How to Grow Sales with This Google Business Profile Guide

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free Google tool that helps your business manage its online presence across Search, Maps and the broader portfolio of public-facing Google services.

Experienced SEO professionals use GBP as a key location-based growth asset. Creating your free Google Business Profile and getting it verified is the first step toward stronger local search performance and higher sales.

At SearchMAS, we want to show you how to do it. Local search makes a business profile essential for both new and established companies. But once the account is created, what comes next? The next step is to manage it in a way that attracts users and stays updated, showing Google that your business is active and trustworthy.

How do you set up and manage your Google Business Profile?

If you want to complete your listing correctly so it gets approved and starts appearing in Google, follow these steps:

1. Visit google.com/business/ and click “Manage now”.
2. Enter your business name and address. If Google finds a match, choose the result that best fits your business.
3. Describe your business and select the categories that best represent your products or services.
4. Add your business contact details, including phone number and website.
5. Verify your business in Google. You can keep filling out the profile and complete the verification process at the end.

Do not forget that verification is a critical part of Google Business Profile. Until that step is completed, the listing is not fully active.

If you have provided reliable information, the verification process should be straightforward. Once Google receives your request, it may contact you through one of the following methods:

• Postcard verification: Google sends a physical letter to the address you registered, containing a verification code that must be entered into the platform. Once entered correctly, verification is completed. This is only one of several possible methods.
• Phone verification: Google calls the number added to your listing. Through that call, the platform confirms that your business details are valid and provides a code for verification.
• SMS verification: When other methods are not available, Google may send an SMS with a code to validate your account and business information.
• Email verification: Another option is verification by email. This is not user-selected but offered by Google in eligible cases. You will receive a code by email to authenticate your profile.

Almost there. Let’s move to the final step.

6. Complete your Google Business Profile by adding photos, opening hours, a detailed description, frequently asked questions and any other relevant information.

Remember that once your business profile is created, you can update its information at any time through Google Business Profile. The profile can also be connected to other Google services such as Google Maps and Google Search, making your business more accessible to customers.

Once your Google Business Profile is live, it is time to optimise it. Here is how:

Profile optimisation is a key part of any local SEO strategy. By structuring your Google business listing properly, you increase the chances of appearing in local results in both Google Maps and Google Search. Want to know how? Keep reading.

This process includes several steps such as adding detailed business information, name, address, phone number and opening hours.

Here is a practical checklist to improve local SEO through Google Business Profile optimisation:

• Verify contact information: make sure your address, phone number and email are accurate and up to date.
• Add business hours: include the days of the week and opening and closing times.
• Add photos: upload high-quality images of the business, team, products and both interior and exterior spaces.
• Get reviews: ask customers to leave reviews on your Google listing. Positive feedback can significantly improve click-through volume.
• Optimise the description: write a clear and detailed business description that includes keywords relevant to your niche.
• Select the right categories: make sure your main category is the most relevant one, and add secondary categories when needed.
• Integrate location context: mention the location in the title, description and other parts of the listing to help users searching for similar businesses nearby.
• Update regularly: keep the listing current with relevant information and fresh imagery.

Conclusion

Google Maps is vital for business growth and a major source of potential customers. If you apply the right techniques consistently, you will see meaningful business growth. At SearchMAS, we provide the tools you need to manage this channel in a centralised way. If you want to learn more, get in touch with us for more information and take your business to the next level.