At IdealWeb, we understand the importance of an effective online presence for your business. One crucial aspect of enhancing your visibility in local search results is setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile. This free tool from Google can significantly impact your online success, and we are here to guide you through the process.
Benefits of Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, offers numerous advantages for your business:
- Increased visibility: Your business profile helps customers discover your business when they search for products or services you offer in their local area.
- Control over information: Manage your contact details, business hours and essential business information, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date.
- Local SEO boost: Your local search engine optimisation (SEO) improves, making your business more likely to appear in Google Maps and local searches.
- Build trust: Encourage and respond to customer reviews, a powerful way to build trust and credibility.
How to Set Up Your Google My Business Profile
Setting up your Google My Business Profile is a crucial step in improving your online presence. See the 6 easy steps below to set up your profile:
1. Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
- If you have a Google account, sign in to Google Business Profile Manager.
- If not, create a new Google account.
2. Add your business
- Enter your business name.
- If it does not appear in the drop-down menu, select “Add your business to Google.”
- Choose the appropriate category for your business.
3. Enter your location
- Indicate whether you have a physical location that customers can visit.
- Provide your business address.
- Position a marker on the map if necessary.
- If your business does not have a physical location, specify your service areas.
4. Fill in your contact information
- Add your business phone number and website address.
- Optionally, enter an email address.
5. Verify your business
- Enter your real physical address (not a P.O. box) to verify your business.
- Choose the verification method that suits your business type.
- Once you receive the verification code, enter it on the verification screen.
6. Customise your profile
Add business hours, messaging preferences, a business description and high-quality photos.
How to optimise your Google Business Profile
To get the most out of your Google Business Profile, follow these optimisation steps:
Complete all fields: Provide comprehensive business information, including what you do, your location and when customers can visit. This enhances your relevance to searchers.
Verify your location: Verified business locations are more likely to appear in local search results. Request your verification postcard or use email verification if you have a service-area business.The post option can typically take up to a couple of weeks.
Add real images and videos: Include a logo and cover photo consistent with your brand. Upload images and videos showcasing your location, work environment and the team.
Include keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your business description to improve your profile’s relevance.
Encourage and respond to reviews: Request reviews from satisfied customers. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to build trust and credibility.

Keep information up-to-date: Edit your business profile to reflect changes in business hours or special operating hours during holidays.
Add special features and attributes: Utilise category-specific features and attributes that apply to your business to provide more information to your customers.
Add your products: If you sell products, ensure there is an up-to-date inventory available on your business profile.
Take advantage of Google’s free marketing tools: Google offers a range of free tools to help small businesses succeed. Explore these valuable resources to connect with customers, boost your online presence and reach your target audience.
Remember, optimising your Google Business Profile increases your chances of appearing at the top of local search results and attracting more customers.
For more information and assistance in setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile and other web solutions, contact IdealWeb today!
