Setting Up a Google Business Account for Your Barbershop

When making a Google Business account, Google doesn’t require you to fill out every listing section. However, to ensure your profile is fully optimized, it's best to complete everything with as much detail as possible. This checklist is designed to guide you in the process of creating your account and tips to consider. Once your account is completed, check out our free checklist guide on optimizing your Google Business profile.

Before beginning, it's crucial to note that using a Google account you already have, such as a personal Gmail, for your business can lead to a mix-up of personal and professional information. Creating a Google account dedicated solely to your business is best for maintaining an experienced and organized online presence. 

Tips and Steps for Completing Your Account

1. Begin by visiting www.google.com/business and logging into your Google account. Enter your business name, select your business type, and choose your business category. This will initiate the process of building your profile. 
2. Your physical location and phone number are the most crucial parts of your listing. These details are not just for contact purposes, but they also play a significant role in enhancing your listing's visibility and credibility. Do not include a 1-800 number for your business; this will be hard to verify and can negatively affect your listing visibility. Make sure to include a local number for better reach and trust.
3. The “website” field is not required when setting up your business profile, but it is essential to add it. We highly recommend creating a website for your barbershop if you do not have one.
4. Verifying your business is crucial in establishing trust with potential customers and enhancing your profile's credibility. While there is the option to “verify later,” we strongly recommend doing it immediately to start reaping the benefits of a verified Google Business Profile. Choose one of the verification methods available: phone or text, email, video recording, live video call, or postcard. 
5. Customers cannot view your listing until it’s been verified!
6. Add services: Google may automatically add checkboxes of autogenerated services; you can uncheck those services if they do not apply. There is also the option to “add custom services” as well. Be sure to add anything that is not listed. The more detail, the better. 
7. Add business hours and keep this information up to date. You can edit these anytime for holiday closings, early hours, or any changes in your business's schedule. You do not want to have your business listed as being open when it is not. 
8. Turn messages on! It will drive additional leads for your business.
9. Add a description of your business. There is a 750-character limit. Include a brief description of what you offer, what makes your business different, a history of your business, and anything else you think would be helpful for your prospective customers. Note: your listing does not help with your business ranking; this is just for customers to get an idea of your business.
10. Add photos: These are great ways to stand out in search results. Showcase your products, services, storefront images, and what the inside of your barbershop looks like. High-quality images will catch the attention of prospective customers. Do not use photos from stock image websites; these are not genuine. Be sure to add new pictures to your listing regularly.

These are the basics of setting up your Google Business account. It's important to continuously monitor your account, add photos, add a Q&A section, and encourage customers to leave reviews on your listing as well. Download our guide for more details and a full checklist for optimizing your listing.