Step 1: Claim Your Business
Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
Sign in with your Google account.
Search for your business name. If it already exists, claim it; if not, create a new listing.
Google will verify ownership via postcard, phone, or email.
Tip: Use the exact business name customers know you by—no keyword stuffing.
Step 2: Enter Complete Business Information
Google rewards accuracy and completeness. Fill in:
Business name, category, and description
Address or service area
Phone number and website
Business hours (including holiday hours)
Consistency across the web (website, social profiles, directories) strengthens your local SEO.
Step 3: Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to websites. Upload:
Exterior shots so customers recognize your location
Interior shots for ambiance
Team and product photos
Short videos of your service or product in action
Step 4: Activate Messaging
This is where your Google Business Profile becomes a true lead-generation tool. By enabling the “Message” feature, prospects can text your business directly from Google Search.
Even better? Pair this with conversational SMS automation. Instead of letting a lead sit unanswered, tools like AI-powered SMS responders can reply in under 30 seconds. That speed to lead is critical—research shows conversion rates drop by over 70% after just 30 minutes of delay. Quick, conversational replies boost both satisfaction and sales.
Step 5: Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are the lifeblood of local search.
Brands that adapt — especially by leaning into conversational SMS engagement and tools like MockInByrd.ai — will be the ones that attract, convert, and keep these customers.
If you want, I can turn this into a post specific to your industry (e.g. retail, SaaS, etc.) or include screenshots or quotes.
Step 6: Post Regular Updates
Google lets you publish posts to your profile. Share:
Promotions and offers
New products or services
Event announcements
This not only keeps your profile fresh but also signals activity and relevance to Google.
Step 7: Track Performance
In the GBP dashboard, you can see:
How many people called or messaged you
What search terms they used to find you
How many clicked for directions or visited your site
Use this data to double down on what’s working.
Final Thoughts
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a listing—it’s a mini-website, lead funnel, and reputation builder rolled into one. By setting it up fully, keeping it fresh, and connecting it to fast, conversational SMS responses, you’ll not only get found but also turn more searches into loyal customers.
