How to Add Your Business to Google?

Let's say you are running a restaurant in a bustling city. But your signboard is hidden in a dark alley where no one can find it.

Frustrating, right?

That’s exactly what it feels like when your business isn’t on Google. Currently, people rely on Google to discover everything from the nearest café to a trusted plumber. If your business isn’t listed, you’re missing out on customers who could be just a search away.

Google reports over five billion monthly restaurant searches, three billion hotel searches, one billion clothing store searches, and 600 million hair and beauty salon searches. That's a huge number, right?

But here’s the tricky part. Setting up your Google listing is not a straightforward process. Many businesses struggle with incomplete profiles, verification hurdles, or worse—never appearing in searches at all. This can feel like trying to shout over a crowd without a microphone.

The good news?

Adding your business to Google is simple when you learn the important things to do. It can significantly transform your business. 

Curious to unlock the secrets of Google’s digital marketplace?

Let’s dive in and transform your business’s visibility from a hidden gem to a local favorite! 

Keep reading.

Why Does Your Business Need to Be on Google?

Over 90% of online searches happen on Google. People look for services, products, and businesses near them. According to recent data, 76% of users who search for something nearby visit a business within a day. If your business isn’t listed, those customers may go straight to your competitors.

Local SEO and online visibility depend a lot on Google Business Profile, which used to be called Google My Business. Also, local SEO is an important ranking factor on Google. Google (almost always) gives localized results for searches about goods and services. For example, here are the search results for “plumber near me” on Google:

Being on Google enhances credibility and ensures customers can find essential information about your business—like location, hours, and reviews. So, if your business is added to your Google profile, you can get direct clients from organic searches.

Also Read: How to Rank High on Google

Steps to Add Your Business to Google

After looking at the importance and impact of a Google profile on your business, are you prepared to map your business? Let’s explore how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google My Business Profile

Think of Google My Business (GMB) as your digital storefront. It’s what customers see when they search for your business. If you don’t already have a GMB profile, creating one is easy. 

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to Google My Business: Visit Google My Business and click on “Manage now.”

2. Sign In: Use a Google account linked to your business.

3. Enter Your Business Details: Add your business name, category, location, and contact information.

4. Verify Your Business: Google will send you a postcard, email, or call with a verification code. Follow the instructions to confirm your business.

If your business is already listed, claim it by selecting “Own this business?” and follow the verification steps.

Step 2: Optimize Your Business Profile

Creating a profile is just the start. To stand out, your GMB profile needs optimization. Imagine your profile as a cake; the basic details are the sponge, but optimization adds the icing.

• Accurate Information: Double-check your address, phone number, and website.

• Compelling Description: Write a brief, engaging description of what makes your business unique.

• Business Hours: Keep your hours up to date, especially during holidays.

• Photos and Videos: Add high-quality visuals showcasing your business—customers love seeing what they’re walking into.

• Respond to Reviews: Engaging with reviews (both positive and negative) builds trust.

Also Read: Tips for Google My Business Optimization

A local bakery in New York optimized its profile by adding photos of freshly baked goods and responding to customer reviews.

Result?

A 30% increase in foot traffic within three months.

Step 3: Leverage Google Posts and Updates

Google Posts lets you share updates, promotions, and events directly on your GMB profile. It is like a mini social media post but customized for search users. Use this feature to:

• Announce sales or discounts.

• Highlight new products or services.

• Promote upcoming events.

According to Google, businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions.

Step 4: Encourage Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth marketing. In fact, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Here’s how to encourage reviews:

• Ask Politely: After a successful transaction, request customers to leave a review.

• Make It Easy: Share a direct link to your GMB review page.

• Respond Promptly: Thank reviewers and address concerns professionally.

Pro Tip: Incentives like a small discount for leaving a review can motivate customers.

Step 5: Monitor Your Insights

Google provides analytics to help you understand how customers interact with your profile. These insights show:

• How customers found your listing (search vs. maps).

• What actions did they take (calls, visits, website clicks)?

• Peak times when people search for your business.

Tips to Maximize Your Google Business Profile

Add Posts Regularly

Google posts work like bite-sized advertisements. Use them to share updates, announce discounts, or promote new products. For instance, a local boutique could post about an upcoming clearance sale with an eye-catching image. Posts keep your profile dynamic and draw more attention.

Leverage Keywords

Keywords act as the bridge between you and your customers. Think about what your customers might search for. If you’re a bakery, phrases like “artisan bread near me” or “fresh pastries in New York” will help your business pop up in relevant searches. Google loves when keywords naturally align with user queries.

Go to Ettvi”s free keyword tool and search for your service keyword. It will provide you a list of relevant keywords people are looking for. Use these keywords on your profile and get organic traffic. 

Utilize Categories

Picking the right category might seem minor, but it’s a game-changer. For instance, a gym choosing “Personal Trainer” instead of a generic “Fitness” tag ensures it attracts the right customers. Specific categories align better with search intent and increase visibility.

Add FAQs

Customers often have questions—why not answer them upfront? Adding FAQs such as “Do you offer vegan options?” or “What are your delivery charges?” saves time and builds trust. FAQs make your profile a go-to source of information, eliminating customer doubts.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Incomplete Profiles

An incomplete profile is like handing out a business card with half the information missing. Imagine a customer trying to find your phone number or business hours. But he found nothing elsewhere. To avoid this, ensure your profile is complete with accurate contact details, your website link, and a compelling business description. Double-check for errors—accuracy builds trust and credibility.

Ignoring Reviews

Did you know that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations?

Ignoring reviews, whether positive or negative, is a missed opportunity to connect with your audience. Responding to a positive review shows gratitude while addressing negative feedback professionally demonstrates accountability. For example, if someone complains about service delays, apologize and outline steps to resolve the issue.

Not Updating Information

What if you found a coffee shop that said it was open but when you got there, it was closed? Frustrating, right? Regularly updating your business hours, address, and any seasonal changes prevents such mishaps. Update your profile regularly to make sure you always give customers correct and current information.

Also Read: Understanding Google E-E-A-T: What It Means and How It Impacts SEO

Tools to Enhance Your Google Business Profile

Google Analytics

Want to know what’s working? Google Analytics tracks profile interactions. It shows where visitors come from and which details they find most useful. For example, if you notice an uptick in visits after posting photos of new arrivals, you’ll know what content resonates most with your audience.

Google Ads

Sometimes organic traffic isn’t enough, and that’s where Google Ads come in. Paid ads give your business top-tier placement and ensure you’re seen first. A small investment in Google Ads can drive significant returns, particularly during competitive seasons like holidays or sales periods.

Conclusion

The goal of adding your company to Google should be to reach clients where they are already searching, not just to show up in search results. Every step, from creating your profile to optimizing it for maximum impact, contributes to the success of your business.

So, follow these steps, use the right tools, and watch your visibility soar. Don’t leave your digital storefront hidden. Claim your space today and turn searchers into loyal customers!

Let your customers find you, love you and keep coming back for more!