How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile Step by Step

How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile Step by Step

This blog post may contain affiliate links and I earn commissions through sponsored links. 

Welcome to my blog on setting up your Google Business Profile.

For a step by step guide with a visual walkthrough, click here. 

In today's digital age, your Google Business Profile plays a pivotal role in showcasing your notary services and connecting with potential clients. Whether you're starting or looking to enhance your existing profile, this blog will walk you through the essential steps, providing insights and tips to boost your online presence effectively.

As a notary mentor, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities we encounter in this profession. This blog aims to empower you to create a compelling Google Business Profile that reflects your dedication and professionalism. Let’s get started!

Creating a Google Account

To get started, you'll need a Google Account to create your Google Business Page. You can easily sign up for one by visiting https://workspace.google.com/business/signup/welcome or simply by Googling "create new account." Next, you have the option to choose between a free business account or a workspace account with a custom domain. A free account might look like "acxnotary@gmail.com," while a workspace account with a custom domain, starting at around $7 per month, could be something like "scheduling@acxnotary.com." Once you've decided, create your account by providing your business information.

Creating the Google Business Profile

After successfully creating your account, it's time to set up your Google Business Page. You can do this by visiting https://www.google.com/business/ or by logging into your Google account and clicking on your profile icon in the top right-hand corner, then selecting "Business Profile Manager." From there, click on "Manage now" and then proceed to click on "Add business" to start creating your Google Business Page.

Next, click on "Add single business" to continue the process. Here, you'll create your Business Profile by entering your essential business information.

I don’t want to lose you here, okay? Remember, if you are a visual learning and want a walkthrough, utilize our free guide here. 

Verifying the Google Business Page

Google often requires business verification to ensure the authenticity and compliance of businesses listed on its platform. This verification can involve providing information, a physical address for brick-and-mortar businesses, or taking a video for mobile businesses. Sometimes verification happens instantly, but not always.

It's essential not to overcomplicate this step. If Google requests a video and your business operates from your home or vehicle, you can provide a walkthrough of the supplies you use for your business. For mobile businesses, they typically want to see the vehicle used for providing services. Think of it as verifying a mobile food truck; they'd want to see the food truck itself. If you use your personal vehicle for business, they'll likely want to see it too. Remember not to take verification personally; it's a standard procedure to ensure the legitimacy of businesses on Google. Google's goal is to confirm your business's existence, its geographic location, the integrity of the user representing the business, and its affiliation with the business. This helps maintain the platform's integrity and the trust of users.

Optimizing the Profile

To conveniently access your Google Business Profile and make edits, simply visit google.com and search for "my business." Ensure you're logged into your Google account, or you can go directly to https://www.google.com/business/ to manage all elements of your profile.

Click “Edit profile” and fill out all of the information. Do not leave blanks or there will be a lesser likelihood of the page getting verified.

I’ve never done a notarization, how can I get reviews?

To encourage more reviews for your Google Business Profile, start by clicking "Read reviews," and then select "Get more reviews." Share this link with your friends, family, and clients, and kindly request character reviews, especially if you haven't provided notary services for them before. Instead of generic reviews like "Anna was a great notary," ask them to share personal insights, such as "I've known Anna for 10 years, and she's a friendly and dependable professional." This approach adds depth and authenticity to your profile.

Optimizing - Continued

Don't forget to click on "Messages" and ensure that they are turned on so people can easily reach out to you with questions without making a phone call. I recommend also enabling web notifications to stay responsive to inquiries in real-time.

Next, click on "Add photo" and start by uploading a photo or headshot, a logo, and a cover photo for your Google Business Profile. It's essential to upload multiple images to showcase your business effectively. If you don't already have these, it's crucial to obtain or create them, as your business greatly benefits from having a professional logo and an appealing headshot at a minimum.

Next, click on "Edit services" and make sure to select all the services you offer in your business.

If you provide online booking services (which is highly recommended in today's digital age), click on "Booking" and proceed to add the link to your online booking site or your website. This makes it convenient for potential clients to schedule appointments with you.

Click on the “Calls” tab. Here, you can monitor the number of calls you receive, in addition to using the Analytics tab. I strongly recommend enabling "Turn on call history" to keep a record of your calls for future reference or any necessary follow-ups.

Q&A Section

It's crucial to fill out this section with frequently asked questions to provide valuable information about your business to viewers, even if they don't click on your website (or if you don't have one). Here are some examples:

Q: Do you provide mobile notary services for real estate transactions?

A: Yes, we offer mobile notary services for all types of real estate transactions. We can meet the signer at any location convenient to them - the title company, real estate agency, their office, their house, a restaurant, etc.

Q: I have some documents I need notarized for retirement, but I work until 6 every weekday. Could you meet me on my lunch break?

A: Yes, absolutely.

How to review Analytics

Now, navigate to "Performance" to review analytics for your Google Business Profile. This is where you can track various metrics like calls, views, messages, bookings, and website clicks. Use these insights to gauge the performance of your profile, and if you're not seeing the desired results, consider making adjustments to improve your online presence.

I know this seems like a lot, running a successful business is no small endeavor, but it is worth it! Google Business is a great way to drive leads for both general notary work and loan signings. If you’re feeling lost and want a visual, review our step-by-step guide  here.

Where to go to run a Google Ad

Please note that this how-to guide does not cover the advanced training required for running Google Ads. However, you can access the "Ads" tab to run paid advertisements for your business if you wish. While it's not mandatory, there are definite advantages, such as improved ranking and visibility, associated with running paid ads to enhance your online presence.

Auditing your own Google Business Page 

The last step - woohoo!

Now that your profile is set up and optimized, it's time for an audit. However, if your profile isn't verified yet, don't proceed because an unverified profile won't be visible.

For the audit, open an incognito window or use someone else's device and search for your Google Business Page using various keywords such as "Your Business Name" (e.g., "ACX Notary"), "Notary near me," "Mobile notary in (insert your state)," "Loan signing agent near me," "Need a notary now," and "Notary come to me." Check if your business appears in the search results. If it does, congratulations! Your Google Business Page is optimized. However, if it doesn't, don't worry. There's still some work to do. You can make adjustments to your page description, FAQ section, and photos, and then retry this step to improve your visibility.

Remember, at NotaryMarketingCo we’re here to support you and your business. To access our free “How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Page Guide” click here.

For more helpful tips, guides, walkthroughs and tools to start or scale your notary business check out my Notary Mentor Program + Loan Signing Agent Training!

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