Google My Business is Now Google Business Profile - Here's How to Use It!

Google My Business is the go-to platform for businesses that want to be found on Google. But now, in 2022, Google Business Profile is the new kid on the block and it’s time to make a choice.
Do you want your business to show up on Google Maps? Are you tired of having to maintain yet another social media profile? To be successful in today’s competitive marketplace, you need to stay up-to-date and on top of your game.
With just a few clicks, you can create a business profile. I'll show you how.
🎬 Register for the FREE On-demand video masterclass training, "The Automated Clients-on-Demand Website Blueprint for Service Businesses" Just go to: wesmcdowell.com/training
🤑 Need website hosting? Grab my exclusive affiliate discount and save up to 80% off normal hosting price: wesmcdowell.com/hosting

[@AzlyAbu]

This is a great channel! I only caught sight of you in recent times, but it’s now among my favourite channels.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Glad you found me, and enjoy it!

[@brandonvantonder5353]

Thanks for this Wes, your entire KZbin channel is a goldmine!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Thanks for the kind words Brandon!

[@mikeef747]

It's getting friggin annoying how often Google rebrands the same product. First, it was just part of Google Maps, then it was Google Local, then Google My Business, and now Google Business Profile. Same crap with Google Apps, then Google Suite, then G Suite, and I think the current is Workspace.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Agreed!

[@betterbusinessweb1196]

Yes! Great video. Thanks for sharing. Having a GMB cannot be underestimated. For the multiple businesses, I manage as CMO and other roles GMB has always been a powerful LOCAL tool. When I work with a client this is something Urge them to build out (or let me do it!) This is a no-brainer when it comes to tactics to amp up your website SEO of all manner on-page, offsite. Thanks!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Well said! Thanks for watching! :)

[@clintonisidore]

If you need someone to help out with creating GMB if you got lots of job, I am available

[@tyehood8529]

Need info on the services that you provide

[@eversevents]

Hi Wes! I really enjoy all your videos. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm a wedding planner and own Ever's Wedding And Events LLC. I have a question- Is this mean that I need to create a new Business Name under Business Name not Ever's Wedding And Events LLC ? Thanks again!

[@carolinemullan2781]

Wes, thanks so much. You’re simply the best!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

My pleasure, Caroline! Thanks for watching! :)

[@PatrickHallScreenwriter]

👍Hopefully this new setup is more robust. Thanks Wes!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Fingers crossed! Thanks for watching, Patrick! 😊

[@foreverlivingwithmuhammad.3198]

Yes Thank you , I was wondering why my callers are not calling me from google business, I just updated using your video. It was quite informative and helping to get update Google business Profile . Hope now i will be able to get leads. Thanks alot !

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Fantastic! Glad it helped. Thanks for wathching! 😊

[@ciciscreativeconceptsllc]

Great video, thank you for these tips, so helpful!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You're so welcome! Glad you liked them. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@frintonbuzz]

Great video, easy to follow. I'm working with a beauty salon and their google review is pre-populated with different options reviewers can select. These need to be edited, how is that done please

[@susangemayel-tapper3794]

Thanks so much for sharing this information!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You are so welcome, Susan! Thanks for watching 😊 Happy Holidays!

[@HeidiWruck]

Because of Covid, people outside the US have had trouble getting a postcard, or getting a postcard in time. If the owner/users of the account have verified a business before, they can use a text option. So if you're having trouble verifying, hire a Virtual Assistant of Advertising agency who has already verified a business to do it with you

[@chiomaumunna4832]

Are you saying someone with a once verified account could use the phone number on that verified page to receive messages to verify new profiles?

[@ShamimAhmed-sp8wl]

it's the best video on GMB issue. thank you so much God bless you

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You are most welcome Shamim!

