SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving the quantity and quality of website traffic, specifically from search engines like Google or Bing. A website that is optimized for search engines will help you rank higher on search results, with the ultimate goal being the first page.
SEO is a long game. Anyone who has optimized their website or worked in marketing understands this. Numerous factors help you rank higher, such as the number of external links present, word count per page, image size, proper headings, actively updating content, and so much more.
Most businesses understand that SEO is important. It’s an industry term that is thrown around frequently. What many people don’t know, however, is that there is a way to give your business and website a huge SEO boost. The best part is that it’s free and quite simple to set up. The answer is a Google My Business profile.
Google My Business is simply a Google profile, for your business, that will allow you to show on the Google Search listings map when people search for things like “Coffee shops near me.” Below we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to set it up!
SETTING UP GOOGLE MY BUSINESS
First, navigate to https://www.google.com/business/
Select Manage Now in the top right-hand corner.

Next, sign into your Google account or create one. If you are using Google Workspace for your business email, we suggest using that Google account.

Next, enter your business name in the field shown below. After doing so you’ll be prompted to enter more details about your business. After entering your business details click Finish.

Now that you created your Google My Business profile, it’s time to verify your business.
Please keep in mind that, Google will not display your business in the search listings map until you’ve verified your business! However, verified businesses are twice as likely to be considered reputable by users and it protects you from anyone who might otherwise pose as a representative of your business.
We suggest continuing your verification immediately after setting up your Google Business profile.
To begin verification navigate back to https://www.google.com/business/
Click Verify Now.
Confirm your business information is correct, and select Mail.
Enter the name of the person the verification postcard should be sent to.
Select Send Postcard.
COMPLETE VERIFICATION
Postcards typically arrive within 14 days.
Once you receive your postcard navigate back to https://www.google.com/business/
Click Verify Now under “verification needed” or Verify Location in the left-hand menu.
Follow the instructions on the postcard to complete verification.
After you verify, your business information will be eligible to be displayed across Google! You can also respond to reviews, answer questions, and upload photos.
