{"id":1928,"date":"2019-10-29T23:13:36","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T23:13:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyondbluemedia.com\/?p=1928"},"modified":"2019-10-29T23:13:36","modified_gmt":"2019-10-29T23:13:36","slug":"what-is-google-business-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.beyondbluemedia.com\/index.php\/2019\/10\/29\/what-is-google-business-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Google Business Profile? (Using GBP in 2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article was last updated on 5\/22\/2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google is literally everywhere nowadays, isn\u2019t it? We use Google to find other websites, answer all of our questions, and find our car keys. Oh, wait, that last one doesn\u2019t exist yet\u2026 but wouldn\u2019t it be great?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google is at the center of the internet and has a market share of over 88%<\/a> as a search engine, according to Statista. Obviously, Google is the dominating older brother in the search engine market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t a bad thing, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing that Google receives over 63,000 searches per second<\/a>, with an average of 3-4 searches per person daily, means that Google is your greatest asset!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy do all of these statistics matter?\u201d You might ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June 2014, Google decided to expand the horizons for business owners, both big and small. That month, Google launched Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile, a replacement for Google Places. This created a huge frenzy both online and offline for business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google created something where small and medium-sized businesses could compete on Google\u2019s search engine results pages (SERPs) with much larger businesses and corporations… on the first<\/strong> page!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s throw another statistic in here, roughly 75% of clicks<\/a> go to the first page on Google\u2019s SERPs. That means business leads! If you aren\u2019t on the first page when a person is searching for services or products like yours, then you\u2019ve got a lot of catching up to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But enough of why you should be on Google\u2019s first page, let\u2019s talk about what exactly Google Business Profile is and why you should care about it for your local SEO<\/a> (search engine optimization) strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Google Business Profile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFinally! Now I can understand what Google Business Profile is and become a pro!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh yes, we will be talking about Google Business Profile and how you can become a master of it with these 5 simple steps for only $99.99 per month! <- That\u2019s a joke.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please stay calm, as we\u2019re not expecting you to hand us cash to learn about Google Business Profile; it\u2019s a free tool. If you continue reading, you\u2019ll be able to gain best-practice knowledge when working with Google Business Profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google Business Profile (commonly called GBP) is a business listing platform on Google\u2019s search engine results pages for businesses to gain recognition, acquire relevant traffic, source reviews, and help customers find business locations. Think of it as a competitor to Yelp or Yellow Pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone interested in finding products or services like your business offers doesn\u2019t have to search on Yelp to find your business\u2019s information, location, hours, and reviews. All of this can be found in GBP!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This puts you one step closer to getting a new customer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google created this platform to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) compete online to be seen and get leads since it\u2019s really <\/strong>hard to get on the first page as a new business. This outlet may be several years old now, but it\u2019s continuing to grow and is expanding with new features for local business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We implore you to take the actionable information in this article and start your GBP listing as soon as you can if you haven\u2019t already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Google Business Profile Listing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A Google Business Profile listing is your footprint on Google\u2019s first page results. Open Google in your web browser or Google Maps<\/a> on your phone, and when you type in \u201cgas station near me,\u201d what do you get? Does it look anything like this?
