Updated April 1, 2023
Hey BUILDers,
If I Googled your business name right now, what will I find out?
This might seem like a very simple question, but if you actually do this little exercise, you might discover 3 things.
Let me break them down for you.
Situation #1: The first thing you might discover is that your business cannot be found on Google search or maps when you search using your business name. This means it is not visible even to potential customers who are searching online.
Situation #2: The second thing you might find is that the information you have out there is either incomplete, outdated or not enough to convince potential customers to engage further with you.
Situation #3: You've got your A game on and your business is well-represented online.
If you find yourself in either situation #1 or #2, I've got you.
In this post, I'll show you how to set up your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) the right way and claim your business listing.
Why your business needs to be on Google.
Before I begin, let me explain why it's important to claim your business listing on Google.
To do this, let's examine 3 scenarios.
Scenario 1
Samantha is visiting Ivory Coast for a conference. It's her first time in Africa and she is looking forward to exploring the city and shopping.
After the event, she decides to go into town with some of her colleagues to buy some gift items for her family and friends back home in the US.
She brings out her phone and types in the phrase "Ankara shops near me."
If your business name doesn’t appear on the first page of his search list, you are already losing her and other potential customers searching for the same products.
Remember, people rarely visit the second or third pages of the Google search page.
Scenario 2
On the search result page, she finds "Arlette Designs" a local fashion store that sells beautiful women's wear and accessories made with Ankara prints.
Samantha clicks on their profile listing to check out their collection and get more information about the business.
She finds nothing.
No phone number to reach the business owner on, no pictures of your products on display, no address to their physical store, and no link to your website where he can buy from.
If this happens, Samantha will eventually leave your business profile and continue her search for another business she can buy from.
What this means is that "you've lost Samantha - a potential customer."
Scenario 3
Now let's say Samantha does see a phone number on your business listing. She clicks on the 'Call' button but the call doesn't go through.
She tries to call back a few times but gets the same result and finally gives up trying. It seems the number is no longer in use.
What do you think Samantha would do?
You guessed right.
She would leave that profile and continue her search elsewhere.
Why your business is losing customers online.
Scenarios 1, 2, and 3 above are possible reasons why you are losing customers who are searching for similar products and services.
Now, this is likely to happen to you if you have not claimed, verified, and optimized your business profile on Google.
I talked about verifying your business profile in another letter, but for now, let's focus on claiming your business listing on Google so you can show up when your ideal customers need you.
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that your business needs to be online and your customers need to be able to find and connect with you when they need you.
Having a social media page or a website isn’t enough anymore. You need to think one step ahead and ask yourself “how are people actually finding my business in the first place?”
You might have a website, but if people do not know you exist, how will they know what to search for in the first place?
If a customer is searching for a local business offering certain local products or services, chances are that your business will likely come up on local search and maps.
You might be asking, how do I get my business listed on Google?
Great questions. I'll walk you through how to do that in a bit.
But first what is Google Business Profile?
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) (GBP/GBProfile for short), is a free and easy-to-use tool that helps local businesses manage how they appear online across Google search and maps.
As a business owner, there are several benefits to having and using your Google Business profile to enhance the visibility of your business online.
Since a large percentage of people use Google to conduct searches, it means a huge audience of potential customers can view and access your business profile online.
The more visible your business is online — or the more often your business shows up in search results — the better the chances are of drawing people’s attention to you.
Geography (i.e where your business is located) also plays a big role here as people want to find businesses that are close by.
"The more visible your business is online — or the more often your business shows up in Google search results — the better your chances of drawing people’s attention to you."
How to set up your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Visit the Google Business Profile page
■ Go to business.google.com/create
■ Click on "Add your business to Google" (Fig 1: Label 1)
PS: You need to be signed into your Google account before setting this up. If you don’t have one, click here to create a new one.
Fig 1: The Google Business Profile sign up page.
Step 2: Add your business name & category
Type in your business name (Fig 2: Label 1), select a category (Fig 2: Label 2) that best suits your business, and then click Next (Fig 2: Label 3) to continue.
