Take a moment to google the phrases “craft brewery”, “taproom”, “brewery outside seating”, or any other terms that a local customer might use to find your business. If your business isn’t a high ranking result in relevant web searches in your area, you can improve your search engine optimization (SEO) performance by updating your Google Business Profile (GBP). Creating and managing a GBP is simple and free, and once you have management and editing capabilities, you can put your Google Business Profile to work driving traffic to your business.

Claim or Create Your Google Business Profile

To add or claim a Google Business Profile, use Google Maps.

To add your business, do one of the following:

• Enter your address in the search bar. In the Business Profile on the left, click “Add your business.”
• Right-click anywhere on the map and click “Add your business.”
• Click “Menu” and then “Add your business.”

To claim your business, follow these steps:

• In the search bar, enter your business name and click on it.
• Click “Claim this business” and then “Manage now.”
• Select a verification option and follow the steps on-screen.

Update Your Basic Business Information

Once you have claimed and verified or created a Google Business Profile, you can update your business’s basic business information.

Options to update your business information include:

• Update business hours
• Add a phone number
• Add or edit business services
• Upload pictures and menus
• Add social media links
• Add a precise location by dropping a pin for Google Maps users
• Customize your business category—a great feature for hybrid businesses
• Define a geographic service area—a great feature for businesses with delivery services

Optimize Your Profile and Engage with Customers

Those looking to maximize their Google Business Profile functionality can manage their profile to engage with customers and expand visibility for their brands.

Active profile managers can:

• Use keywords to improve search engine optimization (SEO)
• Answer customer questions and respond to reviews
• Encourage positive customer reviews
• Use Google Posts to share news, promotions, deals, and special releases
• Post event information
• Enable direct messaging to communicate with potential customers