Google is changing the way consumers find and relate to local businesses, so having a Google My Business account is essential for any business that wants to reach its audience and attract customers. Without a Google My Business account, you have no control over the information displayed in your business profile, and according to a BrightLocal study, 68% of consumers would stop using a local business after finding incorrect information online.
Google ranks business profiles according to quality, and a company profile alone is not enough. However, a Google Business profile managed through a Google Business account can be optimized to rank above the competition in searches for relevant keywords.
The process of creating a Google My Business account requires three different Google accounts and two different Google platforms, all with very similar names. To get full access to your business profile on Google, you need to create a Google My Business account and use it to claim and verify your business profile on Google.
Steps for Creating a Google Business Profile
Step 1: Create a Google Account. This is the first step in creating your Google My Business account. You will need this account to access the other two accounts you will need.
Step 2: Create a Google+ Account. This is the second step in creating your Google My Business account. You will need this account to access the other two accounts you will need.
Step 3: Create a Google My Business Account. This is the third step in creating your Google My Business account. You will need this account to access the other two accounts you will need.
Step 4: Claim Your Business Profile. Once you have created all three accounts, you can now claim your business profile on Google. This will give you full control over the information displayed in your business profile.
Step 5: Verify Your Business Profile. After claiming your business profile, you must verify with Google that you are the rightful owner of the business. Some businesses will be able to verify their accounts by phone, but this option is not available to everyone.
Step 6: Optimize Your Business Profile. Once you have verified your business profile, you can now start optimizing it for better visibility on Google search and Maps. Make sure that all of the information displayed in your profile is accurate and up-to-date.
Conclusion
Creating a Google business profile is an essential step for any business that wants to be visible online. It is a free tool that allows customers to discover, learn about and contact your business. By following these steps, you can create, claim and verify your business profile on Google and start optimizing it for better visibility on search engines and Maps.