How to Create and Share Access to Your Google Business Profile: A Complete Guide

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence isn't just an option—it's essential for business success. Whether you're a small business owner just getting started or looking to hand over the reins to a marketing professional, understanding how to create and manage your Google Business Profile is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of the process, from initial setup to granting access to your marketing team.

How Do I Create a Google Business Profile from Scratch?

Before diving into the specific steps, it's important to understand that creating a Google Business Profile involves several stages: initial setup, verification, and optimization. Each stage is crucial for establishing a strong online presence that attracts potential customers.

Initial Setup Process

The journey begins at business.google.com. Here's your detailed roadmap for getting started:

• Step 1: Sign in with your Google account or create one if you haven't already

• Step 2: Click on "Manage now" and search for your business name

• Step 3: If your business doesn't appear, select "Add your business to Google"
  

• Step 4: Choose your business category (you can add up to 10 additional categories later) ***Only add a single Category if eClaro Studios will be optimizing your profile.
  

• Step 5: Select whether you want your business location to appear on Google Maps

• Step 6: Enter your precise business address (if you're a service-area business, you can hide this)

• Step 7: Input your service areas if you deliver or visit customers

• Step 8: Add your contact information, including phone number and website URL

Verification Requirements

Google needs to confirm you're the legitimate owner of your business. The verification process varies depending on your business type and location:

• Postcard Verification: Most common method, taking 5-12 days

  • Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address

  • Enter the code in your Google Business Profile dashboard

  • Keep the postcard safe until verification is complete

• Phone Verification: Available for select businesses

  • Receive an automated call with a verification code

  • Enter the code immediately during the setup process

• Email Verification: Less common but available for some businesses

  • Receive a verification code via email

  • Must be entered within the specified timeframe

Essential Profile Optimization ***Skip this step if eClaro Studios will be optimizing your profile.

Once verified, it's crucial to optimize your profile for maximum visibility. Focus on these key areas:

• Business Hours:

  • Include regular hours

  • Special holiday hours

  • Temporary changes

• Photos and Videos: Upload high-quality images of your:

  • Business exterior (at least 3 photos)

  • Business interior (at least 3 photos)

  • Team members (2-3 photos)

  • Products or services (5-10 photos)

• Business Description: Write a compelling 750-character description highlighting your unique value proposition

• Attributes: Select all relevant attributes like "Wheelchair accessible," "Free Wi-Fi," or "Outdoor seating"

• Products/Services: Add your complete catalog with prices and descriptions

How Can I Properly Set Up Permissions and Access for My Digital Marketing Agency?

Managing access to your Google Business Profile requires careful consideration of roles and responsibilities. Understanding the different permission levels ensures you maintain control while allowing your marketing team to effectively manage your online presence.

Understanding Access Levels

Google Business Profile offers several distinct access levels, each with specific capabilities:

• Owner Access (Highest Level):

  • Complete control over all aspects of the profile

  • Ability to add or remove other users

  • Can transfer primary ownership

  • Access to all insights and analytics

• Manager Access (Recommended for Agencies): ***If eClaro Studios will be optimizing your profile, provide this level of access to Elliot@eClaroStudios.com.

  • Can create and publish posts

  • Respond to reviews and messages

  • Edit business information

  • View insights and analytics

• Communications Manager:

  • Can respond to reviews and messages

  • Access to basic insights

  • Cannot make structural changes to the profile

Step-by-Step Access Granting Process

Follow these precise steps to grant access to your marketing agency:

1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile

2. Navigate to the "Users" section in the left menu

3. Click the "Add Users" button

4. Enter the email address associated with your marketing agency's Google account ***If eClaro Studios will be optimizing your profile, use this email: Elliot@eClaroStudios.com.

5. Select the appropriate access level (typically Manager)

6. Click "Invite"

The agency will receive an email invitation they must accept within 7 days. Important security considerations include:

• Only grant access to verified agency email addresses

• Document all access changes in your records

• Regularly review user access levels

• Set up two-factor authentication for additional security

Successfully managing your Google Business Profile is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and regular maintenance. Whether you're handling it yourself or working with a marketing agency, these comprehensive steps will help ensure your business maintains a strong, professional online presence. Remember to regularly review and update your profile information, respond promptly to reviews and messages, and maintain open communication with your marketing team to achieve the best results for your business's online visibility.