Can I set up Google Business without a website? Many businesses who are worried about their Local SEO and their Google Business Profile search rankings worry about this question. If you have a website then learn how to embed your Google Business on your website here.
To quickly answer the question regarding weather or not you need a website for Google Business Profile, the short answer is no. But if you want the truth, having a website optimized for local SEO does help your GBP rank higher in the local search results in your area.
Table of Contents
- How To Setup GBP Without A Website?
- Why Businesses Skip Building Websites
- How A Website Helps GBP Rank Higher
- Can GBP Still Rank Without A Website?
- Optimize Your GBP Without A Website
- Need Help Ranking Your GBP Higher?
How Exactly Can I Set Up My Google Business Profile Without A Website?
Google does not require you to have a website to create a Google Business Profile, you are instead only required to show proof that you own the business and it is operating in the address you list it under. Learn more about how to claim your Google Business Profile here.
This means you can list your business, add essential details like your address, phone number, and hours, and start showing up on Google Maps, all without a website. For many small businesses, this is a quick and effective way to get their business visible online.
But there’s a catch. While it’s possible to set up Google Business without a website, is it the best move for your business in the long run? Let’s explore why having a website might still be valuable even if Google Business Profile doesn’t make it mandatory.
Why Many Businesses Ask; “Do I Need A Website For My Google Business?”
Many local business owners often ask, “Do I need a website for Google My Business?” because they want to know if it’s worth the investment. Setting up a website takes time, money, and effort.
Even when you hire someone to do it, you still have to review their work and give feedback. Understandably, a lot of business owners often skip the headache of building a website. Because many of them think that their Google Business Profile alone is enough.
It’s true, your Google Business Profile can do a lot. Like displaying your address, reviews, and even photos of your business and even generating potential leads who are actively looking for your services or products. But you’re loosing out by skipping this step.
For most kinds of businesses, having a website is a non negotiable element. Not only can you work on SEO for your website to allow it to also generate you more leads.
If you don’t have a website and you are looking for a reliable agency to build you one for your business then check our website package here.
How A Website Boosts Your Google Business Profile Local Search Rankings
Even if you’re able to set up Google Business without a website, linking one to your GBP has several Local SEO benefits. Google prefers Business Profiles that provide more comprehensive information, including a link to a business website.
When you add your website to GBP, you are basically telling Google that your business has a more NAP Data than all your competitors who don’t have a website. This can help your profile show up more frequently in local searches and on Google Maps.
Also, if you go a step beyond and build a website for your business that’s optimized for Local SEO and then add it to your GBP, then you’ll also outrank competitors with websites but aren’t optimized for local SEO. You’ll outrank many competitors only from these 2 steps.
To optimize your website for Google Business to improve your rankings, make sure your about page on your website is targeting the same target keywords in the about page on your GBP. Also embed your Google Maps business location to the about or contact page of your website.
When someone searches for your service and finds your GBP, a website allows them to dig deeper into your business. Your website can be used to showcase your client testimonials and even set up booking options.
Can A Google Business Profile Without A Website Still Rank In Local Searches?
Can I set up Google Business without a website and still rank well? The short answer is yes but with some limitations. But I would check the local competition first, if you have many competitors and they all have a site. Then you won’t rank that well in a competitive area.
If your gonna only focus on optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate info, quality images, getting reviews, building local citations and posting updates regularly you can still rank ok in local searches.
So, while you can get by without a website initially, having one may help you rank at stronger position over time. If you have a website then click here to learn how to add GBP reviews to your website.
How To Optimize Your GBP Without Having A Website (A Basic Checklist)
If you choose to set up a Google Business Profile without a website because you have low competition. Then you’ll need to put extra effort into optimizing your profile. Here’s a basic checklist on how to do it:
Build Local Citations: Start building other map listing citations regularly, aim to build 5 a month at least for your business. These citations for your GBP are the Local SEO equivalent to building backlinks for website SEO.
Post Updates Regularly: Post updates on GBP, aim to post at least once a week. Think of these post updates for your Google Business Profile as the Local SEO equivalent to posting articles on your website for SEO.
Get Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave you reviews, aim to have as many reviews as the top ranking results for your services in your area. Quick tip; make review QR codes and place them in your receipts.
Target Local Keywords: Optimize your GBP about page and really area that you can add text with a set of targeted local keywords and key phrases. Use them even when replying to your reviews.
Need Help Ranking Your GBP Higher?
If you are still in need of any assistance or help with ranking your GBP higher or looking to grow your organic search results. Then I highly recommend you book a free consultation with the writer of this article, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.