[@JasonSanderskwaZuluNatal]

Always love watching your tips. I'm based in South Africa, Durban. My business premises have a physical address for walk-in customers, however, our mail goes to a PO Box number - (no mail delivery services to my premises). Any work-around for this?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Thx Jason! I've actually never heard of a situation like that, where there are physical employees present but mail won't deliver. Not really sure in your case, I'm sorry!

[@shpatkozgori2673]

Great video. I tried this new look today to list my client's business, but when it comes to address it says that I have to match the address with the pinpoint of the location, and I can't go further steps. Is it a bug? Any recommendations

[@savannahmoir8560]

Thank you so much for your help!!!!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You're welcome!

[@phamngan3845]

Great Video. Very informative and easy to follow.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Glad it was helpful! 🙌

[@jimthiveos8106]

great video. one quick question. where i can find what my local area or even country uses to search for example for underwater services, contructions and etc so i can put 1 or two keywords in the business and later on the domain name. for example in depth its an ok name but willl' it be better to use in depth services, or in depth divers. so where can i find the best keywords for this

[@smartbiz888]

Thanks for this video...Really helpful...Cheers! 👍😎👍

[@WesMcDowellInc]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching! :)

[@on9francisyu]

Love his value and he always delivers

[@raminciorbea4276]

Thanks man!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching! :)

[@5710fpilot]

Just when I got GMB down. Whiskey, straight, please😂🤣

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Haha right?

[@gevertholt7774]

Just what I needed

[@WesMcDowellInc]

😀

[@DanAtEXIT]

Good stuff!

[@kapilsir]

Great video thanks 😊

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@ZanetDesign]

Great work Wes, I believe the GBP is definitely causing confusion for many businesses owners currently

[@WesMcDowellInc]

No doubt! They really should just stick to one name rather than changing it every 3-5 years lol

[@cterronezsd]

Any insight for a service-based business with one physical location and 9 service areas in 9 different states. Possible to set up Google Business Profile in each city? We go to the clients.

[@janeefox746]

Thank you!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You're welcome, Janee! Thanks also for watching! 😊

[@pinklilac7]

Just wondering how I might go about setting up an account for someone else or helping finish setting one up they began.....do I have to be signed into their google account? Is there some way of adding me on as an admin if they already have a GMB account?

[@straightshooterspowerwashl6326]

s there anyway to add a Icon or Emoji for my business on the side of my business name when I'm found in the search results. I'm seeing it around and It stands out, Thx any help would be great love your channel

[@TheMentalHealthToolbox]

Thanks! My business is online, PO BOX is in Covina. Does this still help with SEO?

[@bobsherman7465]

Question: If we are setting up someone else's Google Business Profile can we use our own Google account and later transfer "ownership" to the business owner's account, or must we start the process with the business owner's Google account?

[@americanbuilttolast]

THANK YOU, Wes!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

My pleasure! Thanks for Watching! 😊

[@americanbuilttolast]

@@WesMcDowellInc Are you located in the US? THANKS.Tony

[@TheMentalHealthToolbox]

Since I am strictly online, should I list location as United States or local cities??? Super awesome job! This is something I need to get done for my online business. I could even use the offer tab for my lead magnets 🙏

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Great idea! And listing local cities won't do anything different. Just list your service area as the US. Cheers!

[@TheMentalHealthToolbox]

@@WesMcDowellInc Thank you!

[@coreylederman2902]

Does this mean Google now allows/will verify virtual offices since you can choose no foot traffic and hide address?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Yep Corey, you got it :)

[@slapplejacks7311]

Yes. Just verified my officeless biz via home address.

[@ShimmySistaraqs]

This is very helpful...I just added a second physical location located in a marketplace. I'm having trouble adding the second location to my listing. Any suggestions on how to do this?

[@syedghouse9881]

Yeah!

[@kobuskuhn]

Hi Wes, so I stay in South Africa and our postal service is terrible. We do not receive the post card. Is there another way? I tried everything.

[@brandonacklin1913]

Very helpful

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Glad you think so Brandon!

