Let’s take a look at your profile.

Your Google My Business profile is often the first place online customers will find your business. The more built
out and helpful your profile is, the more likely those customers will be to take the next step toward choosing
your business. For example, if a customer finds you online and your phone number is listed, it’s much easier to
click that button and call immediately than dig for it on your website. Or if your address is available, a single
click to begin directions makes it easy for foot traffic to find you. In a world where people are no longer passing
your store like they used to, your GMB profile is your new storefront.

How your profile impacts your business.

Your Google My Business profile might not be as complete as it could be. The good news is, it doesn’t take
much to build your profile into one that stands out among competitors. With just a few simple actions, you can
make your online storefront shine and start bringing in more online customers immediately.

First things first—what is a Google My Business profile? It is the profile on Google that you can claim for your business,                                                                                                                                allowing potential customers to find and contact you quickly and easily online. It’s easy to improve the quality of your Google
My Business profile. The hardest part is knowing where to start. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few ideas you                                                                                                                                    can implement today to begin turning your profile into a full-fledged online storefront.

1. Claim your GMB profile. It’s easy. Just go to http://business.google.com/add, search for your business name, and claim it. If your
   business profile has already been claimed, either you already own it or you can request ownership from the current profile owner.
2. Add a phone number. Especially a textable number. Your customers want quick and easy ways to contact you, and the number on your
   GMB profile is one of your most visible and accessible points of contact. Having it textable allows for contact even during the hours your
   business is closed. If you don’t choose a textable number, be sure your employees answer all voice mails first thing in the morning.
3. Add an address. Adding an address for your business allows online traffic to easily become foot traffic. Once again, it’s easier for a customer
   to click the address on your profile and much harder for them to find it on your site. This button will take them directly to map directions,
   and you’ll see them more quickly in your stores than you ever could have imagined.
4. Ask for reviews. Your reviews and ratings will determine how likely someone is to trust your business profile online. The best way to gain
   new ratings is to ask for them. Unhappy customers are much more likely to leave reviews than happy customers, but happy
   customers will also leave reviews— especially if you ask them to. Make it as easy and convenient for them as possible, and you’ll be surprised
   how many take a second to help you out.

Your journey is just beginning.

Now you’ve got your GMB profile claimed, cleaned up, and running smoothly. Don’t stop there. It’s time to begin collecting reviews and improving your star
rating. Check out our guide on how to improve your star rating here. Or if you’re more interested in your reviews, check out our course on how to improve
your reviews here.