PS: Make sure that the name you use here is the same as the one listed on your business registration document, your website, social media pages, and on all other online directories.
Fig 2: Add your business name & category
Step 3: Add your business location
This next step will ask you if you wish to add an address to your business listing.
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.
Fig 3
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.
Please note that Online-only businesses aren't eligible to have a Google Business Profile.
If you travel to meet customers where they are (e.g plumber, photographer), you will be able to get your business profile verified.
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.
Fig 4: selecting your service areas
3.1.2: Add your contact details
Tell your customers how they can get in touch with you.
■ Include your business phone number (Fig 5: Label 1),
■ Add your web address (if you have one) (Fig 5: Label 2 ),
■ If you don't have a website you can opt-out completely by clicking on (Fig 5: Label 3).
PS: These details will be displayed on your public listing so ensure you use a valid phone number.
Fig 5: Adding your contact details
3.1.3: Verify your Google Business Profile
When you arrive on this page, it means you are ready to verify your new business profile.
Due to challenges receiving the postcard in Africa, we will be using another method to verify your Google business profile.
Select 'Verify later' (Fig 6: Label 1) and then click next.
Fig 6:
Once you have selected the option to "Verify later" you will be presented with other options to update 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, 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' (Fig 7: Label 1) and click next.
Fig 7:
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.
You will not be able to change this after verification.
Fig 8
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' (Fig 9: Label 1) and click next.
PS: If your business name is 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 and start managing it.
Fig 9
3.2.2: Pin your position on the map
Click on the pin 
(Fig 10: 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 (Fig 10: Label 2) as shown below.
Fig 10
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.
Fig 11
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.
Fig 12
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 (Fig 13: Label 1),
■ Add your web address (if you have one) (Fig 13: Label 2 ),
■ If you don't need a website you can opt-out completely (Fig 13: 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.
Fig 13
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 (Fig 14: Label 1 below.)
Due to the challenges of receiving the postcard in Africa, we will be using another method to verify your Google business profile.
For now, click on 'More' (Fig 14: Label 2)
Fig 14
Select 'Verify later' (Fig 15: Label 1) and then click next.
Fig 15
Once you have selected the option to "Verify later" you will be presented with other options to update 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, continue to the final steps below.
Final Steps:
1 - Learn how to manage your Google Business Profile for Free
Every Wednesday, you'll get 1 actionable growth tip to help you rank higher in local search and start attracting new customers to your business. Fill in your details below to receive it.
2 - Verify your Google My Business account
Once you have set up your Google Business Profile, the next step is to verify it. Click the image below to learn how to verify your Google Business Profile.
Now it's your turn!
I've shown you know how to set up your Google Business Profile. Now it's your turn.
Give it a go!
In fact, do you have any questions after reading this article? If you need help figuring out how to select the best kind of business category, service area, etc....
Let me know in the comments below!
Hello Vanessa,
Appreciative of the information shared, it was truly exhaustive. I have had the difficulty myself for over a year and each time I am told to provide the code sent to my address, I get confused because no postcard was received as notified.
My home business has been on for some years now and I truly understand the extent of benefits that link to having a properly verified online presence.
I hope this material proves useful and would update you on the development as I revert to complete the exercise again.
Regards,
Hi Stannis, I’m happy you found this article useful. I know how frustrating it can be waiting for that postcard.
Once you have created your account, please go ahead and follow the guide provided to verify your GMB account here -> https://ztal.me/gmb. If you have any challenges, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll be happy to assist you with it. Best of luck.
Hello,
Can I use my WHATSAPP BUSINESS LINK instead of a website?
Thank you!
Personally, I would recommend that you create a free website using Google Sites, upload pictures of your products, add “buy” buttons to these products and link them to your WhatsApp business.
Hi Vanessa I would like to know more about this
I think am confused somewhere please 🥺🙏
Hello kareem, what are you confused about?
Please how many days will it take to put my business on Google map. I have done all what you said Ma!
Hi there Alex, there has been a lot of changes to the verification process. Kindly join the GBP support community on Facebook for updates.
Thanks so much ma for this my comment is is the verification for free like am I paying money to get my business verified I really want to know thank you