If your business name doesn’t appear on the first page of his search list, you are already losing him and other potential customers searching for the same products.

Remember, people rarely visit the second or third pages of the Google search page.

If this happens, Peter will eventually leave your page and continue his search for another business he can buy from.

This also means that, you have lost Peter - a potential customer.

After a few minutes of driving around town, he realises that the address listed on your page is wrong, and since there is no other contact detail listed, he gives up the search.

Bummer! You've just lost a potential customer.

There are two categories of business owners who will be creating Google Business Profiles...

The first set are those who run virtual businesses i.e. they do not have a physical address for their business but operate from a particular service area.

The second set, are those who have a physical business address where their customers can visit.

• If you do not have a physical address for your business, jump to 3.1 by clicking -> HERE
• If you have a physical address for your business, jump to 3.2 by clicking -> HERE

3.1: Businesses without a physical location

If you do not have a physical location for your business, you will be required to provide a service area within which you operate.

By service area I mean an area where you are located and operate from. This is called a SAB (service area business).

Select 'No' (Label 2) as shown in the image below.

By selecting NO, you are informing 'Google' that you do not have a physical store/office where your customers can visit. 

By opting out of providing a business address, your business listing on Maps and search will be address-free. Instead, you’ll be asked to confirm the areas that your business operates.

3.1.1: Add your service area

Where do you operate from? Your home office, a rented workspace, etc. Type in the areas you cover in the space below and click next.

3.1.2: Add your contact details

Tell your customers how they can get in touch with you.

• Include your business phone number (Label 1),
• Add your web address (if you have one) (Label 2 ),
• If you don't have a website you can opt out completely by clicking on (Label 3).

PS: These details will be displayed on your public listing so ensure you use a valid phone number.

3.1.3: Verify your new GMB account

When you arrive on this page, it means you are ready to verify your new GMB Account.

Due to challenges receiving the postcard in Africa, we will be using another method to verify your Google business profile.

Select 'Verify later' (Label 1) and then click next.

PS: This verification service is sponsored by Google and provided to you FREE of charge. Do not pay anyone to verify your Google My Business account.

Once you have selected the option to "Verify later" you will be presented with other options to optimise your profile. 

Follow the instructions that follow and select the best option that suits your business. Once you have completed all the steps above, continue to the final steps by clicking -> HERE.

3.2: Businesses with a physical location

If you have a physical address for your business, select 'Yes' (Label 1) and click next.

3.2.1: Add your business address

Fill in your address correctly to tell your customers where to find you.

PS: To avoid getting your account suspended or being asked to re-verify, ensure you put in the right business address when you are setting up your account. 

There are instances where your business might already have a Business Profile on Google Search or Maps. Google will provide you with a list of businesses it thinks might be yours.

If on the other hand, your business is not on that list, select 'None of these' (Label 1) and click next. 

PS: If your business name on that list (as shown below), it means you already have an existing business profile. Select it from the list to log into your profile.

3.2.2: Pin your position on the map

Click on the pin  (Label 1) and drag it to the exact spot where your business is located on the map.

You can also zoom in and out by clicking on the + or - sign (Label 2) as shown below. 

3.2.3: Add the service areas you cover

If you serve customers outside your office, i.e you visit them to offer your services (e.g. painter) or deliver your products to them, you can let them know where you are willing to go.

Click 'Yes' (Fig 11 - Label 1 above) if you do this and list out the service areas you cover as shown in fig 12 below, then click next.

If this does not relate to your kind of business, select 'No' (Fig 11 - Label 2 above), and click next.

3.2.4: Add your contact details

Tell customers how they can get in touch with you.

• Include your business phone number (Label 1),
• Add your web address (if you have one) (Label 2 ),
• If you don't need a website you can opt out completely (Label 3).

PS: These details will be displayed on your public listing so ensure you’re putting a valid business number prospective customers can reach you on.

3.2.5: Verify your new GMB account

In order to fully manage and represent your business on Google, you'll need to verify it.

If you live in a country where the postcard system works, simply go ahead and request to receive a verification postcard by mail (Label 1 below.)

Due to challenges of receiving the postcard in Africa, we will be using another method to verify your Google business profile.

Select 'More option' (Label 2 above)

Select 'Verify later' (Label 1) and then click next.

Once you have selected the option to "Verify later" you will be presented with other options to complete the set up of your business profile. 

Follow the instructions that follow and select the best option that suits your business. Once you have completed all the steps above, scroll down and continue to the final steps.