[@ryannelson9664]

Hello, how long does it take to get a result?

[@Diamond88keyz]

Thank you.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You're welcome!

[@donsonbr]

Great video

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Thanks!

[@mikearthur4641]

can you recommend a web page designer??

[@Windowdesignsetc]

Should the photos be named with keywords/location or does that not matter? Is there still an issue with cover and logo photos not showing up?

[@ElitePainting_EpoxyCoatings]

The cover/logo photo not showing up has really frustrated me. Nice to see I wasn't the only one

[@edodesign216]

Great video Wes! Well presented! Question: I've got a client who runs an online nutrition and fitness coaching program. She's based in Los Angeles but she's got clients all over the US. Will signing up for GMB help her business do well on Google? Will it only help in Los Angeles? I'm getting different answers, but I'm thinking I might just focus in on her FB reviews, since FB is already working for her getting leads and all.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

I always recommend being listed even if you're not local. It just helps you look more legit when ppl search for the business by name, and allows for reviews, promotions, offers and more.

[@edodesign216]

@@WesMcDowellInc Nice! I was thinking it'd help her out that way too. Thanks for the quick reply - really appreciate it.

[@brandonvantonder5353]

@@WesMcDowellInc Wes sorry to spam your notifications box - but when I first tried setting up my business profile (before watching this tut), I made the mistake of trying to get a location listed for my online agency. So now the profile is pending verification and waiting for a pin from Google which doesn't work - so should I just delete that property and start over? I can't seem to find an option to change the fact that I don't have a physical location

[@bryannoval5707]

If you are a service business that drives to customers only. Do you think now you will need a physical location to pop up more frequently as it is now going directly to more map based so it would seem to be whoever has more locations would be more relevant in getting leads. Seems like the bigger companies will benefit most from this change based on larger amount of locations and being spread out more in areas compared to a small business which may not have many locations at the moment. What is your take on that?

[@nyplantings2420]

I changed from physical location to service customers on site and lost plenty of ranking. Best to use a location regardless what folks say.

[@daviimandel8265]

Thanks for this video. I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but apparently there is a different verification method if you are outside of the US. I just set up a business page yesterday. I'm in Israel. In order to verify the business, they wanted me to set it up on my cell phone and then scan a QR code and then make a video that (somehow) proves it's a real business. In the set up phase, I let them know it's home-based, not a brick and morter, but they wanted me to show a sign on my building proving it's a business. I ended up walking around my apartment, videoing it, showing my work desk and computer, while narrating 😂. I also had to show some work that wouldn't be available to anyone outside the business, so I videoed a Google speadsheet I was working on for a customer. It was a little surreal. Remains to be seen if they accept this proof of business ownership 😜.

[@mehrigulamova3748]

Yes there are 2 different verification method actually. And it’s not new :)

[@chiomaumunna4832]

Hello Davi, I am in Nigeria and cannot verify by postcards. I would really appreciate if you tell me if the video method worked for you or not(really hoping it does). Thanks

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Hi Wes, I'm a gardener and I service lawns at peoples homes as my service. My clients never visit where I am based. Should I set to show up on the map?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

That's up to you... Ideally speaking no, but the data still does show that you will likely rank higher in the maps when you DO have a physical address present. Hopefully that will change very soon.

[@PiperSpin]

Thanks, Wes, you have a great channel. Wish I had seen this sooner. I have a website still in development, I a.m setting it up for a local service business but the website needs some more tweaking. Should I put it on Google Business Profile now.... I am thinking I should because if I wait for it to get perfect I will never list it. What do you think? Agian

[@wheretogoforhomes]

I have 4 GMB pages because I cover such a large area.....do I just ditch all that content & review links & start over with the GBP or is there a way to move everything over?

[@alexl4183]

Is creating a business profile or having your business name pop up on a google map address free? Thanks..