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Or this on Google Maps?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking at the desktop screenshot above for \u201cgas station near me,\u201d Google\u2019s typical search results look different than normal, don\u2019t they? This is called the map pack<\/strong>, snack pack, local 3 pack, or what I like to call Google\u2019s gift to the small business owner: The ultimate local SEO hack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, it\u2019s not really a \u201chack,\u201d but it provides more leverage on Google\u2019s search results than you\u2019ve ever had before!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of these results, \u201cA, B, C\u201d for gas stations, is a unique business listing<\/strong>. Since all of these are Shell gas stations, the example here is that your business might have multiple locations, but you can create a unique business listing for each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your business listing on GBP is your business\u2019s digital footprint on Google for local SEO. If you have a small business serving healthy fruit juice drinks, you can compete with Jamba Juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamba Juice? The well-known, over-popularized \u201chealthy\u201d drink chain that\u2019s known globally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, the same one! If you own a local smoothie shop where Jamba Juice is located, you can now realistically compete with them, thanks to GBP!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Benefits of a Google Business Profile Listing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m placing this here because I want everything in one place for the benefit of a GBP listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, I know I\u2019ve already been talking about the amazing benefits of having a GBP listing, but here\u2019s a bulleted list of why you should have your own:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. You can compete with large, well-known businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. You can appear in the map pack on page one of Google\u2019s search results at the TOP of the page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. It\u2019s free! Yes, Google Business Profile is completely F R E E<\/strong>. You don\u2019t have to pay for a Google Business Profile listing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. GBP automatically connects to the Google Maps app to give users a route to your business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. You can add your products and services for additional information to help those searching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. You can add your business description, hours of operation (even on holidays), offers, specials, promotions, and images of your business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. GBP listings gather customer reviews<\/a> (reviews are important indicators for ranking on Google).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Google search users (your customers) can add images of your location, products, or services. This offers you free content!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. You can appear on page #1 <\/strong>of Google\u2019s SERPs\u2026 I\u2019ve listed this twice here because it\u2019s the best benefit of using Google Business Profile.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Who Can Have a Google Business Profile Listing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Google has strict guidelines<\/a> regarding who can own a Google Business Profile listing. Qualifying for a GBP listing includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Having ownership of that business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Actually operating during the hours listed and able to meet in person with customers during those hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Servicing or selling products in the area(s) you say you operate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Having a physical location (more on this below).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Examples of businesses that qualify for Google Business Profile listings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Practitioners with offices\/suites. For example, a physical therapist that works within a building with other physical therapists but has their own office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Having a mobile business but owning an office location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Brick-and-mortar businesses that sell physical items. For instance, your delicious fruit drinks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Businesses servicing areas. Earlier in 2019, Google introduced new features for businesses that don\u2019t directly have a physical location but service-specific areas. So, if you\u2019re a plumber and not a fruity juice expert selling delicious sugary drinks of pure awesomeness, you\u2019re safe and able to use GBP!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        EDITOR’S NOTE:<\/strong> If you want a good laugh and to see bad examples of GBP listings and user-generated content, take a look at some GBP tales of horror<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Who Can\u2019t Have a Google Business Profile Listing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        We know who CAN have a Google Business Profile listing, but who CAN\u2019T<\/strong>? Ineligible or unqualified businesses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Properties for rent or sale such as apartment vacancies, model homes, vacation homes, your best friend Jeff\u2019s kind of cool basement but still haven\u2019t installed that insulation. No, Jeff, you can\u2019t have a GBP listing for your freezing Airbnb. Brrr\u2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. e-Commerce businesses with no physical location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. People who don\u2019t actually own the business or lease the business\u2019s location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Ongoing events like classes or meetings at a location where you don\u2019t own the property or have the authorization to conduct business there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Virtual offices. Again, if you don\u2019t have a physical location, a GBP listing isn\u2019t for you. Even though you might have a phone number, mailing address, hours of operation, and some pictures to throw up on the listing, Google will deny you verification permissions. One thing stands true, you have to be able to meet in person with the customer. The only exception to this is if you can prove to Google that you own or lease an occupied office space similar to that of a co-working space. Even then, you could face some challenges if you don\u2019t meet customers in person.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          How do I Get My Business Listed on Google Business Profile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Simple, you claim it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you fall into one of the listed qualified businesses above, then congratulations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This article isn\u2019t just to tell you about what Google Business Profile is, it\u2019s also to help you set it up! Jeff, let\u2019s go make some local SEO magic happen for anything but that cold, dark basement\u2026 unless you\u2019re planning on turning it into a walk-in workspace or a dive bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Claim Your Live Google Business Profile Listing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Let\u2019s just jump straight into it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Your business might already have a GBP listing, and it\u2019s just waiting for you to claim it. If your business is already on Google Maps search, that means it\u2019s already listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cShould I just leave it alone?\u201d you might ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Leaving your current listing to the Google bots to manage means you can\u2019t optimize it for local SEO purposes and your business information might be inaccurate. Don\u2019t leave your GBP listing in the hands of fate or Google bots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          To claim your Google Business Profile listing, there are a couple of steps to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Find Your Business<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Go to Google Maps and type in your business name or a keyword phrase that will bring up your business listing. You might have to dig around to find it, but if you’ve seen it before, it\u2019s there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2. Claim Your Business<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Once you have found your business listing, it\u2019s time to claim it. Somewhere on the listing should be a button for \u201cClaim this business.