You can run ads without a Google Business Profile, which used to be called Google My Business. Google Business Profiles are useful for activities that use location data, such as local SEO and service-area ads, but they are not necessary for running advertisements.
In the next sections, we will discuss what a Google Business Profile is and what it is used for.
What is a Google Business Profile For
Google Business Profiles are useful for many things, particularly location-related. They allow you to manage your business’s location presence on Google Maps and searches.
Google Business profiles provide increased visibility and allow you to display your business’s hours, location, website, services, and reviews.
A Google Business Profile
What is required to run Google Ads
In order to run Google Ads, you must have met all of these conditions:
- Google Account: Sign up for a Google Account if you don’t already have one.
- Billing Information: Provide valid payment details (credit/debit card, bank account, etc.).
- Website or Landing Page: You need a functioning website or landing page for your ads to link to.
- Ad Content: Prepare text, images, or video for your ad campaign.
- Ad Targeting: Define your target audience based on demographics, location, interests, etc.
- Google Ads Account: Set up a Google Ads account at ads.google.com.
- Compliance: Make sure your website and ads are in compliance with Google Ads policies (e.g., no restricted content).
- Campaign Budget: Setting a daily or total campaign budget and bidding strategy.
- Conversion Tracking (optional): Implement conversion tracking (optional but recommended for tracking measurable results).
Does it cost money for a Google Business Profile?
Creating a Google Business Profile is a free tool to help you boost your business’s visibility.
There are premium services that you can opt in for, such as Google Workspace or advertising, but the base profile is completely free to set up.
What can you do with a Google Business Profile?
Creating a Google Business Profile is free, but is it really worth the time? Here are the things that creating a Google Business Profile will enable you to do:
- Edit business details (name, address, phone number, website).
- Add photos (interior, exterior, products, and services).
- Post updates (special offers, events, news).
- Respond to customer reviews.
- View insights (customer interactions, search performance).
- Manage business hours (including holidays).
- Add products or services with descriptions and prices.
- Enable messaging (communicate directly with customers).
- Create a booking button (for appointments).
- Set up a Q&A section (answer frequently asked questions).
- Track performance with analytics (calls, website visits, direction requests).
Many of these can benefit your business, so it is a good idea to create a Google Business Profile.
What is the difference between Google Ads and Google Business Profile?
There are some key differences between Google Ads and Google Business Profiles, so here we have a table comparing and contrasting the two:
| Feature | Google Ads | Google Business Profile |
| Purpose | Paid ads to drive traffic. | Free profile to manage local presence. |
| Cost | Pay-per-click (PPC) or impressions. | Free (optional paid promotions). |
| Visibility | Ads appear in search, display, YouTube. | Appears in Google Search and Maps. |
| Targeting | Advanced (keywords, location, etc.). | Local targeting based on location. |
| Metrics | Clicks, conversions, impressions. | Customer actions, searches, views. |
| Content Control | Full control over ads. | Limited to business info, photos, posts. |
| Customer Interaction | Clicks on ads. | Calls, visits, reviews, messages. |
| Ideal For | Fast, targeted traffic. | Local visibility and engagement. |
As you can see, both are very useful tools to be leveraged for the growth of your business. However, as Google Business Profile is free, you’re missing out on only potential returns if you don’t spend the time to set up an account for your business.
But if you don’t want to waste your valuable time setting up a Google Business Profile, you can contact us at MPire Marketing to help you take your Google Ads and Business Profile to the next level.