Straight answers, short.
Plain questions about Google profiles, listings and websites, each answered in a few sentences first, then the details. Every answer lists the sources it was checked against.
All answers
Someone else controls my Google listing. How do I get it back?
Ask the current owner through Google first.
Should my web designer own my Google Business Profile?
No. You, the business owner, should be the primary owner.
Can I have a Google Business Profile without a storefront?
Yes. If you travel to customers, like a plumber, cleaner or mobile mechanic, and don't serve anyone at your address, Google calls you a service-area business.
My business shows up twice on Google Maps. How do I fix it?
If both listings are the same business at the same place, report the extra one on Google Maps: open it, use Suggest an edit and report it as a duplicate.
How long does Google Business Profile verification take?
After you finish the verification steps, Google says its review takes up to 5 business days, and rarely longer.
Do I need to be on Apple Maps and Bing too, or just Google?
Start with Google, then claim both.
Is my website link in the chamber directory still right?
Check it today; it only takes a few minutes.
What should I ask before signing a monthly website plan?
Ask five things in writing: who owns the domain, whose name the Google profile is in, what the monthly fee covers, how and when you can leave, and the exact price to buy the site outright.
How do I check my website's speed for free?
Use Google's free PageSpeed Insights: paste your web address at pagespeed.web.dev and run it.
Google suspended my business profile. What do I do?
Don't make a new profile. Open the Google Business Profile appeals tool to see the reason and the policy involved, fix the problem, then submit one appeal with documents showing your business name and address, like a business license or utility bill.
Look up a term: Local search glossary
Free tools: Shop website grader · Website cost calculator · Google review link generator · Printable listing checklist
En español: Más reseñas en Google · Lista para tu perfil de Google · Responder a una reseña negativa
Answers by Priscilla Patel, CEO of AP Visible, which builds websites and manages Google profiles for family-run shops around Aurora and Naperville, Illinois. Have a question we haven't answered? Call or text (331) 298-2109. More about Priscilla →
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