\u201d Click on the \u201cClaim this business\u201d button. You\u2019ll be taken through a step-by-step claiming process for the listing. Obviously, you\u2019ll want to be using a Gmail account to access your GBP listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Follow the steps presented to you and fill out the accurate information for your business. Include your business\u2019s name, address, phone number (NAP<\/a>), and any other information to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          3. Reclaim Your GBP Listing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Perhaps you created a Google Business Profile listing a while back and forgot about it? Or maybe someone on your team created a GBP listing that was left alone for a while? If there is a chance that either of these scenarios (or another one) occurred, then you should claim your GBP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Either try to find the email and password to access the listing, and you can work with it from there, or you can click the \u201cClaim this business\u201d button and use a new email address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Create a New Google Business Profile Listing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If none of the above scenarios occurred and you don\u2019t currently have a Google Business Profile listing for your business, then create a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Log Into Google Business Profile<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Using your Gmail account, log in to Google Business Profile<\/a>. Click on \u201cManage Now<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          2. Find Your Business Name<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          If you didn\u2019t find your business listing earlier by going to Google Maps, you can try again by searching for it directly on Google Business Profile. If it still doesn\u2019t show, then move forward with creating a new Google Business Profile listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          3. Create a New GBP Listing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Type in the accurate name of your business (no extra keywords like adding your city, \u201cFort Collins,\u201d unless that is in the legal version of your business\u2019s name). Select \u201cCreate a business with this name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          For the fun of it, I\u2019ve chosen to create \u201cThe Juicy Pineapple\u201d because I\u2019m currently craving fruit juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Follow the next 8 easy steps to add the information about your business to create a new Google Business Profile listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          4. Add Your Business\u2019s Name<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Add the accurate<\/strong> name of your business to get started on your new GBP listing officially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          5. Choose to Add Business Location<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          If you have a location that customers can directly visit (preferably not your home), then click yes. If not, click no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          6. Add the Business Address<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          If you chose to add a business address because you have a physical location for customers to visit, add the information here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you chose to add a business address because you have a physical location for customers to visit, add the information here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          7. Answer if You Serve Outside Your Location<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          If your business serves other locations besides the address you just added, click yes. If not, click no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          8. Choose Service Areas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          If you clicked yes on the previous section, then add the cities and areas you serve in this next section. If you clicked no, then skip this step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          9. Choose Your Business Category<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Google has a pre-set list of categories for your business to fit into. You can choose up to 10 categories. If you forget to add categories that your business fits into, you can add more later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          10. Add Visible Contact Details<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Your \u201cvisible contact details\u201d include your business\u2019s contact phone number and a link to your current website (if you have one). If you don\u2019t have a website, you can opt out by clicking \u201cI don\u2019t need a website<\/strong>,\u201d or you can have GBP automatically create a website that is structured via their generic template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          11. Finish and Manage Your New Google Business Profile Listing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Ta-da!! The final step here is to click on the blue \u201cFinish<\/strong>\u201d button. Once you do, you now have a GBP listing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          *CLICK!*<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Congratulations! You have officially created a new Google Business Profile listing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Now, it\u2019s time to make it live for Google searchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How do I Verify My Google Business Profile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Once you have created a Google Business Profile listing, you have to have it verified by Google. The reason for verifying your GBP listing is so that Google can legitimize your business and prove an accurate address. If your business isn\u2019t at the address you say it is, Google won\u2019t verify it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Go to your GBP dashboard to access your listing to start the verification process<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Google has several verification processes that you can choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Let\u2019s look at The Juicy Pineapple GBP dashboard again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          You\u2019ll see that my new listing is \u201cPending\u201d verification (even though it says \u201cbusiness is verified\u201d). Google can automatically verify your business if it fits the requirements without manual help on your end. However, this doesn\u2019t always work since Google might not <\/strong>be able to verify your business without further information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If your business doesn\u2019t automatically become verified, then you\u2019ll have to choose a verification method to verify your business address. Without verification, your business won\u2019t be listed on Google\u2019s Map Pack or Google Maps!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Google has 5 ways to verify your business listing(s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Verify Business Listing via Mail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Google will send a \u201cpostcard\u201d to the address associated with the business listing you\u2019ve just created. If you have chosen this verification method, it will typically take up to 14 business days for a postcard to reach your address. On the postcard will be your verification code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When you receive the postcard, go to your Google Business Profile listing\u2019s dashboard, then access the pending verification section. Google\u2019s instructions for verifying using a computer with the postcard\u2019s code include clicking the \u201cVerify now\u201d button and inputting the 5-digit verification code. Click \u201cSubmit\u201d once you have added the code, and your listing will be verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you haven\u2019t received a postcard, in the verification section, you can request Google to send a new postcard. This means that if you end up receiving the original postcard, you can only use the new postcard\u2019s code. The original code will no longer be applicable.
