How to Get Your Business Listed on Google: A Step-by-Step Guide
When people need a restaurant, contractor, retailer, healthcare provider or professional service, one of the first places they look is Google. For businesses in the Park Falls area, creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile is one of the simplest and most valuable steps you can take to reach local customers.
A Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is the listing that appears when someone searches for your company on Google Search or Google Maps. It can display your address, phone number, hours, website, photos, reviews, products, services and directions.
The opportunity is significant. Recent research found that 72% of consumers use Google to search for information about local businesses. However, only about 35% of small and midsized businesses have a Google Business Profile. That means businesses that create and actively manage their profiles can gain an advantage over competitors that have not yet done so.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Your profile can help your business appear when someone searches for terms such as “restaurants near Park Falls,” “Northern Wisconsin contractor,” “Park Falls gift shop” or “auto repair near me.”
A complete profile gives customers the information they need to take action. From the search results, they may be able to call your business, visit your website, read reviews, request directions or view your hours without visiting another page.
Your profile also builds trust. Customers are more likely to consider a business when its information is complete, its photos are current and its owners respond professionally to reviews.
Step 1: Search for Your Business
Before creating a new profile, search Google for your business name and location. Your business may already have an automatically generated listing.
If a listing appears, look for an option such as “Own this business?” or “Claim this business.” Follow the instructions to request access.
If someone else currently manages the profile, Google provides a process for requesting ownership. Avoid creating a duplicate profile, because multiple listings can confuse customers and make it harder to manage your business information.
Step 2: Create a New Profile
If your business does not appear, visit Google’s Business Profile setup page and select the option to add your business.
Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your signs, website and marketing materials. Do not add unnecessary keywords, city names or slogans unless they are part of your official business name.
Google requires businesses to represent a legitimate, real-world operation. Use an accurate physical address or service area and follow Google’s guidelines when entering suite numbers, mailing information and business locations.
If you serve customers at their locations rather than at your own, Google classifies you as a service-area business. Contractors, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, cleaning services and mobile repair operations usually fall into this category. A service-area business must hide its street address and define the geographic area it serves instead.
This matters most for owners who work from home. Displaying a residential address that customers cannot visit is one of the most common reasons a profile is suspended. If you have both a location customers can visit and a territory you travel to, you may display the address and list a service area alongside it.
Step 3: Choose the Right Business Category
Select the category that most accurately describes your primary business activity. For example, choose “Electrician” rather than a broad category such as “Home Services” when possible.
You may also be able to add secondary categories for additional services. Categories help Google understand what your business offers and when it should appear in a search.
Step 4: Add Complete Business Information
Complete every relevant section of your profile, including:
- Physical address or service area
- Telephone number
- Website address
- Regular and holiday hours
- Products and services
- Business description
- Accessibility information
- Appointment or reservation links
Make sure this information matches what appears on your website and other online directories. Google states that businesses with complete and accurate information are more likely to appear in relevant local search results.
Step 5: Verify Your Business
Google requires verification before you can fully manage your profile. Available verification methods may include phone, text message, email, video recording, live video or mail.
The options vary by business and cannot always be changed. Follow the instructions provided by Google and make sure the information you submit clearly demonstrates that the business is legitimate and that you are authorized to manage it.
This process can be a real pain, but it is meant to protect you from someone who is unauthorized from claiming your business listing. The effort is totally worth it in the long run.
Step 6: Add Quality Photos
Upload clear, recent photographs of your building, entrance, staff, products and completed work. Restaurants can show popular meals, retailers can feature merchandise, and contractors can share finished projects.
Use authentic photographs rather than generic stock images. Continue adding new photos throughout the year so customers can see that the business is active.
Step 7: Ask Customers for Reviews
Reviews are an important part of a strong Google presence. After completing a sale or service, invite satisfied customers to leave an honest review. Never purchase reviews or offer rewards in exchange for positive ratings.
Respond to both positive and negative reviews. Thank customers for favorable comments and address complaints calmly and professionally. Google specifically recommends responding to reviews because it demonstrates that you value customer feedback.
Best Practices for Long-Term Success
Review your profile at least once a month. Update seasonal hours, services, photographs and contact information. Check for suggested edits, answer customer questions and respond promptly to new reviews.
Do not create unnecessary duplicate listings, stuff keywords into your business name or list services you do not provide. These practices can create customer confusion and may violate Google’s guidelines.
A Google Business Profile is free, but it should not be treated as a one-time project. A complete, accurate and regularly updated profile can help more residents, visitors and prospective customers discover your business and help strengthen the entire Park Falls area business community.
If you feel overwhelmed by the process, Platypus Advertising + Design has a presence right here in Park Falls offers scalable website consulting and marketing services at reasonable fees.