GBP – Google Business Profile.
If you aren’t on the map, you aren’t being found. We help Niagara small business owners register and optimize their Google Business Profile. From ensuring your location is accurate on Google Maps to managing your presence on Search, we make sure you are the first choice when locals and tourists look for services nearby.
To register your small business on Google Business Profile (GBP), you need a Google Account and accurate business information. The process involves creating or claiming your business profile and then verifying your ownership.
Step 1: Create or Sign in to a Google Account
You will need a Google account to manage your business profile. It is recommended to create one specifically for your business if you don’t already have one.
- Visit accounts.google.com and select “Create account”.
- Choose the option “To manage my business” and follow the prompts.
These articles provide step-by-step instructions for setting up and optimizing a Google Business Profile:
Step 2: Add or Claim Your Business Profile
Go to the Google Business Profile Manager and follow these steps:
- Search for your business: Enter your business name in the search bar to see if a profile already exists.
- If it exists: Click “Own this business?” or “Claim this business” and follow the on-screen instructions to request ownership.
- If it does not exist: Select the option to “Add your business to Google” and provide your official business name when prompted.
Step 3: Enter Business Details
Follow the prompts to add essential information about your business:
- Business Category: Choose the primary category that best describes your core business. You can add up to nine secondary categories later.
- Location: If you have a physical storefront customers can visit, enter your full, accurate address.
- Service Area (if applicable): If you serve customers within a specific area but don’t have a public physical location (e.g., a plumber or delivery service), you can list your service areas by city, zip code, or region and choose to hide your address.
- Contact Information: Add your business phone number and website URL.
- Hours: Set your main operating hours.
- Description & Photos: Write a brief description highlighting what makes your business unique and upload photos of your logo, storefront, and products.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Verification is mandatory to manage your profile and make it publicly visible on Google Search and Maps. Google will present you with the available options based on your business type and location:
- Postcard by Mail (Most common): Google sends a postcard with a unique 5-digit code to your listed business address. This typically takes 5-14 days to arrive. Once you receive it, sign back into your GBP dashboard and enter the code.
- Phone or Email: Some businesses may be eligible to receive an instant verification code via automated phone call, text message, or email.
- Video Recording or Live Video Call: You might be asked to record a short video showing your business location, signage, and proof of management (e.g., equipment, access to employee-only areas) or conduct a live video call with a Google representative.
After successfully verifying your business, your profile will be live on Google, and you can access all features to engage with customers and manage your online presence