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Set Up Your Google Business Profile Listing

This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of creating and setting up your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing. A properly configured GBP listing helps customers find your business online and provides essential information about your services, location, and contact details.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A Google account (or be prepared to create one)
  • Your business address and contact information
  • Access to your business phone number for verification
  • Your business website URL (if applicable)
  • Knowledge of your business category and service areas

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Step 1: Create or Access Your Google Account

  1. New users: Create a new Google Account at accounts.google.com
  2. Existing users: Sign in to your existing Google account
  3. Ensure you're using an account that will be associated with your business

Step 2: Navigate to Google Business Profile

  1. Go to google.com/business
  2. Click Manage Now to begin the setup process
  3. You'll be directed to the business profile creation interface

Step 3: Enter Your Business Name

  1. Type your business name in the designated field
  2. Important: If you see autocomplete suggestions with similar business names in your area, review them carefully
  3. This helps you:
    • Avoid creating duplicate listings
    • Identify if your business already has a profile
    • Add a new location to an existing business if applicable
  4. Select your business if it already exists, or continue with creating a new profile

Step 4: Add Your Business Address

The address requirements depend on your business type:

For Traditional Businesses (Physical Location)

  1. Enter your complete business address
  2. Ensure the address is accurate and matches your actual location
  3. Click Next to continue

For Service Area Businesses (SABs)

Choose one of these options:

Option A: Businesses with a physical location that customers can visit

  1. Enter your business address
  2. Check the box indicating you serve customers at other locations
  3. Click Next

Option B: Businesses without a customer-facing location

  1. Leave the address field blank
  2. Check the service area business box
  3. Select Hide my address (it's not a store)
  4. Click Next

Step 5: Define Service Areas (Service Area Businesses Only)

  1. Specify the geographic areas your business serves
  2. You can enter:
    • Specific cities or towns
    • ZIP codes
    • Regions or counties
  3. Add multiple service areas if your business operates in different locations
  4. This helps Google show your business to customers in those areas

Step 6: Select Your Business Category

  1. Choose the category that best describes your business
  2. Important considerations:
    • This significantly impacts your search visibility
    • The category appears on your business profile
    • You can test different categories later to optimize performance
  3. Select the most specific and relevant category available

Step 7: Add Contact Information

  1. Phone Number: Enter your primary business phone number
  2. Website URL: Add your business website (if you have one)
  3. Ensure both pieces of information are accurate and current

Step 8: Complete Business Verification

Google requires verification to confirm your business legitimacy. You'll have several options:

Postcard Verification (Most Common)

  1. Google will mail a verification postcard to your business address
  2. The postcard typically arrives within 5 business days
  3. Enter the verification code from the postcard into your GBP account
  4. If the code doesn't arrive, you can request another postcard

Phone Verification (Select Businesses)

  1. Available if you see the "Verify by phone" option during setup
  2. You'll receive an automated call with a verification code
  3. Enter the code into your GBP account to complete verification

Email Verification (Select Businesses)

  1. Available if you see the "Verify by email" option
  2. A verification code will be sent to your Google account email
  3. Enter the code to complete verification
  4. Ensure you have access to the associated email inbox

Alternative Verification Methods

  • Instant Verification: Available if your website is already verified with Google Search Console
  • Bulk Verification: For businesses managing 10 or more locations

Post-Setup Optimization

Once your listing is verified, enhance your profile by:

Essential Information Updates

  • Add high-quality photos and videos
  • Write a compelling business description
  • Set accurate business hours
  • Add service menus or product collections

Engagement Features

  • Create Google Business Profile posts for offers and promotions
  • Monitor and respond to customer questions in Q&A
  • Encourage customers to follow your business on Google Maps
  • Request and manage customer reviews

Ongoing Management

  • Use the Google Business Profile app for mobile updates
  • Monitor search insights and performance
  • Keep information current and accurate
  • Respond promptly to customer inquiries

Grant Manager Access

After completing your setup, provide manager access to Growth99:

  1. In your Google Business Profile dashboard, go to Users
  2. Click Add Users
  3. Enter: analytics@growth99.com
  4. Select Manager permissions
  5. Click Invite

This allows the Growth99 team to help optimize your listing and provide analytics insights.

Important Notes

  • Verification is required before your listing appears in search results
  • Keep your business information updated regularly
  • Respond to customer reviews and questions promptly
  • Monitor your listing for accuracy and unauthorized changes
  • Use insights to understand customer behavior and optimize your profile

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

Verification Problems

  • Postcard not received: Wait 5 business days, then request another code
  • Phone verification unavailable: Use postcard verification instead
  • Email not received: Check spam folder and ensure correct email address

Profile Issues

  • Duplicate listings: Contact Google support to merge or remove duplicates
  • Incorrect information: Edit details through your GBP dashboard
  • Suspended listing: Review Google's guidelines and appeal if necessary

Best Practices

  • Use consistent business information across all online platforms
  • Choose the most specific business category available
  • Add multiple high-quality photos showcasing your business
  • Respond to all customer reviews professionally
  • Keep business hours current, including holiday hours
  • Post regular updates about your business