Putting Your Business on Google: How and Why?

Having an online presence is not just an option, but a necessity for business success today. One of the most effective ways to boost your visibility and gain more customers via the Internet is by creating a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business).

With Google’s dominance in the search engine world (processing billions of searches every day), it’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect with potential customers where they already are, in order to grow your business.

Whether you run a physical store or offer services online, a Google Business Profile is one of the most important steps to increasing your brand’s credibility, traffic, and conversions.

​​How to Put Your Business on Google

Listing your business on Google is more than just ticking a box—it’s a gateway to attracting new customers, improving your brand’s trustworthiness, and staying competitive. Google Business Profiles feature prominently on the search engine results pages and that prime real estate could spell massive results for your business.

In this article we will walk you through how to list your business on Google, but first, let’s explore the key benefits that come with it:

Why You Should List Your Business on Google

1. More Visibility

The phrase “Google it” has become synonymous with searching for anything online. Google’s search engine processes over 8.3 billion searches a day, and nearly 50% of those have local intent, meaning people are looking for services or products in their area.

By creating a Google Business Profile, you ensure your business appears in these local searches, as well as on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you. For example, if someone searches for “best pizza near me” or “plumber in my area,” your business could be one of the top results if your profile is properly optimized.

2. Build Trust and Credibility

A Google Business Profile provides a way to present your business professionally. When customers see accurate information, high-quality images, and read positive reviews on your profile, they are more likely to view your business as credible and reliable. In fact, 87% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchasing decision. With Google’s built-in review system, you can showcase customer feedback that speaks to your professionalism, service, or product quality.

3. Interact Directly with Your Customers

Your Google Business Profile enables direct communication with your audience. You can respond to reviews (whether they are positive or negative) and show that you value customer feedback. This level of engagement helps build a loyal customer base.

Additionally, with features like Google Posts, you can keep your customers updated with promotions, special events, or new services in real-time. By interacting directly with your audience, you create a more personal connection that fosters trust and encourages customer loyalty.

4. Gain Valuable Insights and Data

One of the lesser-known but incredibly valuable features of a Google Business Profile is the insights you receive. Google provides detailed reports on how customers are finding your business and what actions they take—whether they visit your website, request directions, or call you directly. You’ll get information about:

• How many people have viewed your profile.
• What search terms were used to find your business.
• How many clicks your website link received.
• How many calls were made from your profile.
• What days or times people typically engage with your profile.

These insights allow you to refine your marketing strategies, identify peak times for engagement, and track how well your business is performing. For example, if you see that many people are finding your business through certain keywords, you can adjust your SEO and advertising strategies to capitalize on that trend.

5. Improve Your Local SEO

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a key factor in getting your business noticed by people in your area. Google’s algorithm prioritizes local results for searches with geographic intent. By having an optimized Google Business Profile, you increase the chances of appearing at the top of the local search results, known as the “local pack.” Appearing in this prime real estate can have a significant impact on foot traffic and online inquiries.

Additionally, a well-maintained Google Business Profile strengthens your overall SEO. Google uses the information on your profile—such as business name, category, and location—to ensure your business shows up for relevant local searches. This increases your chances of ranking higher, especially when combined with regular customer reviews, updated photos, and accurate business information.

How to List Your Business on Google

Now that we’ve covered why listing your business on Google is crucial, let’s walk through the steps for creating or claiming your Google Business Profile. Whether you’re starting from scratch or claiming an existing business listing, Google makes the process simple.

1. Claim or Create Your Google Business Profile

To begin, visit the Google Business Profile website and sign in using your Google account. If you don’t already have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.

• If your business is already listed: Google will prompt you to claim the listing if it hasn’t been claimed yet. Simply follow the steps to claim ownership and verify that you’re the authorized owner.
• If your business is not listed: Tap on “Add your business to Google” and follow the prompts to enter your business information.

