Google My Business (GMB) Profile – What is it? How to claim yours
Claiming your Google My Business (GMB) page is a critical step for enhancing your local SEO and improving your visibility on Google. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you claim and verify your business on Google My Business:
Before you Begin
You will need a Google ID – this will be an email address. Either one of your own or one Google will assign to you. It’s simple and free to get one.
Sign in to Google My Business
- Go to Google My Business (here) and click on “Manage now” or “Sign in”.
- If you aren’t already, Sign in using the Google ID that you want associated with your business.
Search for Your Business
- Enter the name of your business in the search box. If your business appears in the drop-down menu, click on it.
- If not, you will need to add your business to Google – this page will lead you through the process.
Add or Claim Your Business
- If your business is listed but unclaimed, you’ll see an option to claim the business. Click on “Claim this business” or “Own this business?”
- If someone has claimed your business already, you ought to be able to retrieve it. The process does involve asking the current claimant to resolve the matter with you but, if they do not contact you within seven days, you are entitled to attempt to claim the business.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Choose a verification method. Google offers several ways to verify your business, including by postcard, phone, email, or instant verification (the last three are only available for certain businesses):
- Postcard verification: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to the business address you provided. This usually arrives within 5 days. Once received, enter the code in your Google My Business account to verify your business.
- Phone verification: If eligible, you can choose to receive the verification code via SMS.
- Email verification: Some businesses can verify by receiving a code via email.
- Instant verification: If you’ve already verified your business’s website with Google Search Console, you might be eligible for instant verification.
Once Your Business is Claimed
Now you’ve got your profile, what can you do with it?
Complete Your Business Profile
Fill out all the additional details such as business hours, phone number, website, and services. Adding high-quality photos and additional information about your business can help attract more customers.
While logged in with your Google ID, Google will show you the following at the top of your search results page (search for your company name). If you click the “Complete info” link, you will be lead through the process of adding your key business details to your profile. Why wouldn’t you?
Sadly, as best we can tell, you can only receive full Profile strength by buying advertising off Google there and then. So you will have to live with an annoying little hint that you aren’t quite doing enough.
Review and Manage Your Listing
Regularly update your profile to ensure all information is current and accurate, which can improve your business’s local SEO and customer interaction.
Monitor your GMB dashboard regularly. Respond to reviews, post updates, and use the insights provided by Google to understand how customers interact with your listing.
Stay Active
Post regular updates or special offers on your GMB profile to keep your business relevant and engaging to potential customers. Regular activity on your profile can also signal to Google the relevancy and currency of your business.
Following these steps will help you effectively claim and manage your GMB profile, which is essential for local SEO and improving your online visibility.