[@BrianColquitt]

Can you please do a video for people that already have all this information done and what to tweek now. Thank you

[@WesMcDowellInc]

It’s at the end of this video

[@edtak8461]

HI, It was a great video to learn something new. My GMB has been always top 3 optimized for many years in certain key word in Los Angeles. But since last 4-5 weeks my ranking dropped and hard to come back. I have many feedbacks than other competitors. My only issue could be I rent UPS store to have address and verified but some times a few customers visit the location and leave 1 star feedback. There was no such store. What’s the best solution you think? Thanks.

[@joeschmo8115]

Let your customers know that your location is open by appointment only. Then they will contact you instead of just coming to your location.

[@bees6389]

Hello, how can I change my new Google business account to a personal account?

[@deborahs5663]

hi I noticed when you searched your business, your Facebook account also appears on Google. mine isn't showing and I dokt know how to get it to show or what to do. cane you advise? thanks 👍

[@alejandrolenguav]

Does Google Business Profile have a mobile app that allows replying messages left in this platform?

[@vannesag.1114]

I have two small coffee shops, how can I add the second one to the same name of my first one? Please help

[@frugaldude1111]

Does anyone know how to hide the phone number from the public profile page? Thanks!

[@IJustSkitMyPants]

So should I basically switch completely over to using this? Or continue using GMB? is there an app for GBP?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

You'll automatically be switched over, its the same basic platform but the way you'll edit it and add a new business is just different now. They'll remove the ability to do it the old GMB way this year, so i recommend getting used to the new flow!

[@coryalford5227]

Will our reviews carry over? If we already have a GMB, will it become a GBP?

[@danphan9487]

I also want to know this

[@preeti8428]

Hello sir I am from India. Since a few months ago, I've been watching your videos. Thank you for your quality content. I learn a lot from your videos I request you to please help me. My listing got suspended and I also filled the reinstatement form but it is still suspended. Please help me.

[@lauriealbanosrealtorkwreal9699]

Thank you for a great video. I have a website for my business which I built in Wordpress. Should the URL's for any photos appearing on my website be linked back to my GMB page or to the homepage of my website - I'm asking this question in terms of what Google likes to help you rank higher. I hope this question makes sense :)

[@promotox1]

Having links that link between your GMB page and website has always seemed to help solidify the business' local identity for our clients. In my experience, I do recommend linking to relevant pages in a natural and helpful way to the visitor, whether it be your GMB page, FB page and any other reference to your business elsewhere.

[@tyehood8529]

@@promotox1 Can you provide me more information on the services that you provide?

[@NSTonight]

Great video as always! I love how you left your misspeak in about setting end date to 2025 and didn't edit out. Always developing trust.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Hey Rich, thanks! Yea I'm still getting used to this new system myself, so anytime I make a mistake that I think others might make themselves I find it more helpful to leave it in so ppl can se common sticking points. Cheers!

[@worldlit1146]

So the Google My Business profile entries, photos etc. will all still be there and NOT be lost? Thank you for the video.

[@nikulmakwanadarji8032]

Yes my acount also not closed

[@christopherbreland6767]

It’s pretty much exactly the same minus a signup/name refresh

[@deadodi3197]

Do they still send post cards anymore?

[@richc.3100]

Good luck ever getting that post card.

[@SYCARO]

Hi Wes, Thank you for sharing this knowledge. Example: name of business Club 400, If I create the name on GMB as Club 400 Bar, Music & Food, will it get banned? I assumed so, but I just need another's expert opinion.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Hey Carolina! Thats right, unless that's your official business name, Google doesn't want you doing that. However, you might consider changing your business name to accomodate it if you think its worth it. Cheers!

[@Rpd264.]

I feel like this new google update is very easy to use.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Yes ,it actually is. 😀 Thanks for Watching, Randy!

[@buildbvm2679]

hi Wes - I am from South Africa and it is a rear thing to receive snail mail AT ALL.

