Is your business virtually invisible when customers search on Google? You're not alone. Every day, millions of business owners lose sales because their potential customers can't find them online.
The 97% of people search for local businesses on the Internet before making a purchase. If your business doesn't show up in those searches, you're leaving money on the table. The good news is that creating and optimizing your google my business can change this situation dramatically.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to create your own google my business page from scratch and optimize it to appear in the first results. You don't need technical knowledge, just follow the right steps.
Ready to make your business visible? Download our free optimization checklist while you read this guide.
What is Google My Business and why is it crucial?
Google My Business is a free tool that allows entrepreneurs to manage their online presence on Google Search and Google Maps. It is your digital letter of introduction to thousands of potential customers.
Think about your google business profile like your physical storefront, but available 24 hours a day. When someone searches for "restaurant near me" or "plumber in [your city]", Google displays a list of local businesses with their corresponding listings.
The statistics speak for themselves:
- Businesses with a complete profile receive 2x more visits than those without optimizing
- The 76% of local searches result in physical visits within 24 hours
- The optimized cards generate a 25% more phone calls
The difference between having and not having google my business is abysmal. Without a profile, you are invisible. With an optimized profile, you become the first choice of your ideal clients.
Step by step: create your Google My Business listing
Create your google my business page is easier than you think. Follow these exact steps:
1. Log in to Google My Business
Go to the official Google My Business site. You will see a blue button that says "Manage Now". Click it and use your existing Gmail account or create a new one.
2. Add your business
Enter the exact name of your business. Google will suggest options if information already exists. If your business does not appear, select "Create a business with this name".
3. Select your category
This is crucial for your local seo. Choose the category that best describes your main activity. For example: "Restaurant", "Dental office" or "Clothing store". You can add secondary categories later.
4. Locate your business
If you have a physical location, enter your complete address. For home-based businesses, check the corresponding option. Google will display your location on a map, verify that it is correct.
5. Add contact information
Include your main phone number and website. Use local numbers when possible, as they generate more trust.
6. Verification
Google will send a verification code by mail, SMS or phone call. This step is mandatory and may take up to 14 days by mail.
Common mistake to avoid: Do not use P.O. Box addresses or addresses that are not your actual business location. Google penalizes this practice.
Need personalized help setting up your profile? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation and we will guide you step by step.
Advanced Optimization: key elements for Local SEO
Once you have created your listing, optimization makes the difference between appearing in position 1 or on page 3. Here are the elements that Google values the most:
Business Description
Write a 750-character description that includes your main keywords in a natural way. Mention what you do, who you serve and what makes you different. Example: "Family restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican food. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cozy atmosphere. 15 years delighting palates in [your city]."
Precise categories
Your primary category must be accurate. Secondaries broaden your scope. A dentist might use "Dental Office" as the primary and add "Orthodontics" or "Teeth Whitening" as secondaries.
Complete contact information
Maintain consistency in name, address and phone number (NAP) across all platforms. A discrepancy can confuse Google and affect your local ranking.
Hours of operation
Update your schedules regularly, including special holidays. Accurate schedules help customers and enhance your google my business optimization.
Special attributes
Activate relevant attributes such as "Accepts credit cards", "Free WiFi", "Wheelchair accessible". These details improve the user experience and your visibility.
Content and publishing strategies
Your business on google maps needs fresh content to maintain engagement and improve your rankings. Google My Business posts work like mini-social media posts.
Types of effective publications
Product Publications: Showcase your star products with attractive photos and prices. Perfect for retail and restaurants.
Upgrades: Share news, schedule changes, new services. Keep your regular customers informed.
Events: Promote special offers, events or launches. Generate expectation and urgency.
Offers: Promotions with specific discounts generate more clicks and conversions.
Optimum frequency
Post at least once a week. Businesses that post regularly receive 33% more interactions than those who do not.
Effective engagement
Respond to all messages and questions within 24 hours. Google considers the speed of response as a ranking factor for local seo.
Review management: your secret weapon
Reviews are the most influential factor in local purchasing decisions. The 91% from consumers read reviews before visiting a business.
Why reviews drive SEO
Google uses the number, frequency and rating of reviews as ranking signals. More positive reviews = better position in local searches.
How to get more positive reviews
Order directly: Request reviews from satisfied customers immediately after the purchase or service.
Facilitates the process: Send direct links to your profile on google my business by WhatsApp or email.
Subtly incentivizes: Offer small discounts or benefits for honest reviews (without buying reviews).
Perfect timing: The best time is just when the customer is most satisfied with your service.
Handling negative reviews
Respond professionally and offer solutions. An appropriate response can turn a negative experience into an opportunity to show your commitment to service.
Want to double your positive reviews in 60 days? Download our review request template that converts 8 out of 10 requests.
Metrics and analysis: measuring your success
Google Insights provides you with valuable data about your company's performance. google my business page. Here are the key metrics:
Key KPIs
Visualizations: How many times your business appeared in searches. An upward trend indicates improvement in SEO.
Customer actions: Address clicks, phone calls, website visits. These are real conversions.
Requests for indications: How many people asked for directions to your business. High correlation with physical visits.
Data interpretation
An increase in views without an increase in shares suggests that your profile needs optimization. Better photos, more attractive descriptions or promotions can improve conversion.
Continuous optimization
Review metrics on a monthly basis. Identify patterns: which days do you receive more searches? Which publications generate more engagement? Adjust your strategy based on real data.
Conclusion
Create and optimize your google my business is not optional in today's market, it is a necessity. The steps you have just read can transform the visibility of your business and generate a steady stream of leads.
Remember the key points: complete verification, consistent information, regular content, proactive review management and constant monitoring of metrics.
The local seo well executed can multiply your sales without increasing your marketing budget. The question is not whether you can afford to optimize your profile, but whether you can afford not to.
Ready to dominate your local market? Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you implement each strategy in this guide for your specific business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my business to appear in Google?
Your business can appear in Google immediately after creating the profile, but full verification takes between 1-14 days. Once verified, optimizations can show results in 2-4 weeks. Consistency in postings and reviews accelerates this process.
Is it free to create a Google My Business listing?
Yes, google my business is completely free. Google does not charge for creating, verifying or maintaining your business profile. All basic optimization, publishing and review management functions are included at no cost. You only pay if you decide to use Google Ads later.
Can I have multiple locations in Google My Business?
Yes, you can manage multiple locations from a single account. Each location needs its own verification and may have specific information. For more than 10 locations, Google offers bulk management tools that make it easy to centrally manage all your business profiles.
Written by Maria Sanchez | Keycode Digital Agency
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