How to Create Google My Business Account and Verify [2023]

I. Introduction

A. Explanation of Google My Business (GMB)

Google My Business is a free tool from Google that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including search and maps. By creating a GMB account, businesses can verify their information, manage their online reviews, and interact with customers.

B. Importance of GMB for local businesses

GMB is especially important for local businesses, as it allows them to appear in Google’s local search results and on Google Maps. This can help increase visibility and drive more traffic to their physical location.

C. Brief overview of the process for creating a GMB account and verifying it

To create a GMB account, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps, including providing your business information and verifying your account. We’ll go over these steps in more detail in the next section.

II. Setting Up Your Google My Business Account

A. Step-by-step instructions for creating a new GMB account

1. Sign in to Google: To create a GMB account, you’ll need to sign in to your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account yet, you can create one for free.
2. Go to Google My Business website: Once you’re signed in, go to the Google My Business website and click “Manage now” to get started.
3. Enter your business name and location: Enter your business name and address. If your business has multiple locations, you’ll need to create a separate listing for each location.
4. Choose your business category: Select the category that best describes your business. This will help Google understand what your business does and show it to the right people.
5. Enter your contact information: Provide your phone number and website URL. This information will be visible to customers who find your business on Google.
6. Verify your business: To verify your business, Google will either send you a postcard with a verification code, call your phone number, or send you an email. Follow the instructions provided to complete the verification process.

III. Verifying Your Google My Business Account

A. Explanation of why verification is important

Verification is important because it helps ensure that the information displayed on your GMB profile is accurate and up-to-date. It also helps prevent unauthorized changes to your business listing.

B. Different verification methods available

There are three different methods available for verifying your GMB account: postcard verification, phone verification, and email verification.

1. Postcard verification: With postcard verification, Google will mail a postcard to your business address with a verification code. Once you receive the postcard, enter the code on your GMB dashboard to complete the verification process.
2. Phone verification: With phone verification, Google will call the phone number listed on your GMB profile and provide you with a verification code. Enter the code on your GMB dashboard to complete the verification process.
3. Email verification: With email verification, Google will send a verification code to the email address listed on your GMB profile. Enter the code on your GMB dashboard to complete the verification process.

IV. Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile

A. Importance of optimizing your GMB profile

Your GMB profile is often the first thing people see when searching for your business online. By optimizing your profile, you can ensure that potential customers have all the information they need to make an informed decision about your business.

B. Tips for optimizing your GMB profile

1. Add photos and videos Visual content is a powerful way to showcase your business and make a great first impression. Be sure to include high-quality photos and videos that highlight your products, services, and location.
2. Add a description and relevant keywords Your business description should be concise and informative, highlighting what sets your business apart. Be sure to include relevant keywords that people might use when searching for businesses like yours.
3. Update your business hours and contact information Make sure your hours of operation, phone number, website, and other contact information are up to date and accurate. This makes it easy for customers to get in touch with you and find your business.
4. Manage and respond to customer reviews Customer reviews can be a powerful tool for building trust and credibility with potential customers. Be sure to monitor and respond to reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely and professional manner.
5. Create posts to promote your business GMB offers a feature called “Posts” that allows you to share news, offers, and other updates with your customers. Take advantage of this feature to promote your business and keep your customers engaged.

V. Conclusion

A. Recap of the importance of GMB for local businesses GMB is an essential tool for local businesses to attract new customers, manage their online presence, and build trust and credibility with their target audience.

B. Final thoughts and next steps for optimizing your GMB profile By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create and optimize your GMB profile to ensure that your business stands out online.

C. Call to action to create or optimize your GMB profile today. Don’t wait any longer to take advantage of this powerful marketing tool. Create or optimize your GMB profile today and start reaching more customers online.