Google Business Profile: why and how to create a business profile?

In this article, we explain why the Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business – GMB) is essential for any business (yes, even for those still hesitating to go “digital”) and how to create it without getting in over your head.

Why create a Google Business Profile?

Be visible where it counts

Imagine a bakery without a sign. Unless there’s a line of customers out front, no one would even know it existed. Well, it’s the same on the Internet. Without a Google Business Profile, your potential customers will pass you by (or rather, “scroll by”) without even noticing you.

Thanks to this listing, you’ll appear directly in local search results and on Google Maps. A query like “hairdresser near me”? Boom, you’re poppin’! The result: your business is in the spotlight, exactly where your customers are looking for you.

Improve your e-reputation

Reputation is key. You wouldn’t let a customer leave your store without a smile, would you? Online, that smile is customer reviews. A well-maintained Google listing not only collects reviews, but also shows that you care.

A customer complaining about a problem? Don’t panic! Respond with courtesy and humor. Show that you’re listening. Not only will you have the opportunity to make up for the situation, but you’ll also be proving to other potential customers that you’re reliable and professional.

Attract more customers

When everything’s spelled out: address, opening hours, telephone number and even a few nice photos, you make life easier for your customers. No more searching in obscure corners of the Internet to find out if you’re open on Sundays or if your store accepts payment in shells.

The result? Your customers can easily schedule their visit or call you directly via your listing. And then be prepared for calls like: “Hello, are you open? Because there’s a little doubt on your listing”. That’s when we say: ALWAYS update your opening hours.

How to create your Google Business Profile?

Step 1: Create or sign in to your Google Account

Don’t have a Google account? We’re not judging you (well, a little), but it’s time to create one. Go to Google Business Profile, log in, and let Google guide you. If you know how to send an e-mail or search for a recipe for apple pie, you’ll know how to fill in these few fields.

Step 2: Fill in the essential information

Be precise, but not too precise:

• Company name. Avoid frills (no, your name doesn’t need 3 adjectives).
• Address. Google GPS is accurate, but not prescient.
• Opening hours. Are you open from 9am to 6pm? That’s fine. If you close at 6:05pm for a coffee break, don’t mention it, just between us.
• Activity category. Make no mistake. If you sell pizzas, don’t register as an optician.

Step 3: Add high-quality visuals

There’s nothing more appealing than a beautiful photo, unless it’s blurry or taken in the dark. Show your best side! A clean logo, bright images of your store or products… that’s what catches the eye.

Step 4: Validate your file

Ah, validation… Google needs to be sure that you are the owner of the establishment. You’ll receive a code by mail or telephone. Yes, a letter; in a world where everything is digital, it’s their little vintage wink.

How can you optimize your listing to attract even more customers?

Focus on keywords

Include relevant keywords in your company description. For example, “artisan baker in Lyon, specializing in organic bread”. The result? Your listing will stand out more easily in searches.

Publish regularly

Use your entry as a mini-blog. Promotions, new products, special events? Publish! In addition to informing your customers, it shows Google that you’re active, and therefore interesting. For example, on the GBP AntheDesign listing, we regularly create posts that link to the website’s blog posts.

Encourage customer reviews

After a sale or service, ask your customers to leave a review. A good experience? Now’s your chance to get 5 stars! A bad one? This is your chance to show that you know how to handle problems tactfully and efficiently.

Add products or services

Do you offer specific services? List them in the form. For example: “Online yoga classes”, “Express smartphone repair”, or even “Homemade strawberry pie”.

What’s next? Let Google do the work for you!

Congratulations, your Google Business Profile is now ready, optimized and validated! You’ve taken care to fill in every field, added attractive photos and even a few glowing customer reviews. Now it’s time to let Google work its magic. Once your listing is up and running, it’ll work for you 24/7, without coffee breaks or time off (laughs!).

Just imagine: every time someone searches for services in your field, your listing can appear in the results, both on Google search and on Google Maps. But that’s not all. Your listing will also be noticed for its up-to-date, relevant content, boosting your visibility even further.

Potential customers can see your address and opening hours, and click directly to call or visit you. All without you having to do anything extra. It’s like having a salesperson working non-stop while you’re at home.

Better still, your customers can easily leave you reviews, and these will reinforce your credibility. The more positive reviews you have, the stronger your e-reputation and the more new customers you’ll attract.

It’s like an engine that runs itself. All you have to do is run your business and respond to incoming requests.

So take advantage of this powerful tool – you’ve earned it. All you have to do now is watch your business grow online, and see those new customers arrive. You’ll feel like you’re in a superhero movie… where Google is your invisible superpower!

What if AntheDesign made the difference?

Need a helping hand to go even further in optimizing your listing or other aspects of your digital strategy? At AntheDesign, we love to turn digital projects into tangible successes.

Our team is here to guide and help you maximize your online presence, boost your sales, and develop a tailor-made digital strategy. Don’t wait any longer, contact us to discuss your ambitions!

So you see, creating a Google Business listing is a bit like planting a prominent flag on a mountaintop. Except here, the mountain is the Internet.

So, are you ready to raise your flag to the top of the web?