{"id":3684,"date":"2025-10-09T16:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T05:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yellow.sensis.wpengine.com\/?post_type=hub&p=3684"},"modified":"2025-10-09T16:33:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T05:33:35","slug":"how-to-set-up-and-udtae-your-google-business-profile","status":"publish","type":"hub","link":"https:\/\/www.yellow.com.au\/business-hub\/seo\/local-seo\/how-to-set-up-and-udtae-your-google-business-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"How to set up and update your Google Business Profile [GBP]."},"content":{"rendered":"

Aussies use search engines like Google to discover and research local businesses every day \u2014 and setting up a Google Business Profile listing can get you noticed by the people who are searching for your product or service. Having a presence in online directories is a must if you want to reach your digital audience.<\/p>\n

What is Google Business Profile?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business or GMB) is a free tool for businesses to manage their online presence on Google\u2019s search results.<\/p>\n

When a profile is optimised correctly, Google components such as Maps, Search, and Shopping, can be key drivers of growth for local businesses and increase find-ability to generate more leads.<\/p>\n

So, what does a Google Business Profile or GBP look like?<\/p>\n

For example If you type the query \u2018bakery North Melbourne\u2019 into Google, you will be met with a list of business results that have the name, image, opening hours, contact details and review star-rating of all the bakeries in North Melbourne. This is how a business with a Google Business Profile is shown in Google\u2019s search results.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Marketing Jargon Buster: What is \u2018local SEO\u2019?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Why do I need to have a Google Business Profile listing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A study by SOCi<\/a><\/span> found that 73% of consumers now discover brands on social media, but they rarely stop there. Most people review multiple platforms before deciding on a business. That\u2019s why visibility and consistency matter across every channel, especially Google, where people often search with a clear goal, like finding a service, checking reviews, or making a booking. A well-optimised Google Business Profile helps bridge the gap between discovery and decision.<\/p>\n

Map Packs.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most visible ways your business can appear is in the Google Map Pack<\/strong>\u00a0 the local search results that show a map and a shortlist of nearby businesses. These listings usually appear at the top of the page for searches like ‘hairdresser near me’ or ‘best coffee in [suburb]’.<\/p>\n

For brick-and-mortar stores, caf\u00e9s, clinics and other local businesses, the Map Pack is a major driver of foot traffic<\/strong> \u2013 even if it\u2019s hard to directly attribute. People use it to get directions, check opening hours, read reviews and make quick decisions on the go. Your Google Business Profile feeds into this data, so the more complete and accurate your profile is, the better your chances of appearing here.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget Apple Maps.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While Google dominates most local searches, many iPhone users rely on Apple Maps for directions and discovery. Apple Business Connect is Apple\u2019s equivalent of a business listing, and it\u2019s completely separate from Google. If you want your business to show up across all major devices and apps, it\u2019s worth claiming and updating your Apple listing too.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t show up in results for these searches, you lose out on valuable opportunities to get your business in front of potential customers who are looking for exactly what you offer.<\/p>\n

On top of this, if your Google Business Profile has incorrect or inconsistent information, it can affect your trust signals, not just with Google, but with your customers too.<\/p>\n

For this reason, it is critical that information, such as your business name, address and phone number (NAP), your opening hours and directions to your shopfront, are accurate. It is also important that this information is consistent across other websites and business directories that list your business information.<\/p>\n

Local citation listings.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Local citations are any mention of your business\u2019 name and contact details online. They can appear in search engine results, business directories, social networks and anywhere else people might be looking for information about local businesses.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What are local citations and why are they important?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Listing your business on large and trusted online directories like Google, Yellow Pages Online<\/span><\/a> and TripAdvisor can also be incredibly beneficial for search engine optimisation. When you have your business information and products listed across online directories, Google understands where you\u2019re located and will show your business to customers searching for your products or services in your local area.<\/p>\n

The easiest way to think about it is to provide as much information to Google as possible, in as many places as possible, making sure all the information is correct and consistent.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b><\/a>7 ways to appear in more local searches.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

How to set up your Google Business Profile.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The key to getting the most out of your Google Business Profile is to fill out as much as possible during setup and update it routinely on an ongoing basis. Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to getting your company on Google:<\/p>\n

1. Head to Google Business Profile Manager<\/a><\/span> and login.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Click \u2018Log in\u2019 and sign in to your Google account, then select \u2018Manage now\u2019.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have a Google account, you\u2019ll need to create one to start using Google Business Profile. This part is simple \u2013 just click on \u2018Create account\u2019 on the \u2018Sign in\u2019 page, then follow the steps to set up and verify your account.<\/p>\n

\"Set<\/p>\n

2. Enter your business name and category.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll be taken to a page where you can search for your business name to find an existing listing.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t find your listing or it doesn\u2019t exist yet, simply click \u2018Add your business to Google\u2019. Then select the appropriate category for your business (e.g. pet groomer) and click \u2018Next\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"Enter<\/p>\n

3. Input your business address.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll then be taken through a series of steps to input details on your business address.<\/p>\n

If your business has a physical location that customers can come and visit, select \u2018Yes\u2019 to input the address. Occasionally, Google will request you to position a marker for the business location on a map.<\/p>\n

Similarly, if your business offers in-person services such as plumbing but doesn\u2019t have a physical location that customers can visit, you can detail the full list of service areas at this stage of the setup process. If you service multiple areas, Google will also give you the option to add all of your different service areas. Then click \u2018Next\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"Enter<\/p>\n

4. Put in your contact details.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On the next page, you\u2019ll be asked to put in your contact details, including your phone number and website address. If you don\u2019t have a website, you can also put an alternative page, such as your Facebook page or Yellow Pages listing<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Enter<\/p>\n

5. Finish and verify your business.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019ve completed this, you\u2019ll need to go through a verification process to validate your business details. Enter your real physical address, not a post office box. This information is only used as part of the verification process and is not displayed on your Google Business Profile or shared with the general public via the search results. Then, click \u2018Next\u2019.<\/p>\n

If your business has a physical location you will receive a postcard by mail to verify your company address. Whereas, if you are setting up a Google Business Profile for a service-area operation, you will receive an email as part of your verification process.<\/p>\n

Once you receive your five-digit code, enter it on the next screen and click \u2018Verify\u2019. The following page will confirm that your business profile is verified, then select \u2018Next\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"You<\/p>\n

6. Manage your listing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After your listing is verified, you\u2019ll be able to manage different aspects such as:<\/p>\n