For local searches, this profile often counts more than your entire website.
You get to Google Maps by creating and verifying a Google Business Profile, usually via a code by post or telephone. If you work on location with customers, you set up a service area without showing your address. A made-up address or PO box is grounds for removal.
STEP BY STEP
This is how you approach it
- Check if an entry already existsGoogle sometimes automatically creates profiles based on other sources. If yours already exists, claim it instead of creating a second one: duplicate entries will work against you.
- Choose the correct main categoryThis determines which searches you participate in at all. Be as specific as possible; You can add secondary categories.
- Enter address or service areaIf you have a visiting address, use it. If you work with customers, set a service area and hide the address. A PO box or made-up address will lead to removal.
- Verify your listingUsually via a code by post, sometimes by telephone or video. Without verification you will not appear in the local pack.
- Fill in everything completelyOpening hours, services, real photos of your work and a link to the correct page on your site. Completeness is important.
- Make sure your data is identical everywhereName, address, and phone number must be exactly the same on your site, profile, and other listings. Anomalies weaken your local signal.
PITFALLS
Where things go wrong
Making up an address to appear in a certain city is the fastest way to lose your profile. Google checks this and competitors report it.
Duplicate entries are the second cause. Two profiles for the same company divide your reviews and signals: merging is the solution.
- No made up address — reason for removal.
- No PO box — is not accepted.
- No duplicate entries — they weaken each other.
- Identical data everywhere — name, address, telephone.
- Real photos — from your own work, not from a bank.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
More about Google Maps
Is it possible without a visiting address?
Yes, with a service area. You indicate in which places you work and hide your address. That is the right route for anyone who works on location with customers.
How long does verification take?
For a code by post, usually one to two weeks. Telephone or video is faster, but this is not available for every category.
What if a competitor edits my profile?
Anyone can propose changes. That is why it is important to claim the profile: as the owner you will be notified of proposed changes and you can reject them.
CONTINUE READING
Of course, continue reading about this subject.
Local findable be?
We look at your profile and your website and tell you where the local profits are.