Google Business Profile (GBP) — formerly Google My Business — is the tool that controls how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps. Most founders associate it with physical stores: the map listing with photos, hours, and directions. But even online-only brands benefit significantly from a verified GBP — for brand search results, customer reviews, and local discovery by shoppers who search “near me” for categories like food delivery, craft products, or artisan goods.
In 2026, a verified Google Business Profile is one of the fastest, free things you can do to improve how your brand appears in search — and the majority of new online brand founders skip it entirely.
Why an Online Brand Needs Google Business Profile
1. Brand search results: when someone searches your brand name on Google, your GBP appears prominently in the right-side knowledge panel — showing your website, contact information, photos, hours, and reviews. Without a GBP, this space is empty or filled with competitor results.
2. Customer reviews: GBP is where Google reviews live. Product-specific reviews go on your marketplace listings; brand-level reviews (customer service, packaging quality, overall experience) can be captured on your GBP — and these appear in Google search results when someone searches your brand name.
3. Local discovery: even ecommerce brands sometimes have customers who search for products “near me” or by city. A GBP with your city declared makes you discoverable to these searches.
4. Google Knowledge Panel: verified businesses get a structured knowledge panel in search results — more credible and visible than a standard search result.
5. Posts and updates: GBP allows you to publish product updates, offers, and announcements that appear in Google search results for your brand.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile
Navigate to business.google.com and sign in with your Google account. Click “Manage now” or “Add your business.”
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
Enter your brand name exactly as you want it to appear on Google. Don’t add keywords, locations, or taglines to your business name — Google’s guidelines prohibit this and it can lead to suspension.
Step 3: Choose Your Business Category
Select the primary category that best describes your business. This is the most important categorisation decision — it determines what search queries Google associates with your profile.
For ecommerce brands, common categories include:
- “Online retailer” (for general ecommerce)
- “Cosmetics store” (for beauty brands)
- “Food manufacturer” or “Food store” (for food brands)
- “Health food store” (for supplement/wellness brands)
- “Clothing store” (for apparel)
You can add secondary categories after the initial setup.
Step 4: Set Your Business Type
For online-only brands: select “Online retail” or the equivalent that indicates you serve customers online rather than at a physical location. This prevents Google from requiring a physical storefront address in your city.
If you have a physical location (even a home-based warehouse where you’re comfortable receiving visitors): you can add this as your address. If not, select the service area option and specify the area you serve (e.g., all of India).
Step 5: Add Contact Information
- Phone number: your business WhatsApp/support line
- Website: your Shopify store URL or primary domain
Step 6: Verify Your Business
Google requires verification to confirm you’re the legitimate owner of the business. Verification methods in 2026:
Video verification (most common in 2026): record a short video showing your business location, products, and equipment — Google’s system reviews this video automatically in most cases. For online brands, this typically means showing your home office/storage area where you manage the business, your products, and your device/computer used for operations.
Phone or email verification: for some business types, a verification code sent to your phone or email is sufficient.
Postcard: Google mails a postcard with a verification code to your business address — takes 5–14 days.
Instant verification: if your business email domain is already verified in Google Search Console, instant verification may be available.
Step 7: Complete Your Profile
After verification, complete every section:
- Business description: 750 characters describing your brand, products, and what makes you different. Include your primary keywords naturally.
- Hours: even for online businesses, set your customer support hours
- Photos: minimum 3–5 photos — your logo, product shots, packaging, and workspace if presentable. Profiles with photos receive significantly more interactions.
- Products: add your key products directly to GBP — they appear in your knowledge panel and Google Shopping
Step 8: Request and Respond to Reviews
After setup, actively request Google reviews from early customers. Reviews are a significant trust signal for new visitors finding your brand through search. A direct link to your GBP review form (available in your GBP dashboard under “Get more reviews”) is the most friction-free way to collect them.
Always respond to reviews — both positive and negative. Responses signal to Google and potential customers that you’re actively engaged, and appropriate responses to negative reviews often reduce their negative impact.