customers.
The aforementioned were the steps to create a Google account for business. After following these steps, businesses can set up their GBP profile and attract potential customers through Google search results and Google Maps.