With over 4,000 distinct categories, the Google Business Profiles platform is able to showcase a wide variety of enterprises. Determining if your firm meets the program’s requirements can be challenging due to Google’s vague and incomplete rules.
Who Is Eligible for a Google Business Profile?
There is a good chance that you are eligible for a Google Business Profile if you run a local commercial enterprise that clients may visit in person. To the extent that you have a public address, you are in a favorable position.
People that supply local services, such as plumbers, cleaners, and contractors, are still able to create profiles for themselves. Due to the fact that the regulations are somewhat more comprehensive, it is of the utmost importance to adhere to Google’s requirements with great care while you are establishing your listing.
What To Know About Service-Area Business Google Business Profile Eligibility
You are often only permitted to have one Google Business Profile if you are the owner of a service-based company. Many companies attempt to make distinct profiles for every region they service in the hopes of improving their ranking. However, in practice, that may violate Google Business Profile Policies and result in the Google Business Profile Suspension of your listings.
Google only makes an exception if you have entirely distinct teams operating in disparate locations with no overlap. Let’s imagine that you are a local plumber who employs a few people to work from your home. You would only be eligible for one listing even if you served several cities.
You can now create numerous profiles if you’re managing a larger business, such as a franchise or multi-location firm, with distinct teams and offices in various locations. The important thing is that each team focuses on its own region and avoids overlapping.
Unconventional Businesses that are eligible for Google Business Profile
Operators of food trucks or delivery-only kitchens are eligible for a Google Business Profile, although with a somewhat modified setup process. Approach it as a service-area enterprise. Here are the instructions:
Use your home address or the address of your private kitchen
Hide the address from the public listing
Define the service area where you operate
Kiosks
Kiosk-based enterprises may be eligible for a GBP, contingent upon specific criteria. To qualify, ensure your kiosk satisfies the following criteria:
It possesses a fixed place.
Customers may immediately contact the kiosk via its designated phone number or assistance system.
If situated within another establishment (such as a mall), it must be identifiable with its own contact information.
Temporary or event-based kiosks aren’t eligible.
Virtual Service Providers
It’s not too difficult to understand this one. If you conduct all of your business activities online or at Virtual Office Google Business and do not interact with your clients in person, you are not qualified to receive a GBP. Listings on Google are only permitted for companies that engage in face-to-face interactions with their customers. In other words:
Not just video-only but also remote services
There are no freelancers or brands that are only available online.
There will be no exceptions made unless you meet customers in person.
Seasonal Businesses
Operating a business that is seasonal in nature? It is possible to establish a GBP; nevertheless, good management is essential. Here are the criteria for maintaining Google Business Profile Eligibility:
Establish seasonal operating hours on your profile
Designate the business as “temporarily closed” during the off-season.
For physical venues, such as a skating rink, ensure the presence of year-round signage at the place.
Coworking Spaces
This one is a little harder. You may be able to get a GBP if your business works out of a coworking space, but only if you meet certain GBP Eligibility Requirements. Google looks at each one separately, so even with all of this, GBP Verification Process isn’t certain. You’ll need:
1. Ask for Reviews Consistently
Permanent signage
A special phone number
Employees are there during the mentioned business hours.
Businesses That Aren’t Eligible for Google Business Profiles
Certain categories of businesses are prohibited on Google Business Profile. These encompass:
Real estate available for purchase or lease
Activities, courses, or services conducted at venues not owned or managed by you
Organizations specializing in lead generation
Businesses that operate exclusively online without any physical service component
Enterprises that function exclusively through P.O. boxes or remote mailboxes
Final Thoughts
Gaining an understanding of the specifics of GBP eligibility can be challenging, particularly for agreements that are not conventional. You will be able to prevent violations and get the most of your listing if you familiarize yourself with the Google Review Guidelines Compliance in advance.
It is essential to consider specific specifics, such as how to manage multiple sites, virtual services, or coworking spaces, as there are a lot of firms that are eligible for this program that have physical locations and service areas.
With appropriate management of your GBP and adherence to the Google Business Profile Guidelines, you will be able to increase the frequency with which you appear in local searches. This will make it simpler for customers to locate your company and will also help to establish confidence in your company.