How to Set Up a Google Business Account & Why You Should
Author: Rebecca Nguyen
June, 2025
A strong online presence is critical for any business aiming to thrive in today’s competitive environment. One of the most effective tools for organising and enhancing your online presence is a Google Business Profile. It’s free, easy to use and incredibly powerful.
When people perform online searches, they expect to find helpful information that is relevant to what they’re looking for, therefore, keeping your business information up to date is critical as is your business appearing at the top of searches.
What Exactly is a Google Business Profile ?
A Google Business Profile allows businesses to manage how they appear in Google Search and Google Maps. Your profile can list key information about your business such as business name, contact details, hours of operation, photos and videos, and customer reviews.
Your Google Business Profile ensures your listing improves your local search visibility, attracts more customers and helps you build trust in your community.
Why You Should Set Up a Google Business Profile?
Improve Visibility
The biggest benefit of a Google Business Profile account is that customers will find your business as the listing shows your location, regardless of whether you are a shop front or an online store.
Local SEO
Google Business Profiles have strong local search engine optimisation, and businesses with optimised profiles are more likely to appear in the coveted top 3 local results shown before organic listings. These first 3 listings get 60% of the clicks.1
Control Your Business Information
Instead of relying on third-party directories that may contain outdated information, you can present the most accurate and up-to-date details about your business directly on Google. You can easily inform customers about new products or any changes to your business. This will give your customers the confidence to rely on you.
Boost Credibility Through Reviews
Customer reviews on your profile provide social proof you are worth doing business with. Businesses with high ratings and prompt responses to reviews often outperform their competitors.
Gain Insights About Your Audience
A Google Business Profile offers analytics that show how customers find your business, what actions they take (visiting your website, making a telephone call etc.) and where they’re located. You can use this data to improve your advertising strategies.
Customer Engagement
Customers can ask questions, make bookings, message you directly or leave a review through your listing. You can post photos and special offers to highlight the benefits of using your business.
How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
There are only a few simple steps to set up your Google Business Profile, however you may choose to engage a company to handle it for you. Web Force 5’s website consultants have access to a comprehensive suite of digital solutions to improve your online presence.
Step 1: Sign In to Google Business Profile
Start by visiting the official page: https://business.google.com/aunz/business-profile/
Use your existing Google account to sign in. If you don't have one dedicated to your business, it's a good idea to create a new Google account to keep business and personal data separate.
Click “Get started” to begin the setup process.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
Type your business name exactly as it appears on your signage or branding materials. If your business appears in the dropdown, you may already have a listing. If not, click “Create a business with this name”.
Step 3: Choose a Business Type
Choose from the 3 broad business types available: Online retail, local store or service business.
Step 4: Add Details of Your Online Store
Provide a website URL at this point if you have one. These details let customers reach you quickly. If you don’t have a website, Google offers a free basic website you can create from your profile information. Alternatively, reach out to a website consultant to help create one for you.
Step 5: Choose a Business Category
Select a category that best fits your business to help Google match your business with relevant searches, so be specific with your category. You can add more categories later, but the primary category should reflect your primary offering.
Step 6 & 7: Add Contact Details
If you serve customers at a physical location, enter your full street address. This step determines whether your business appears on Google Maps.
On the next page, enter your phone number.
Step 7: Finalise Your Profile
Google will verify your business to make sure you are the legitimate owner. Once you have finalised your profile you have access to your dashboard where you can complete your listing with more details.
Optimising Your Google Business Profile
Setting up your account is just the beginning. To get the most out of your profile, you’ll want to optimise it for search and customer engagement. Some options to assist your customers include:
Add High-Quality Photos
Upload professional images of your company logo, storefront, interior, team, products and services. Businesses with photos get 35% more click-throughs to their websites.1
Write a Compelling Business Description
Summarise who you are, what you do and what makes you unique, including some relevant keywords. Provide a detailed list of what you offer to help customers understand your business and improve visibility for specific searches.
Post Regular Updates
Post regularly to share news, promotions or events and can drive customer engagement as they show in your profile.
Collect and Respond to Reviews
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and make it a habit to respond to them promptly, both positive and negative. This shows you value feedback and are actively involved in customer service.
Enable Messaging
Turn on messaging so customers can reach out directly via your profile. Responding quickly can increase conversions and improve satisfaction.
Reach out to Web Force 5 and speak with a specialist consultant for a free no obligation chat about creating a Google Business Profile. It is one of the most important digital decisions you can make for your business.
1 https://www.podium.com.au/article/google-my-business/