[@Diamond88keyz]

What about if you have an online business no location

[@syedsalman8759]

Hi sir, if we started ad conversion campaign with purchase option and 10$ daily budget. And If we are not getting single sale per day. So should we pay 10$ daily for Facebook or not ?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Hey Syed, pls ask that question in a Facebook ad related video. This one's about GMB. Thx!

[@latoya5077]

My verification never gave me the option to receive post card or text. Only video verification but I'm a mobile buisiness. What should I do!?

[@LennyYT]

Make an offers video 👍👍👍

[@vidhyadharsansare7278]

I am making travel agency website according google my business principles tell me what is the Guidelines I will follow it's help my travel business up in 2023???

[@fybsi2081]

Google My Business app is still working just fine on my iPhone as of 2/10/22 so not sure what you mean by it’s “dead”.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Its being phased out over the next few months.

[@58bobby]

I thought the Dashboard was going away for businesses with a single location, is that not the case?

[@cmitchellglasgow]

Is the listing no longer called a Google Knowledge Graph?

[@bradnewcomb1]

What do you use to record your screen for these youtube videos?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Quicktime!

[@bradnewcomb1]

@@WesMcDowellInc and you blur the text in your video editor?

[@PartyFavorEventRentals]

*Could you have said in Photo Booth as a secondary category as "Photo Booth Service"?*

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Actually no, I tried! That category refers to a physical photo booth that's permanently stationed somewhere, and requires that you have a physical address listed to the public.

[@PartyFavorEventRentals]

@@WesMcDowellInc Ahh ok thanks for clarifying

[@atlanticgraduate6406]

I am looking for someone to help us with our google account, are you for hire or have someone you would recommend?

[@danieldonzillo6463]

Any idea why after I entered the number on my google post card for verification and the location was verified, about an hour later it was marked as still being unverified but now its says I've used all my verification resources.

[@homesystemsappliancerepair93]

For whatever reason My Google My Business page is gone but I still have the Google reviews shown on my search results. If I create a business profile will I risk losing the reviews I have?

[@flipsworld870]

None of my photos are being approved not even my logo is there a reason why this is happening?

[@PeterPheneX]

After I added the verification code my score is still at 80%, i think is because i have a problem with Google Maps because a they show me this message in the view plan 'View your business on Maps' how can you help me please??? Thx

[@eliminate100.]

Helo heh is this um a Google my business that I don't own the company but it wasn't claim by anyone is it OK to claim it for myself? I already asked if I could to my manager since I work there they said it's fine I can claim it but idk why when I post pics those pics are on a different email? Like I wanted to have it on my email

[@nyplantings2420]

The businesses such as NYC Rooftop Gardeners that are honest about servicing customers on site and that do not have a storefront become second class citizens online.

[@joeschmo8115]

Does this effect my local services ads if I switch my business profile over?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

It shouldn't, its really not a switch over, its just a renaming of what it is, and a different way of adding/editing your listing. At the end of the day its the same thing with those changes.

[@atlantarealestatehub9305]

It is confusing the way they have Google my business and Local Service Ads. Both of them use Google ads.

[@shahdbayazeed1761]

Hi, i change from managing my account from business profile to manage from search engine, how can i change it back to business profile :(

[@yoursimplesite-promoteyour7233]

You can't. This is Google's new way of managing things. You just need to get used to it.

[@hannahbennett84]

Doesn’t work , add my business isn’t there under maps when I try

[@cimafghana2138]

My business is not verified and I have not received my email yet. Quite a long time. Any help.

[@JG-no4qr]

I’m disappointed you did not insert the Adam Sandler clip about things he could’ve been told yesterday

[@WesMcDowellInc]

I could have used THIS comment yesterday! 😂

[@rodneymanuel5945]

I have a question? So I do have a google my business account with pictures products basically everything. Is that different with the profile? I did what you said, to type the address and then maps, and I saw a link that said add your business, is that the profile one? I just dont want to create 2 same GMB Im kind of confused and since it is showing the link does that mean I can add a profile? I mean im thinking they would show the link if you already have a google profile set. LMK I appreciated great video thanks.

