For your privacy and security, we can’t directly assist with setting up your Google Business Profile. Google requires you to manage your own account, and we do not have access to your login information. Please do not share your Google username or password with us. The steps provided here are general and may vary based on updates from Google.
Note: After creating a Google Business Profile, send an email to websitehelp@agencybloc.com to let us know and we’ll work together to add it to your website.
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Why a Google Business Profile matters for insurance agencies
How to create a Google Business Profile
(Optional) How to hide your business address
(Optional) Optimize your profile for maximum impact
Why a Google Business Profile matters for insurance agencies
In the health insurance industry, trust and visibility are crucial. Whether your focus is individuals or businesses, a strong local presence helps you connect with potential clients. A Google Business Profile (GBP) helps your agency stand out in local and national search results, boosting credibility and generating leads.
When prospective clients search for terms like "health insurance agent near me" or "group health plans in [City Name]," your GBP displays essential details, such as reviews, contact information, directions, and a link to your website.
- Increased Visibility: Your business will appear in Google search results and Google Maps (if your business has a physical address), making it easier for potential customers to find you when they search for products or services you offer.
- Enhanced Credibility: A Google Business listing adds credibility to your business, as it’s often one of the first things people see when searching for agency services.
- Free Advertising: It’s a cost-effective way to promote your business since the listing itself is free. You can also add photos and posts to attract attention.
How to create a Google Business Profile
Time estimate: 15–30 minutes
Setting up your Google Business Profile ensures your agency’s information is accurate and accessible, helping you attract clients and build trust. Follow the steps below to get started. For full details and the latest instructions, click to visit Google’s official help page(opens in a new window).
Before you begin
- You must have a Google account. If you use Gmail, enter the same email and password you use for your Gmail account.
- If you don’t have a Google account, you will need to create one. Click to view Google’s account creation instructions(opens in a new window).
Create a Google Business Profile
- Click this link https://www.google.com/business/ (opens in a new window) to open the Google Business Profile website in a new tab or window.
- This takes you to the official page where you can create and manage your business profile.
- Click the ‘Sign in’ button in the top-right corner of the Google Business Profile homepage. If you’re already signed in, skip to Step 4 of these instructions.
- Enter your email address and password when prompted to sign in.
- Enter your business name and click the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- As you type, Google will check if your business name is already in use. If it finds similar names, they will appear in a dropdown list. If you see an exact match, click the name to claim it.
If the name is already in use, you’ll see a message saying, “Someone else may manage this Business Profile.” Click the ‘Request Access’ button to ask for ownership. The current owner will get an email, and you’ll receive a confirmation email. Click to learn more(opens in a new window). - Choose all the business types that apply to your agency, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue.
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Google's definitions may be a little confusing but the most common business type for our agencies is ‘Service business’. This is for agencies that don't have a physical location but do business online and have a service area.
If you have an office where customers can visit you, choose ‘Local store’. If you do business online, choose ‘Online retail’. Most agencies don’t use the "Online Retail" business type. This option is specifically for e-commerce websites that sell products online.
- Enter a business category, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- Begin typing and Google will suggest a category. For example: Health Insurance Agency. Pick the category that best describes your business.
- Enter your business address, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue.
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The options you see might look a little different depending on the pages you’ve visited during setup.
If you don’t have a physical office, you still need to provide an address for Google to verify your business. You can use your home address and choose to hide it after creating your Google Business Profile. Click for steps on how to hide your business address.
In some cases, you might be asked to list your service areas, even if you don’t have a business address. Add the areas where your business provides deliveries or home and office visits, or skip this step and add them later. - If your business offers services or has a physical location, Google might ask you to mark your location on Google Maps. To do this, adjust the marker on the map as needed, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- A small Google Map will appear with a marker showing where your business is. In the map, click the ‘Adjust’ button and drag and move the marker to the exact spot where your business is located. Click the ‘Done’ button after making your adjustments, then the ‘Next’ button to continue.
- Enter your business phone number and website address (e.g., www.myagencyname.com), then click the ‘Next’ button to continue. If you don’t have a website yet, you can skip this step and add it later.
- Read Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then click the "Continue" button to proceed.
- You can also choose to receive news, tips, and surveys from Google, but it’s not required.
- Select a way to get verified, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue. You can skip and get verified later by clicking the ‘Verify Later’ link.
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You must verify your business at some point, or Google won’t make your profile public. Verification by phone, text, or email usually takes 2-3 minutes, but it can take up to 5 days in some cases. The available verification methods depend on your business category, location, public information, and hours of operation.
Just follow the steps Google gives you to finish verification. Click to view Google’s official guide on how to verify(opens in a new window).
- (Optional) Add your services, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue. You can skip and add them later.
- Click on each service that business provides. Each selection will be highlighted in blue.
- (Optional) Add your business hours, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue. You can skip and add them later.
- (Optional) Add a business description, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue. You can skip and add it later.
- (Optional) Add photos of your photos, then click the ‘Next’ button to continue. You can skip and add them later.
- (Optional) You will be asked to try Google Workspace. Click the ‘Skip’ button to continue.
- Click the ‘Continue’ button to finish.
Once you’ve completed your profile and verified it, this is what others will see when they search for your agency using the Google search engine:
If you had to add a business address (not your mailing address) during profile setup and you want to hide it, click here to learn how.
(Optional) How to hide your business address
Time estimate: 5 minutes
During profile setup, you must provide a business address or mailing address for Google to verify your business. Mailing addresses are always hidden, but if you entered a business address and don’t want it to show in Google search results with your business profile, follow these steps.
- Click this link https://www.google.com/business/(opens in a new window) to open the Google Business Profile website in a new tab or window.
- This takes you to the official page where you can manage your business profile.
- Click the ‘Sign in’ button in the top-right corner of the Google Business Profile homepage. If you’re already signed in, skip to Step 4 of these instructions.
- Enter your email address and password when prompted to sign in.
- Your profile dashboard will appear. In the dashboard, find the ‘Edit profile’ button and click it.
- Your screen will dim, and a Business information card will appear. Click the ‘Location’ tab in the window.
- Hover your mouse over the ‘Business location’ section and click the edit icon (usually a pencil). Toggle the ‘Show business address to customers’ switch. If the switch is gray, it’s turned off. Finally, click the ‘Save’ button to apply your changes.
Once your address is hidden, your business profile will appear like this in Google search results:
(Optional) Optimize your profile for maximum impact
Time estimate: 1 hour for initial setup
Once your Google Business Profile is set up, here are some tips to make it more effective.
Add photos and updates
- Upload and share photos of your office, team, or events to make your brand relatable.
- Post updates about open enrollment, new plans, or health coverage tips to keep your profile active.
Leverage keywords
- Include phrases like "Medicare plans," "small business health insurance," or "group coverage specialists" in your description to attract the right audience.
Promote reviews
- Ask happy clients to leave reviews. Positive reviews build trust and improve your ranking in search results.
Ensure NAP consistency
- Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are the same on all platforms to avoid confusing clients or Google. Platforms include:
- Google Business Reviews
- Business Cards
- Website(s)
- Email Signature