How to Create a Google My Business (GMB) Account, A good online presence is essential for any organization to succeed in the modern digital era. Google My Business (GMB) is among the best resources for establishing and improving the visibility of your local business. A properly managed Google My Business (GMB) account can assist prospective clients in finding your firm on Google Maps and Google Search, regardless of whether you own a restaurant, boutique, or any other service-oriented business.
We at Markzmania are experts at assisting companies in utilizing digital marketing tools, and today we’ll guide you through setting up a GMB account.
What is Google My Business? (How to Create a Google My Business (GMB) Account)
Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses to manage their online presence across Google. It allows businesses to provide essential details such as operating hours, location, and contact details. Creating a GMB profile ensures that customers can find accurate information about your business, read reviews, and interact with your services.
Benefits of a Google My Business Account
- Enhanced Visibility: Your company is more likely to be found by local clients when it is included on Google Maps and Search.
- Customer Engagement: GMB gives clients the ability to communicate with your company by making service reservations, posting reviews, and posing inquiries.
- Analytics and Insights: Google gives you information on how consumers locate and engage with your business profile, which you may use to inform your marketing tactics.
- Consumer Trust: A verified GMB account increases consumer trust by indicating that your company is real and operating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a GMB Account
Step 1: Sign in to a Google Account
The first step in creating a GMB profile is to sign in to your Google account. If you don’t already have a Google account, you will need to create one. Follow these steps:
- Visit Google.com and click on the “Sign In” button in the top-right corner.
- If you don’t have a Google account, click on “Create Account” and follow the instructions to set up your account.
This account will be used to manage your GMB profile and receive important notifications about your listing.
Step 2. Log in to Google My Business
Once you’ve signed into your Google account, the next step is to access the Google My Business platform. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Google My Business website.
- Click on the “Manage Now” button.
- You will be prompted to log in with your Google account again, if necessary.
Google My Business is a free tool, and logging in allows you to start the process of creating or claiming your business listing.
Step 3. Enter the Name of Your Business
The next step is to enter your business name. This is one of the most important parts of setting up your profile because your business name will be what users see in search results.
- Once you are logged in, you will be prompted to enter your business name.
- Make sure you enter the exact name of your business as it appears on your branding, website, and signage.
If your business already exists in Google’s database, it may show up in the suggestions. If it does, you can claim the existing listing rather than creating a new one.
Step 4. Choose a Primary Business Category
The business category you choose helps Google determine when your business will appear in search results for relevant keywords. It’s essential to select a category that best represents the products or services you offer.
- You will be prompted to choose a category for your business.
- Start typing, and a list of suggested categories will appear.
- Choose the one that most accurately describes your business.
For example, if you run a salon, you might choose “Hair Salon” or “Beauty Salon.” You can always add additional categories later, but the primary category should be the one that reflects the core of your business.
Step 5. Add Your Business Address
Adding your business address is essential for customers to find your physical location. If you operate a brick-and-mortar store, this is the address that will show up on Google Maps.
- You will be prompted to enter your business address.
- If your business serves customers at a specific location, enter the full address, including the street number, city, and postal code.
Make sure to double-check the accuracy of this information, as it will appear in search results and on Google Maps.
Step 6. Specify Service Areas (Only for Service Area Businesses)
If your business provides services to customers at their locations (e.g., a plumber, delivery service, or mobile auto repair), you can specify your service area instead of a physical address.
- If you select the option that says you deliver goods or services to your customers, you will be prompted to enter your service areas.
- You can specify cities, zip codes, or neighborhoods that you serve.
This is particularly useful for businesses without a fixed location, as it allows you to appear in search results relevant to your service area.
Step 7. Add Your Phone Number and Website
Adding your phone number and website helps customers reach you directly and learn more about your business. These fields are optional but highly recommended.
- Enter your business phone number in the field provided.
- If you have a website, enter the URL to make it easier for customers to explore your services or make bookings.
These details will appear on your Google My Business listing, enabling customers to call you or visit your website with a single click.
Step 8: Complete Your Listing
- Review all the information you’ve added to ensure it’s accurate. You can also add additional details, like business hours and attributes.
Step 9. Verify Your Listing
How to Create a Google My Business (GMB) Account. Verification is the final and most crucial step in creating your Google My Business profile. Google requires businesses to verify their listing to confirm that they are legitimate and located at the specified address. There are several verification methods available:
a. Postcard by Mail
- Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
- Once you receive the postcard (usually within 5 days), log in to your Google My Business account, and enter the verification code.
b. Phone Verification
- For some businesses, Google offers phone verification.
- Google will call your business phone number and provide a verification code, which you can enter online.
c. Email Verification
- In certain cases, Google may allow email verification.
- You will receive an email with a verification link, and clicking on it will complete the process.
d. Instant Verification
- If you have already verified your business with Google Search Console, you may be eligible for instant verification.
e. Video or Photo Verification
- In some cases, Google might request a video or photo verification to confirm your business location or services.
To create your GMB account read this blog How to create Google My Business Account.