Add or Claim Your Google Business Profile Today

How long does it take to set up a GBP profile?

It doesn’t take long to fill in the essential info like your NAP, website, and business hours and then select the different categories and attributes.

But the verification process takes a few days. Here’s an overview to give you a clear idea:

• Basic Setup: The initial setup where your most important business info is added gets done in under 30 minutes.

• Verification Process: After entering your business information, Google wants to make sure you are the business owner. There are two ways to verify:
  • Call, text, or email: The verification code is sent immediately, so it doesn't take time
  • Postcard: The verification code is sent through a postcard that takes 1-2 weeks to arrive

What causes Google Business Profile suspension?

Here are some common reasons your GMB account could get suspended:

• Inaccurate Business Information: Consistency is a must for GBP success. Make sure there is no incorrect or conflicting information. 

• Violating Google's Guidelines: Perhaps you’ve used false information, done keyword stuffing in business names, created multiple listings for the same business location, or have not complied with Google's content policies.

• Multiple Listings for the Same Address: If several businesses are located in the same building then they often have this issue where you need expert help.

• Quality Issues: Low-quality images/videos, irrelevant posts, or spammy behavior could trigger a suspension.

• Suspicious Activity: This could involve suspicious changes to the account, multiple accounts for the same location, or behavior that suggests manipulation of search rankings.

• Multiple Suspensions: If your business has had multiple violations or suspensions in the past, your account could be permanently suspended by subsequent violations.

If your GMB account has been suspended, you will receive a notification from Google explaining the reason. The good news is that Google gives you the opportunity to appeal the suspension or fix the issues that led to it.

What is Google My Business and why is it important for local businesses?

Google Business Profile (GBP) - previously known as Google My Business (GMB) - is a free tool that you need to gain more local traffic. It allows you to add important business information like address, phone number, hours of operation, and more to appear in local search results and Google Maps. This makes it easier for potential customers to find your business and its products or services.

What’s more, you can interact with your customers by responding to reviews, answering questions, and posting updates on your products. As a result, you earn their trust and your reputation is spread in your business area and beyond.

What are the benefits of Google Business Profile?

You should never let go of the opportunity to use this free SEO tool by Google. When people search for products or services related to your business, your profile will appear in the "Local Pack" or "3-Pack," which is a set of three highlighted businesses that appear at the top of Google. Your business location will appear also on Google Maps so customers can easily find you.

Google Business Profile allows people to leave reviews and ratings and make direct communication with your business for inquiries. What’s more, GBP provides insights into how customers are interacting with your profile. You can see data on how many people viewed your profile, how they found it, and what actions they took (e.g., visiting your website, requesting directions, or calling your business). You can install the SEO local Google My Business app to manage your profile on the go.

What’s more, it gives you an edge over competitors who have not fully leveraged the benefits of this amazing tool.

What are the challenges of Google Business Profile?

As a business owner, you need expert help so you don’t miss the great opportunity to reap the numerous benefits of GBP.

Maintaining and monitoring your GBP profile is often time-consuming and you’ve to be super careful because a wrong info can mislead both Google and your potential customers.

Handling negative or fake reviews is another challenging task that can hamper your reputation.

The verification process can also be cumbersome and slow, especially if you’ve multiple locations or you’re located in remote areas. Businesses that do not have a physical storefront may have the same issue.

Last but not least, Google frequently updates its algorithms. This can cause fluctuations in how often your business appears in search results.