*Updated on May 12, 2023
Start by Claiming Your Google Business Profile
Whether you have one business location or one hundred business locations, it is crucial to claim and manage your Google Business Profiles. This will allow you to ensure all contact information is correct and your business is appropriately represented online.
What is a Google Business Profile (formerly Google MyBusiness listings)?
A Google Business Profile is a free business listing on Google with information on a business and includes features such as:
- Business Name
- Business Category / Services
- Phone Number
- Address & Directions
- Website
- Reviews
- Images
- Products & Services
- Q&A
If your business has a physical mailing address, chances are good it has a Google business listing, whether you created it or not. These listings are often automatically created by location data aggregators for Google Search and Google Maps, similar to how a phone directory would get your business’ phone number.
The information in these business listings can be used by your clientele for things like: driving directions to your business, direct mobile link to call your phone number, view holiday store hours, read online reviews (before doing business with you), ask a question about your business, and more.
When it comes to your business listing on Google, it is up to you to claim it and control how it is managed.
How to Claim your Google Business Profile
Before claiming your business, you may want to check if somebody has already claimed it on Google. To see if it’s claimed, do a Google search for your business: “business name + location” and locate “Own this business?” on the listing.
Click on ‘Own this business?’ to begin the process to claim it.
Important: When you begin to claim the business on Google, be sure you are logged into the correct Google/Gmail account you wish to utilize to manage your Google Business Profile(s). Check the upper right corner of the browser window to see which account you are logged into.
How to Re-Claim Ownership of a Google My Business Listing
In some cases, the business may have already been claimed (possibly by a current colleague, a former colleague, or vendor). If the business is already claimed and you need to determine who has ownership or re-claim the Google business listing, follow these steps:
- Go to https://business.google.com
- Sign in to your Google/Gmail account.
- Click ‘Add a Location’ or go to: https://business.google.com/create
- Enter the name of your business. Select it from the dropdown if it appears. If it doesn’t, you will need to fill in the full address.
- Click “Request Access.” On this screen, you will also see a preview of the email address with administration access to your business listing.
Upon requesting access, an email will be sent to the current owner of the business listing. If they do not respond in 3 business days, you will be provided additional options to claim the listing.
For more information, visit Google Business Profile Help.
How to Edit Business Information on Google
Once you have ownership of your Google Business Profile, you can edit the information by going to: https://business.google.com.
Within the interface, find the listing you wish to edit, and click on the pencil icon to navigate to editing options.
Add more than one ‘Category’ if more than one applies. Googles uses this information when determining when to show your business in Google Maps results.
Add plenty of photos! Customers often browse business images before engaging with or visiting a business. It is best for the owner of the business to add photos that properly represent the brand, products, and/or services, rather than relying on images added by others.
Respond promptly to questions and reviews! Timeliness of responses is a key indicator of a quality business, which could even influence your businesses ranking position.
There you have it – a quick Google Business Profile 101 on claiming and editing your business listing that displays on both Google Search and Google Maps.
If you need additional support, such as effectively managing multiple business listings, feel free to reach out to the team at Americaneagle.com for troubleshooting or management assistance.
