How to Set up Google My Business Listing

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Let's get this straight. If you are a local business, you can't afford to miss the benefits of having a Google My Business (GMB) listing, period.
"Why?" you may ask.
Here is your answer: At least 46% of searches made in Google seek local information. The best part is that these search queries and results are often geo-specific.
Unfortunately, many local businesses are yet to take advantage of GMB.
According to a 2017 study, a whopping 56% of local businesses were yet to claim their GMB listing. If you are one among those fence-sitters, here is your chance to do it right away.
This step-by-step guide gives you over-the-shoulder instructions to set up and optimize your GMB, aka Business Profile listing. Let's get started.

Step 1: Set up a New Google Account for Your Business

Visit this page to kickstart the process. Fill out your credentials or use your existing email address to get the ball rolling.
Visit Google Business and click 'Manage Now.' This is the entry point to your Google Business Listing.

Step 2: Manage Your Business

Once you click 'Manage Now,' Google will take you to a page wherein you need to 'Type your business name.'
If your business already has an online listing, Google will inform you to avoid duplication. If not, go ahead and type your business name.

Step 3: Browse Through the Category

Carefully browse through the categories in the dropdown menu. There are 3,942 business categories available in GMB. So, keep your eyes wide open.

Step 4: Choose the Category

Businesses can add more than one category. You can edit this section later also. Once you find and choose the suitable category, click 'Next.'

Step 5: Add a Location for Walk-ins

If your business has a physical location and allows customer walk-ins, click 'Yes.' If not, click 'No.' Google will show your location in Maps and local searches.
Read: SEO for Businesses without Physical Locations

Step 6: Fill Out the Address

Choose the country your business is located. Enter the Street address, city, zip code and click 'Next.'

Step 7: Choose Your Business

Sometimes, Google will presume that your business already has a Google Maps or Search profile. It will also give you a list of similar businesses to check whether yours is among them.
If none of the listings are yours, you can select the "None of these" option.

Step 8: Select Service Areas

Say that you are a florist who offers deliveries. On this page, you can choose the areas you serve. If deliveries are not relevant to your business, click 'No.'

Step 9: Add Contact Info

Add your contact number and website in the designated boxes.
If you don't have a website, you can also enter your Facebook page address.
Alternatively, you can also click the "Get a free website based on your info" option. But we strongly recommend you to have a custom domain (Example: www.mybusiness.com) and optimize it for Local Level SEO.

Step 10: Turn on Recommendations and Updates

If you want Google's suggestions and updates to develop your business, select 'Yes.' We recommend you turn on this option to stay ahead of your competitors.

Step 11: Verify Your Business

Google mandates you to confirm your business using a verification code.
If you prefer to get the code through a postcard, enter your contact name in the 'Postcard by mail' option.
Bear in mind that it may take up to 5 days (in some cases, it will take more than a week) to get the card.

Step 12: Choose a Way to Verify

Some businesses can verify theirs through other options such as phone, email, Google search console, or even video recording. Click the 'Other options' to learn more.

Step 13: Customize Your Profile

This section is for adding your Business Hours. Use the toggle buttons to select the days your business remains open. Enter the correct Opening and Closing hours. Click 'Next.'

Step 14: Allow Customers to Message You

You can let customers contact your business through Google. This does not cost you anything, and we recommend turning on this feature.
You can also customize a welcome message that will automatically get delivered to your customers when they message you.

Step 15: Add a Description for Your Business

This is a nice little place to describe your business, its vision, history, and the like. Never include any links or offers, as Google prohibits explicit sales language and content in this box. Avoid special characters and keep your character count below 750.

Step 16: Add Photos & Videos

Make your GMB listing visually appealing by adding relevant photos. Add the exterior shot of your business to make people recognize it while paying a direct visit. Also, add images and videos of products, services, employees, amenities, etc.
Do not add stock images or screenshots as Google will remove them. Make sure your videos are not blurry or shaky.
Only JPG or PNG files (not exceeding 5 MB) are allowed. Google recommends a resolution of 720 px tall and 720 px wide for best results.

Step 17: Give a Finishing Touch

Make sure every detail you have given is correct and displayed appropriately. Don't worry if some details are incorrect or have misspellings. You can edit them and make relevant changes later. Click 'Continue.'

Step 18: Take Control of Business Profile Manager

Congrats! You are now at your Business Profile Manager dashboard. Here, you can:

• Edit Your Working Hours,
• Set Up Online Appointments,
• Manage Reviews,
• Add Photos,
• Send/Receive Customer Messages.

Google also allows you to create promotional posts to share with your customers. But you need to complete the verification process for making changes.
You can also view business insights such as the number of unique visitors, search queries people use to find you, website clicks, calls, direction requests, etc.