Google Business Profile Study Guide

Short-Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in two to three complete sentences, based on the provided source material.

1. What is a Google Business Profile and what is its primary purpose?
2. Is there a cost for using Google Business Profile to list a business on Google?
3. What are the first two major steps a business must take to create or claim its listing?
4. Why is the verification step essential for a Google Business Profile, and what is the common method for this process?
5. According to the source, what are three ways a business can "showcase" itself on its profile?
6. How does a Google Business Profile enable a business to engage directly with its customers?
7. What kind of performance metrics can a business monitor through its profile?
8. On which two primary Google services does a Google Business Profile manage how a business appears?
9. To create a Google Business Profile, what type of account must a user have first?
10. Beyond basic information like hours and phone number, what can be added to a profile to enhance its search visibility?

Answer Key

1. A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that allows a business to control and manage how its information is displayed across Google. Its primary purpose is to help businesses get listed on Google and turn people who find them into new customers.
2. No, there is no charge. The source material repeatedly states that Google Business Profile is a "free tool" and that businesses can list themselves with a "free Business Profile."
3. The first step is to sign in to a Google Account and go to the Business Profile Manager. The second step is to enter the business name and choose a primary business category to begin the process of creating a new listing or claiming an existing one.
4. The verification step is essential because a profile will not be visible to customers until it is verified. A common method for verification is by mail, where Google sends a postcard containing a PIN code to the business's physical location.
5. A business can showcase itself by uploading photos of the business, adding a company logo, and listing its products. These visual and informational elements help customers understand what the business offers.
6. A business can engage with customers by responding to customer reviews, answering questions that are publicly posted, and allowing customers to send direct messages through the profile.
7. A business can monitor how customers find and interact with its profile. Specific metrics that can be tracked include the number of phone calls, website clicks, and messages initiated from the profile.
8. A Google Business Profile manages how a business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. This allows potential customers to find the business when searching for relevant products or services.
9. A user must have a Google Account, such as a Gmail account, to use the Google Business Profile service. If they do not have one, they must create one before they can proceed.
10. To enhance search visibility, a business can add a compelling business description and a detailed list of its services. The listed services act as keywords that help Google match the business to relevant customer searches.

Essay Questions

Instructions: The following questions are designed to test a deeper understanding of the material. Formulate a comprehensive response for each.

1. Describe the complete, five-step process for setting up a Google Business Profile as outlined in the source material. For each step, explain its specific function and overall importance in establishing an effective online presence.
2. Discuss the various ways a business can manage and enhance its profile after the initial setup and verification. How do these management features contribute to attracting and interacting with customers?
3. Explain the strategic value of the "Engage with customers" and "Track Performance" features. Why are these functions critical for a local business aiming to grow its customer base?
4. Based on the information provided, construct an argument for why a new local business should prioritize creating a Google Business Profile over other forms of digital marketing.
5. Analyze the relationship between a Google Business Profile and local search engine optimization (SEO). How do elements like the business category, services list, and customer reviews impact how easily a business can be found by local customers?

Glossary of Key Terms

Term	Definition
Business Profile Manager	The platform where a user can log in to create or manage a Google Business Profile.
Google Account	A required account (e.g., Gmail) needed to sign in and use Google Business Profile services.
Google Business Profile (GBP)	A free tool from Google that allows a business to manage how it appears on Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping. It was formerly known as Google My Business.
Google My Business (GMB)	The former name for Google Business Profile, as indicated in several tutorial titles.
Keywords	Terms that improve search visibility. The list of services added to a profile acts as keywords to help customers find the business.
Performance Tracking	A feature that allows a business to monitor how customers find and interact with its profile, including data on phone calls, website clicks, and messages.
Primary Business Category	A classification a business owner must select during setup to define the core nature of the business.
Verification	A mandatory process to confirm a business's identity and location, which makes the profile visible to the public. It is often completed by receiving a postcard with a PIN code by mail.