Claim or Update Your Google My Business Profile

If you’re a small business with a physical location, you must have a Google Business profile for your location. It’s one of the first things that appears in Google search results when someone searches for your brand name or related keywords. Not only that, but many people also search for local businesses directly on Google Maps, especially for bars, restaurants, and hotels. Let’s dive into Google My Business (GMB) profiles and let's show you how to claim them.

Google My Business, or Google Business Profile, is essentially a template provided by Google that allows businesses to showcase their physical locations (stores, offices, etc.). The amount and quality of information you include can significantly impact how your business appears in search results. The more complete your profile, the better.

How Is a GMB Profile Created?

There are several ways your profile can appear in Search or Maps. Let’s explore the different scenarios:

1. Automatically Created by Google - Google may automatically create a profile after its Street View car scans the area.

   • Risks: The business owner has no control or ownership of the profile, and the information (e.g., opening hours, phone number) may be inaccurate.

   • Solution: Claim the business to take ownership of the profile.

2. Created by a Third Party - Someone other than the business owner (e.g., a customer or an active Google Local Guide) might create the profile.

   • Risks: The business owner doesn’t have access, cannot update information, or respond to reviews. The profile may be owned by someone else.

   • Solution: Claim the business and request a transfer of ownership. If necessary, contact Google Support for assistance.

3. Owned by the Business - This is the ideal scenario where the business owner manages the profile. Fully verified profiles are marked with a blue badge.

   • Solution: If your profile is verified, periodically check that all information is up-to-date. Google occasionally releases new features, so make sure you’re utilizing them to improve your ranking in local search results.

How to Claim Your Google Business Profile

1. Search for your business on Google.

2. Review the profile and look for the "Own this business?" option.

3. Click "Own this business?" and follow the steps to claim it.

Watch this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to claim your Google Business Profile.

How to check if your profile is verified?

It’s easy to check the ownership status of your profile. Simply log in with the email address used to create it and look for the blue badge. Here’s what to look for:

Keep These Up-To-Date (Always!)

Once you've verified your profile and have full access to it, it's crucial to keep it up-to-date. These are the key things to review and update regularly:

• Opening hours – especially during holiday periods or public holidays. Google may suggest to users that your hours might be different, but it’s always better to confirm them yourself. There’s nothing worse than someone showing up to your store only to find it closed and leaving you a furious 1-star review.

• Photos – if anything changes outside or inside your business, update your photos. This will help people recognize your place easily when they are nearby.

• Contact details – such as your website link, phone number or WhatsApp.

Start Generating High-Quality Reviews

You need strong reviews (ideally an average of 4 stars or higher) to perform better in local search. I've developed a system that helps you generate Google Reviews with ease (and without the cringe). Read this article to learn more about collecting Google Reviews from your customers.