          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"
          Resource from Google Support<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          If you\u2019re on the go or don\u2019t have the time to access your computer, you can verify your GBP listing on your mobile device. To verify your listing via a mobile device, you can access your Google Business Profile account by either signing into the account on a web browser or by accessing the Google Business Profile app. Follow similar steps as the computer verification method found above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"
          Resource from Google Support<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          2. Verify Your Business Via Phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          This is an available verification method for select businesses. If your business listing verification options provide this method, that is the only way to choose it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This is a very simple process for verification. Select this method and the phone number that you have linked to your business listing will receive a phone call from Google Business Profile with the verification code. Input and submit the code in the verification code field. Your business will then be verified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"
          Resource from Google Support<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          3. Verify Your Business Via Email<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Email verification is another method that is optional for select businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you have this verification method available, choose this option for quick and easy verification. All you have to do is choose this method, double-check the email in the email field to ensure it\u2019s the correct email address, then check your email for the code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Go back to your GBP listing and add the code in the verification code field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"
          Resource from Google Support<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          4. Instantly Verify Your Business Listing with Google Search Console<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Google Search Console<\/a> is a free monitoring and indexing tool created by Google for website owners to index their pages, check website search clicks, review errors\/suggested changes for pages on your website, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you own a website for your business and have already verified it using Google Search Console, then you can verify your new GBP listing. Using the same email address you use for your Google Search Console account, create and verify your Google Business Profile listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Some business categories might not be eligible for this type of verification method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          5. Get Bulk Verified<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If you have a business with 10 or more locations, you can get bulk verified<\/a>. There are a variety of ways to get bulk verified. Essentially, your user account will get verified by Google Business Profile, and your 10 or more locations will become verified. This is a very useful method for agencies that have an Organization account with a multitude of client address locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you don\u2019t have 10 or more business locations, then this isn\u2019t the verification method for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Once you\u2019ve been verified, your business listing\u2019s location and details will be on Google Maps and search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          New Verification Method: Video Verification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          While this was first introduced for beta testing back in September of 2018<\/a>, Google has officially released video verification, partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic slowing postage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Not every business will have eligibility from what we can see. However, we didn’t have this option available for some locations until we received an email. After postcard verification failed because Google couldn’t recognize the suite number, we were sent an email letting us know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This makes us believe that even if you don’t have the video chat option available upfront, Google will contact you to offer this verification method after you’ve exhausted your other option(s). What you’ll need to be prepared for this video chat with one of Google’s ‘specialists’ will differ depending on if you have a physical storefront or a service area business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          However, the scheduling of these video calls remains the same: 24-48 hours in advance once Google Support has reached out to you for the scheduling. This video chat can be done on your mobile device or laptop with a camera installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Video Verification for Physical Storefronts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          If you need to verify an address that customers or employees need directions to on Google Maps, this is a physical storefront. Google will request the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n