How to set up a Google Business Profile
To begin, According to Google customers are 2.7 times more likely to consider a business reputable if they find a complete business profile on Google search and Maps. And next time someone searches for a service you provide, you may pop up in the top spot for free! It’s very simple to set up; so while we have your attention, grab your phone or tablet, and let’s get started.
Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
Head to the Google Business Profile page and click Manage now.
Add your business
On the following screen, you can either find an existing business profile or add a new business. If you’re a brand new store, click Add your business to Google.
Then fill in your business name and business category. Choose a category that represents your business. For example, if you’re setting up a profile for a store called Happy Boots, your category will be “Shoe store.” As you type, related categories will show up in a dropdown menu. Choose the best fit. You can always change it later.
Add business address
Next, you’ll be asked to add a location. If you’re a physical store, mark “Yes” and then click Next.
Then add your business address and click Next.
After entering your business address, you’ll be asked to include your service area. If you plan to deliver to customers, mark Yes and add the areas you plan to serve. You can change or add more later.
Add contact information
Next, you’ll want to add contact information so potential customers can contact you. Include your phone number, website, or both on your business profile.
Verify your business
The next step is to verify your business. This is important for the Google algorithm to recognize your business and show it publicly in local search results. You have a few options:
- Verify by mail. Google sends a postcard with a code to your address. You input the code to verify.
- Verify by phone. If your business is eligible for phone verification, you can opt to receive a phone call and enter a verification code.
- Verify by email. Google sends you an email with a verification code to enter.
Personalize your profile
The last step is to customize your profile. At this point, you can add the following profile elements:
- Add the days and hours you’re open for business.
- Enable messaging to let customers text your business and get questions answered through Google for free.
- Add a business description for your profile on Search, Maps, and other Google services.
- Add photos of your products and store.
- Run Google Ads.
How to manage your Google Business Profile
Now that you know how to set up a Google Business Profile for your store, you’re ready to learn which tools you can use to manage it.
- Business Profile Manager dashboard
- Search
- Maps
Google Business Profile Manager dashboard
If your business has multiple locations, the best way to manage your account is to use the Google Business Profile Manager dashboard.
It offers flexibility for managing multiple profiles in one place. You can achieve a number of tasks from your Business Profile Manager:
- Verify a new business location.
- Manage posts.
- Create ads.
- Add photos and products.
- See profile insights.
- Update business information and website URL.
Google Search
If you only have one location, the easiest way to manage your Google Business Profile is through Google Search.
Log into the Gmail address associated with your Google Business Profile. Then, type in your business name in the search bar. Your Knowledge Panel and Google Business Profile will show up. Alternatively, you can type in “my business” and access your profiles from the search results.
Google Maps
Another way to edit your Business Profile is through the Google Maps app on iOS or Android. Make sure you’re signed into the Google account associated with your Business Profile. Then, in the top right of your screen, tap your profile picture, then click Your Business Profile. Tap Edit profile and select what information you want to update.
Images
This may be more of a branding topic but while we’re here let’s take some extra steps and make sure we are as presentable as possible.
You’ll want to take some pictures of your business or even create some clean graphics to really drive home what you do, remember we only have a few seconds to make an impression, and let’s assume you’re number two on the list when someone googles your business type.
Make sure your photos and videos not only captivate but also follow Google’s guidelines and requirements and comply with Google’s content policy.
Photo & video guidelines
Your photos look best on Google if they meet the following standards:
- Format: JPG or PNG.
- Size: Between 10 KB and 5 MB.
- Recommended resolution: 720 px tall, 720 px wide.
- Minimum resolution: 250 px tall, 250 px wide.
- Quality: The photo should be in focus and well-lit, and have no significant alterations or excessive use of filters. In other words, the image should represent reality.
Cover Photo
Depending on your image, a dimension listed below may work better than the recommended image dimension. We used 1366×768 for our Business Page and at the bottom of this blog you can download a template to make cropping your image simpler, just add your image to our template or create your graphic in that template and you’ll be in the perfect boundary just make sure the final image size is less than 5MB.
The recommended Google My Business cover photo size is 1024 x 575 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Following this dimension and aspect ratio allows the image to display properly in Google Search and Google Maps.
In some cases, you may want to try the following dimensions:
- 854 x 480 pixels
- 960 x 540 pixels
- 1280 x 720 pixels
- 1366 x 768 pixels
Profile / Logo Photo
We used 720×720 for our Business Page and at the bottom of this blog you can download a template to make cropping your logo or image simpler, just add your image to our template or create your logo in that template and you’ll be in the perfect boundary just make sure the final image size is less than 5MB.
- Format: JPG or PNG.
- Size: Between 10 KB and 5 MB.
- Recommended resolution: 720 px tall, 720 px wide.
- Minimum resolution: 250 px tall, 250 px wide.
- Quality: The photo should be in focus and well lit, and have no significant alterations or excessive use of filters. In other words, the image should represent reality.
Video Guidelines
Adding a professional walkthrough video to your business profile is an absolute home run move. People will see what you are all about, on your terms. Let’s be honest, unless you have a beautiful downtown town high-rise office, no one looks that cool on google maps with their drive-by photography.
If you can’t produce a high-quality walkthrough video of your business on your own you can hire a local video company to come in and film one for you. We would advise against going with an amateur or novice video team because a video like this requires specialized equipment such as gimbals, dollys, and a lighting and sound kit in case you want to add a brand representative voiceover. This will let you create multiple edits of the same footage for repurposing say on your social media pages.
Video Requirements
Google is to Make sure your videos meet the following requirements:
- Duration: Up to 30 seconds long
- File size: Up to 75 MB
- Resolution: 720p or higher
360 Photos for Businesses
If you’re interested and are wondering if it is possible, yes! You can upload your own 360 Photos to Google Street View. Comment below if you’re interested in reading an article on that. Until then you can reach out to us directly and we here at LAMF can do it for you or let you know how you can do it for your clients.
Conclusion
Marketing online is filled with a lot of these steps that seem overwhelming. The truth is you just have to keep at it and after a while, all those little steps will create a giant distance. Continuity in branding and image is more important now today more than ever. It’s easier today to create a grand image but the problem is it’s easier for your competitors too. If you feel like you’d be better off with a small team working on your brand and you working on what you do then feel free to reach out and let us know what problems we can solve for you and your brand.
Google Business Cover & Logo Template
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