Google My Business card - how to set it up in 4 steps?

Update: In November 2021, the name 'Google My Business' was changed to 'Company Profile on Google'. The appearance of the account and the functions of the tool have not changed.

You are just beginning to discover the advantages of local SEO? Or are you just starting up a new business? A business card on Google My Company is the ideal place to start. Think about it. When web users search for products or services nearby, they are usually ready to buy them. According to conducted research one in two people who conduct a local search visit your shop the same day! This is why it is so important that the information about your business that appears in Google search results is accurate, complete and optimised. This is where the Google My Business card comes onto the scene. Read on to find out how to set one up and promote your business in the local market.

What is a Google My Business card?

Google My Business is a tool that allows owners of present their business in search and on Google Maps.

Attention! To have a Google My Business card, a business must have a physical address. 

Benefits of having a business card

Is the Google My Business card free?

Yes, both for setting up and maintaining a business card, no fee is charged. Therefore, any business can use this service and improve its online visibility without spending a single penny. However, it is worth knowing that there are additional services for which you have to pay extra. These include paid advertising on Google Maps and hiring a photographer to create a virtual tour of the company.

How do I set up a business card on Google? Step-by-step instructions

Sign in to Google My Business

Enter under this address. You do not need to register if you have a Google account. Simply sign in. What is the best account to 'pin' the service to? It is recommended that you create a business card on the domain of the company in question.

If you do not have a Google account, you can create one using this link.

Start creating a Google My Business card

Once you have logged into the panel, you will see the following screen:

You have three options: switching to the standard wizard, downloading a template or importing a ready-made business card template. In this article we will look at the first option.

When you start working with the wizard, a world map will open in your browser. Try to find your company on it. Sometimes a business card already exists (e.g. one of your employees created it without your knowledge). What happens then? You will need to carry out the process of deleting or taking over your business card. You will find instructions on how to do this here.

However, if you enter your company's details in the map window and do not find it, this means that it does not have a business card, and you can start creating one!

Complete the company details

The process of creating a business card is intuitive. You need to fill in basic information about your business:

• specify company name,
• select a category of activity,
• provide an address and mark the location on Google maps
• determine whether the company serves customers outside the designated location
• provide contact details: company telephone number and website address

Attention! When mentioning the company name, it is not necessarily worth choosing the full wording, but rather the form you want it to display to users. 

Verify the data entered

The next stage is for Google to verify the information you have entered. This is done by entering your postal address. A letter with a code will be sent to it. This usually takes up to 21 working days. Why is this step necessary? Google needs to be sure that the company really belongs to you! Only after verification will you have access to all the functionalities of the business card.

Google can also verify your data by phone or email. However, this is rare and usually applies to accounts that Google places a high degree of trust in (e.g. those with a lot of verified business cards). 

You have created and verified a business card - what next?

The possibilities are indeed many. Here are the tabs you will have access to in the service:

• entries - by creating regular posts to appear on your business card, you will keep users up to date with your company, its offerings, events, etc.
• information - a place where you can edit basic company data (name, category of activity, opening hours)
• statistics - with which you can check, among other things, the number of times a business card has been displayed or the number of calls originating from a business card
• opinions - in this section you will see reviews of the company left by customers and you will be able to respond to them
• chat - You can use it to respond to customer enquiries in an instant. If you want to use this function to its full potential, install the Google My Business application on a smartphone
• photos - multimedia command centre
• products - this tab allows shops to present their offers
• website - an option whereby you can create a basic version of a website for your business
• users - This tab contains information about access to the business card - who can manage it and how. You can grant access to new users at three levels: Owner, Manager, Location Manager. 

Is your business card already created and your company visible on Google Maps? This does not mean that you can rest on your laurels. It is worthwhile to keep working on its development and positioning.

 Where to start with optimisation? 

• collect feedback from customers - Every time someone uses your services or buys your product, ask them to share their experience on Google. Most businesses struggle to collect reviews. To encourage your customers, offer, for example, a discount on subsequent purchases
• ensure that the information presented is up-to-date
• add entriesto bring your business closer to web users
• don't forget eye-catching photos - make the business card more attractive and credible. According to data completed by Google, business cards with photos receive 42% more requests for directions in Google Maps.
• opt for smart campaigns in Google Ads linked to a Google My Business account. Ads created in this way can include, for example, reviews and the company's location on Google Maps

Attention! Want to see how your business card is performing? Try out the free tool Surfer Localwith which you can check the position of your company's business card in Google.

Business cards on Google - your place on the web!

For any business that wants to grow and reach as large an audience as possible, having a business card is a must. First and foremost, it enables potential customers to find your business on Google. And from this search engine comes 98% of all searches in Poland! The business card can therefore be regarded as a free SEO tool. Remember, however, that only a consistently updated business card will serve its purpose.