2. Fill Out Complete Business Information

Once you’ve claimed or created your profile, fill out all necessary details. This includes:

• Business Name: Ensure your business name matches what is used on your storefront, website, and other platforms for consistency. Don’t try to stuff in keywords that aren’t a part of your official name – that is a surefire way to get your profile suspended!
• Category: Choose the category that best describes your business. This will help Google match your business with relevant search queries.
• Location and Service Area: If you have a physical location, make sure your address is correct so customers can find you on Google Maps. If you provide services in a specific area, define your service area.
• Contact Details: Add your phone number, website, and other relevant contact information so customers can easily reach you.
• Hours of Operation: Be sure to keep your business hours updated, including any holiday hours or special openings/closings.

3. Verify Your Business

Google will need to verify that your business is legitimate. This can be done in several ways, depending on the type of business and location:

• Postcard by Mail: Google will send a postcard to your business address with a verification code. Once you receive it, enter the code to verify your business.
• Phone or Email: For certain types of businesses, Google may offer instant verification via phone or email.
• Video: In some instances Google will require a video to be recorded at your storefront where you can show certain business details. These are sometimes also verified via a live call with a Google representative.
• Google Search Console: If your business is already linked to Google Search Console, you may be able to verify instantly.

4. Optimize Your Business Profile

Optimizing your profile is key to standing out in search results and attracting customers. Here’s how you can make your profile more engaging and effective:

• Add High-Quality Photos: Images are essential for catching attention. Include photos of your storefront, products, and team members. Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their websites.
• Write a Compelling Business Description: Use your description to tell the story of your business, what sets you apart, and why customers should choose you. Be sure to include relevant keywords related to your business and industry.
• Include Social Media Links: These links further demonstrate that you are a legitimate business to Google and potential customers alike.
• Update Regularly: Keep your profile up-to-date with new products, services, and events. Using Google Posts, you can share real-time updates, promotions, and special announcements.
• Encourage Reviews: Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews not only boost credibility but also improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Leveraging Google Business Profile for Long-Term Success

Having a Google Business Profile isn’t just about setting it up and forgetting it. To truly maximize the benefits, you need to continuously maintain and leverage the platform for long-term success.

1. Using Google Ads to Complement Your Profile

Once your profile is live, you can further boost your visibility with Google Ads. Google Ads allows you to create targeted campaigns that direct potential customers to your business based on their search queries. For example, if someone searches for “best coffee shop in [your city],” you can create an ad that appears at the top of the search results, increasing the chances of them visiting your store. Combining Google Ads with your Google Business Profile ensures that you have both organic and paid visibility.

2. Responding to Customer Reviews

It’s essential to respond to all reviews, whether they are positive or negative. Responding to reviews shows that you care about your customers’ experiences and are willing to address any issues.

For positive reviews, a simple thank you goes a long way. For negative reviews, offer solutions or invite the customer to contact you privately to resolve the issue.

3. Creating Special Offers and Promotions

Google Business Profile allows you to create and display special offers or promotions directly on your profile. For example, if you’re running a seasonal sale or offering a discount for first-time customers, you can highlight it on your profile using Google Posts (shown above). This can attract more clicks and foot traffic to your business, especially when tied to a time-sensitive promotion.

4. Tracking and Refining Your Performance

Keep a close eye on your Google Business Profile Insights to track performance metrics. Monitor which posts generate the most engagement, what keywords are driving traffic, and how many customers are calling or requesting directions to your location. By analyzing this data, you can fine-tune your profile, enhance your marketing efforts, and adjust your strategies to ensure continued growth.

Why Every Business Needs to Be on Google

Listing your business on Google is not only free and easy but it’s also one of the most powerful tools for increasing your visibility, building trust, and engaging with your customers. I’d go so far as to say that its even more crucial than a website for local service based businesses (home services, restaurants, etc) as they are just getting started.

By following these steps to claim and optimize your Google Business Profile, you’re setting your business up for long-term success. Whether you’re attracting local customers through searches or leveraging insights to improve your marketing strategy, the benefits are undeniable.

Don’t let your competitors have all the visibility. Make sure your business is front and center when customers are searching for your products or services. Get started today by listing your business on Google and watch as your brand gains more traction and credibility.

Want some help getting things going? Give us a shout!