If you want your business to be found online, a well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential. Whether you’re a local contractor, a service-based business, or an entrepreneur, setting up and optimizing your GBP can significantly boost your online visibility and attract more customers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up, verify, and optimize your Google Business Profile to ensure you get the best possible results.
Step 1: Prepare Before Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Before creating your GBP, it’s crucial to establish consistency in your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) across multiple platforms. Google cross-references this data, and inconsistencies can negatively impact your rankings.
Ensure your business information is consistent on the following platforms:
- Your Website – Display your NAP in the footer and on the contact page.
- Bing Places – Helps with broader search engine presence.
- Apple Business Connect – Ensures accuracy on Apple Maps and Siri.
- Data Axle – A widely used business data provider.
- Industry-Specific Directories – Platforms like Yelp, Angi, or Thumbtack.
Once your NAP is uniform across these directories, you’re ready to create and verify your Google Business Profile.
Step 2: Identify Your Sales Model with the Sales & Marketing Alignment Finder
Before setting up your GBP, it’s important to align it with your business’s unique Sales Model. Understanding whether your business follows a Relational, Solution, or Hybrid Sales Model will help you tailor your GBP for maximum effectiveness.
- Relational Sales Model: Businesses like realtors, financial advisors, and consultants need to emphasize trust, credibility, and long-term client relationships.
- Solution Sales Model: Service-based businesses like HVAC companies, electricians, and repair services should highlight services, offers, and clear calls to action.
- Hybrid Sales Model: A mix of both approaches, requiring a balance of brand trust and direct service promotions.
📌 Action Step: Take the Sales & Marketing Alignment Finder Assessment to determine your business’s sales model before proceeding with GBP setup.
Step 3: Create & Verify Your Google Business Profile
- Go to Google Business Profile
- Click Manage Now and sign in with a Google account.
- Enter your business name – If it doesn’t appear, click Add Your Business to Google.
- Select a business category – Be specific about what your business does.
- Add location details – If you have a physical location, enter the correct address.
- Add service areas (for service-based businesses).
- Enter contact details – Your business phone number and website.
- Verify your business – Google will prompt you to verify via postcard, phone, or email.
Once verification is complete, you can start optimizing your profile.
Step 4: Optimize Your Google Business Profile Based on Your Sales Model
Once your profile is live, complete the following steps to maximize visibility and attract more customers.
✅ Google Business Profile Punch List
Basic Setup:
- View your GBP on Google Maps and embed the map on your website’s Contact Page.
- Set your business opening date.
- Add Facebook & other social media profiles.
- Complete business details, including parking, hours, accessibility, and service options.
Enhancing Business Information Based on Sales Model:
- Relational: Highlight expertise, certifications, and testimonials.
- Solution: Focus on services, pricing, and fast response times.
- Hybrid: Combine both—establish trust while promoting key services.
Add High-Quality Photos:
- Relational: Show personal branding, behind-the-scenes, and client interactions.
- Solution: Showcase service work, before/after images, and team photos.
- Hybrid: A mix of personal branding and project-based visuals.
Post Regular Updates:
- Relational: Share thought leadership content, case studies, and client success stories.
- Solution: Promote discounts, seasonal offers, and urgent service reminders.
- Hybrid: Alternate between educational and promotional posts.
Enable Customer Messaging:
- Activate Google Business Profile Chat for direct communication with customers.
Manage & Respond to Reviews:
- Request reviews from satisfied customers.
- Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative.
- Use keywords naturally in review responses.
Track Performance & Adjust Strategies:
- Monitor GBP Insights regularly.
- Track calls, website visits, and direction requests.
- Adjust your strategy based on user engagement.
Step 5: Maintaining & Growing Your Google Presence
Optimizing your GBP isn’t a one-time task—it requires ongoing updates. Keep your profile fresh with new posts, promotions, and updated business information. By aligning your GBP with your Sales Model Strategy, you’ll improve your search ranking, gain customer trust, and increase inquiries.
Need help with your Google Business Profile setup? Quick Square Consulting specializes in GBP optimization and online presence management. Contact us today to get your business found online!
Download Your Free GBP Checklist!
We’ve created a downloadable Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist in PDF format. Use it to track your progress and ensure your GBP is fully optimized!