[@ZanetDesign]

google my business and google business profile are the same, so should only need to make sure you have one

[@rodneymanuel5945]

@@ZanetDesign Ok Thank you!

[@amandaberkey8972]

I have a optometrist who wants their own Google Business Profile separate from the office he works at, is that possible?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

As long as he has his own side business, sure!

[@joeschmo8115]

Do you offer your services for hire? I’d like to talk to you if so. Thanks!

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Sorry Joe, I don't. Just consulting at this point!

[@joeschmo8115]

@@WesMcDowellInc How much are your consultation services?

[@joeschmo8115]

@@WesMcDowellInc I’m a little confused on if I need to switch or not. I am a small business with 2 locations.

[@bluesuperman1]

What is the new app called they are moving to?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

It's called Google Business Profile now. 👍

[@tristanlafferty2587]

What about those of us especially mechanics that are 100% mobile but google wont allow us to create one because we dont have a “physical address people can go to”

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Tristan, I know... this is something I hope they work out soon, but they still wanna treat every business like a physical location. Hope they work on this soon.

[@iloveoldschool888]

What if you have a home business? I didn't have my address show because it's a home business. Will it still be shown on the map? My business isn't showing up unless someone type my business name in the search.

[@yoursimplesite-promoteyour7233]

If you have a home business with a public office and people can come and visit you, add your address. If you just work from home and you don't want people turning up and knocking in your door, don't add your address. To your second point... If your profile is verified, you WILL be showing up in search. You just won't be showing where you want to show. There are 3 broad things that affect where and when you show in the listings. They are; Proximity, Relevance and Prominence. You need to optimise your profile and build these things over time with the ultimate aim of getting in the map pack for the things you do in the places you do them. There are loads of video on KZbin that will help you do this.

[@josevera3375]

What if my business is mobile. All I have is a home office and I do not want to list my personal address.

[@birminghamweb4178]

Get a virtual mailing address. Your mail will be forwarded to your home address.

[@FiivMedia]

They didn't give me the option for postcard to verify this time. They are asking me to take an actual video of the location, street address, me taking video of the inside and outside of the building. New one for me.

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Never heard of that! Maybe bc you're a videography business? Super weird.

[@FiivMedia]

@@WesMcDowellInc Financial Services. I actually figured it out. I wasn't providing an address, so it was asking me to show video proof with the street name, exterior of building, nearby businesses, the inside of the building etc etc. It wanted proof that I am in the locatiom which I was saying my business is in. I then switched to adding an address and then the "5 day mailed card" option showed up for me.

[@tonygb2130]

Hi I need Help, i manage 3 locactions for a restaurant, and i can't upload any images because al of them say "not aproved". Those images are real photoshoot images and i can't understand why it's happening

[@wilhelmvineyards1811]

Size and shape seems important. The logo must be square. Once you drill into the app, you'll find an area for portrait shaped images and landscape images. Pay attention to the fine print. It recommends photo size (dimensions) ex. 4:3 ratio. It seemed to me it was the only thing that consistently worked. The phone app is quirky as well. I started using the desktop environment more - better success.

[@tonygb2130]

@@wilhelmvineyards1811 Thanks man, it worked. I appreciated

[@CharlesTerrenceHarper]

As I understand it, if you're an online business you can't use GMB unless you serve customers in person. Is Google Business Profile different?

[@WesMcDowellInc]

Hey Charles that’s not true of either. Cheers!

[@Essays4College]

That is very true. GMB does not allow businesses to register if it is a virtual or a work-from-home business. It was a big shortcoming of GMB because so many businesses are working virtually now. I wonder also if this has changed.