What Should I Do Before Setting Up My Google Business Profile?

Before you start setting up your Google Business profile, an important preliminary step is to add your business as a pin on Google Maps. Doing this alerts Google to the existence of your business location, especially if it is not already visible on the map. It is advisable to perform this task using a different IP address and a separate Google account, ideally one with Local Guide status.

Full Explanation

Setting up a Google Business profile helps customers find your business online, but before creating the profile itself, adding your business as a pin on Google Maps is crucial. This action notifies Google that a business exists at a specific location which may currently not be represented on their map. When Google recognizes this, it can then link your profile to the correct physical location, improving visibility and accuracy.

Furthermore, carrying out this process from a different IP address and account is recommended. Using a separate Google account—preferably one that is a Local Guide account—can increase credibility and avoid conflicts that might occur from managing multiple business details from a single account or the same network location.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Add Your Business Location as a Pin: Open Google Maps and carefully drop a pin exactly where your business is located if it’s not already on the map.
Use a Different IP Address: Switch to a different IP address before submitting the pin to reduce the risk of any verification or trust issues from Google.
Log In with a Different Account: Sign into Google Maps with a different Google account, one ideally registered as a Local Guide, to add the pin.
Submit the Business Pin: Finalize the pin placement and submit it, so Google becomes aware that a business exists at that location.

Real Examples

Imagine a business owner who notices their store is missing from Google Maps. By adding a pin to the exact storefront from a Local Guide account on a different IP, the business suddenly appears on Google Maps and can be claimed or associated with their official profile when created. This process helps businesses that have been overlooked or are new to online databases.

Common Mistakes

Using the same IP and Google account for adding the pin and setting up the business profile, which might cause verification complications.
Failing to add the business as a pin before creating the profile, resulting in Google not recognizing the physical presence of the business easily.
Incorrectly placing the pin so that it does not align with the actual business location on the map.

FAQs

Why should I use a different IP address when adding a pin?: Using a different IP helps to prevent any flags or verification issues Google might raise if multiple actions come from the same network or location.
What is a Local Guide account?: A Local Guide account is a Google account that actively contributes to Google Maps by reviewing places, adding photos, or submitting edits, enhancing credibility when submitting location pins.
Can I add a business pin after setting up my profile?: While possible, adding the pin beforehand streamlines the verification process and improves Google’s acknowledgment of your business location.

Key Takeaways

Add your business as a pin on Google Maps before establishing your Google Business profile.
Use a different IP address and a separate Google account for the pin submission, ideally a Local Guide account.
Properly notifying Google of your business location ensures better visibility and smoother profile setup.