A Google Business Profile (GBP), previously branded as Google My Business, is crucial for any business willing to improve its online presence, reach potential customers in their locality, and be showcased on Google Search and Maps. By ensuring you fill out your profile correctly, you are enhancing your local SEO and bringing in more clients. This is a complete guide on creating a business profile in Google in the year 2026.
Why Google Business Profile Matters in 2026
The need for a fully optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) is becoming increasingly important for any business operating today. It enables interaction between businesses and users through reviews, questions and answers and Google Posts, which give the latest information concerning the services. It is also very evident that as part of the ongoing changes in Google, there is a heavy emphasis on local searches, meaning that a GBP goes a long way in making sure that the business is displayed to potential customers whenever they are looking for the services it offers within the vicinity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Google Business Profile
Step 1: Create a Google Account
To commence, creating a separate Google account focusing on your business is recommended. This will allow business activities to be carried out without interference from personal accounts and also facilitates the use of several Google services – Analytics, Ads and others.
Step 2: Access Google Business Profile Manager
After creating a new Google account, move to the Google My Business Profile Manager. Click on “Manage Now” to begin the course. One will be asked to either create a new business or verify an existing business.
Step 3: Add Your Business Information
Type in the name of your business. For uniformity, ensuring this is the same name used on your website and other platforms is important. Then, choose the appropriate business category that highlights your work to help Google locate your profile with the relevant searched terms.
Step 4: Enter Your Location
If you provide services at the customers’ premises (for example, plumber, delivery services), there is no need to include a physical address; however, you can state the service locations you cover. This shows up in local searches within those regions without being affected by the physical address.
Step 5: Add Contact Details
Provide your business phone number and website URL. Using a local phone number can help increase trust with local customers and improve search visibility. This lets customers contact you directly and find more information on your website.
Step 6: Verify Your Business
Verification is important in completing and making your Google My Business profile live. Google offers different verification methods such as email, phone, video, and, in some cases, by post. For most businesses, Google will send a post with a verification code to your business address to verify.
Step 7: Optizise Your Profile
After verification, take time to complete all sections of your profile:
- Business Description: Once you’re verified, you’ll need to write a compelling description of your business and services. Make sure that the description is SEO optimised for better ranking.
- Photos: You should also add high-quality photos and videos of your business places and of your products and services. Profile photos attract lots of clicks and increase consumer engagement
- Hours of Operation: Make sure to keep your hours updated, especially during holidays or special events. Inaccurate information can lead to negative customer experiences.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Google Business Profile
- Regular Updates: Make sure to update any changes in business hours, contact info, services or any other thing on regular basis
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone): Make sure that you keep your Name, Address and Phone consistent throughout your website, GBP and other online directories.
- Monitor Insights: Use Google’s built-in analytics to see how customers find your business, what actions they take, and which photos get the most views.
Following this step, you’ll be able to create a Google Business Profile that can help you rank hires in local search results and attract lots of organic traffic. In 2026, GBP will become a powerful tool to attract new customers and build credibility amongst them.
