How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile (Formerly GMB)

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How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile (Formerly GMB)

Step 1: Go to the Setup Page

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

  • Type your business name exactly as you want it to appear

    • For example:  LeadmancerAI

  • If your business already exists, Google may suggest it — be careful to claim the right one if it’s yours.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

  • Start typing your service type and choose the closest match:

    • For Leadmancer: Marketing Agency or Business Development Service

  • You can add more categories later.

Step 4: Set Your Location

  • If customers come to your location, choose “Yes” and enter your business address.

  • If you go to your customers (e.g., service-based business), choose “No” and list your service area instead.

    • Example: “Pierce and King County Washington”

Step 5: Add Contact Information

Add your:

  • Phone number (ideally a business number or Google Voice)

  • Website URL (or a landing page)

  • If you don’t have a website, you can create a free basic one later through Google.

Step 6: Opt Into Updates

Google will ask if you’d like updates and recommendations. Choose “Yes” to get insights and tips.

Step 7: Verify Your Business

You’ll be asked to verify your business:

  • Most common method: Postcard mailed to your address within 5–7 days

  • Other methods (if eligible): Phone, email, or instant verification (often available if your website is connected to Search Console)

⚠️ Important: Do not edit your business name or address after requesting the postcard or you’ll have to request it again.

Step 8: Add Business Hours

  • Set your regular working hours

  • You can add holiday hours later

Step 9: Add Business Description

Use 750 characters to describe your business:

  • Who you serve

  • What makes you different

  • Core services

Tip: Use SEO-rich terms like “fence building,” “deck installation,” “Salem Oregon contractor,” etc.

Step 10: Add Photos and Logo

    • A logo

    • Cover photo (landscape format, 16:9)

    • At least 3–5 job site photos

  • For Leadmancer, we would use branded screenshots, logos, and photos of real outreach results if allowed.

Step 11: Enable Messaging (Optional but Recommended)

  • Let customers message you directly from your GMB listing

  • Requires installing Google Business Profile app on your phone

Step 12: Start Collecting Reviews

Once verified, ask happy customers for Google reviews

  • Send them your short review link from the GMB dashboard

At Leadmancer we can automate the review requests and follow-up

Step 13: Post Updates

  • Use the “Posts” feature to:

    • Share blog posts

    • Add before/after photos

    • Promote discounts or free trials

Post once a week for best SEO impact.

Bonus Tips

  • Respond to every review, good or bad, professionally.

  • Keep your listing updated regularly (especially hours, services, and photos).

  • If you offer mobile services, list multiple zip codes or cities in your service area to boost coverage.

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