{"id":7354,"date":"2017-03-08T04:00:29","date_gmt":"2017-03-08T10:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/?p=7354"},"modified":"2017-03-08T04:00:29","modified_gmt":"2017-03-08T10:00:29","slug":"optimize-google-business-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/blog\/optimize-google-business-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to the Basics: How to Claim and Optimize a Local Business Listing on Google Business Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

For a local business that wants to get discovered in search results<\/a>, maintaining an accurate Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is critical. The listing details (such as the business\u2019 phone number, website, photos, and hours of operation) determine what information consumers see in Google Search and Maps.<\/p>\n

Business owners need to take control of the company\u2019s Google Business Profile to ensure up-to-date business information is displayed online. This means creating or claiming the business listing on Google Business Profile and optimizing the content to ensure accuracy and improve visibility.<\/p>\n

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Claim and Optimize a Google Business Profile in Six Steps<\/h2>\n

1. Search for the Business on Google<\/h3>\n

The first step is to find out if the business already has a Google Business Profile. Google often generates listings based on information available online, which may or may be fully accurate. An existing listing should be claimed so the information can be updated and kept accurate.<\/p>\n

A simple Google search for the company name can reveal whether or not a Google Business Profile already exists. If a matching listing appears in search results, there should be a link that says \u201cAre You the Business Owner\u201d next to the listing. If, however, the business does not show up in search results, it\u2019s important to create a new Google Business Profile<\/a>\u00a0and update it with correct information about the company.<\/p>\n

2. Request Verification of an Existing Listing<\/h3>\n

To claim the listing, click on the \u201cAre You the Business Owner\u201d link. Next, sign into Google, search for the business name, and request verification. This will give you control of the listing and allow you to begin optimizing it. In most cases, Google will give you two options to verify the listing, \u201cMail me my code\u201d or \u201cCall me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

If the \u201cAre You the Business Owner\u201d button is not<\/i> visible, then the listing has already been claimed. Talk to any partners, owners, or marketers involved with the business to find out who has claimed the listing. Double check if there is another Google account linked to the business. If you can\u2019t figure out who verified the listing, you\u2019ll have to go through Google Help<\/a> to gain access.<\/p>\n

3. Confirm Business Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP)<\/h3>\n

Once the business has been verified, you can easily edit and update the business details that will show up in search results. It\u2019s crucial that the business\u2019 name, physical address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across the web \u2013 so the NAP data in the Google Business Profile should exactly match what\u2019s on the business\u2019 website.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s highly recommended that if you need to make changes to the listing you make those before requesting the verification from Google. If you make the request and then make a change, you\u2019ll quite possibly have to make a second request to get the listing verified.<\/p>\n

4. Choose a Single Business Category<\/h3>\n

Customers and search engines both prefer business\u2019 that accurately represent themselves online. So when selecting a category for a company\u2019s Google Business Profile, it helps to be as specific as possible. Even if the business falls under multiple categories, it\u2019s best to select the single most relevant category to describe the products or services offered. If you aren\u2019t sure which category is the optimal choice for a particular business, search for similar companies on Google to see what categories they\u2019ve selected.<\/p>\n

5. Upload Relevant Images to Represent the Business<\/h3>\n

In order to provide customers with more context in search results, Google likes to display images next to business listings. Google Business Profile with photos receive 42% more requests for driving directions as well as a 32% better click through rate to the company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

If the business doesn\u2019t upload official images, Google can display photos uploaded by the public \u2013 which can sometimes result in embarrassing mishaps<\/a> for the business. Although a business can suggest a \u2018preferred photo\u2019 for search results, Google will only use the recommended photo if it truly represents the business.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips for setting preferred photos that Google will approve:<\/p>\n