In today’s digital world, having an online presence is non-negotiable for businesses. One of the most underrated ways to appear at the top of search results and reach more customers is by combining Google Sites and Google My Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to set up your free Google Business Profile and explain how it boosts visibility, builds credibility, and connects you directly with local customers.
At Cloud Sultans, our mission is to help small and large businesses to better collaborate and achieve high productivity with their teams by maximizing the power of Google Workspace.
Understand What Google Business Profile Really Is
Before jumping into the how-to, it’s important to understand the Google My Business Profile concept. Think of it as your online storefront—what people see when they search for your business on Google Search or Maps. If you’re running a local business and not using this free tool, you’re potentially leaving serious money on the table. This profile helps you appear in the top 3 search results—called the “Google 3-pack”—which get 700% more clicks than standard results.
Claim and Create Your Business Profile
The first and most important step is to claim your business profile. Start by visiting the Google My Business Profile setup page, click “Get Started,” and log in with a Gmail account. No Gmail, no listing—it’s that simple. From there, enter your google business name and choose a relevant business category. Be accurate here, as it influences how customers discover you.
Define Your Business Location and Service Area
Google asks whether you have a physical location where customers can visit. If you run a brick-and-mortar shop, say yes. If you provide services in a region but don’t have a storefront (like home services or consultancy), say no and list your service area instead. Either way, you’ll eventually need to verify your address to make your profile publicly visible.
Add Contact Information and Website Links
Next, input your google business phone number and website address—yes, even if it’s a Google Sites website. This helps drive more traffic from your profile directly to your site and boosts your search credibility. Having multiple contact points builds trust with new customers.
Confirm Your Address with Google Verification
Verification is mandatory for your profile to appear live. Currently, Google uses video verification, where you show your business location and surroundings on camera. This measure helps prevent fake listings and builds platform integrity. If you can’t verify immediately, you can skip and return later—but note, your business won’t be searchable until verification is complete.
Write a Compelling Business Description
Don’t skip this part. Your google business description is your elevator pitch. Make it informative and keyword-rich without sounding robotic. Look at competitors’ descriptions for inspiration or use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate professional copy that includes your years of experience, values, and unique offers.
Optimize Your Services with Keywords
This is where the magic happens. Add the services you offer—think of them as your business keywords. For example, if you build websites, include keywords like “website creation,” “WordPress designer,” or “Elementor expert.” These make your profile appear when potential customers search for specific services in your area. Google encourages listing as many relevant services as possible.
Set Your Business Hours Accurately
Accurate hours of operation are critical for customer trust. Select your working days and input your start and end times. Google even lets you set a business as open 24/7—perfect for online or on-call services. Customers rely on these details, and Google favors complete and accurate profiles. So, fill your timings correctly on your google business profile.
Upload Quality Photos of Your Business
Photos humanize your business and drastically increase engagement. Upload real pictures of your workspace, products, or team. Just note—Google might reject photos for new or unverified profiles. If that happens, don’t worry. Just verify your account and re-upload the images a few days later.
Consider Running Google Ads with Free Credits
Google often offers up to $500 in ad credits when you create your Google My Business Profile. These ads push your listing to the very top of local search results. With costs as low as 5 to 10 cents per click, it’s a great opportunity to gain new customers without heavy upfront investment on your google business.
Keep Your Profile Updated and Collect Reviews
Once verified, regularly update your google business info, add product listings, and post business updates to engage users. Also, don’t forget to collect reviews—even from family and friends initially. Reviews help build social proof and make your business stand out in a crowded market.
Any questions, comments, or reactions about our article, we’re happy to hear that in the comment section below. We always love diving into healthy discussions. If you also feel that you haven’t been using Google Workspace at its best, reach us at (Cloud Sultans : contact@cloudsultans.com).
We offer free consultation or system audit to find you the best possible solution.
