Google Business Profile Setup Guide

! Important: Google Business Name Policy

Common Error: "Business identity changed" Violation

If you see this error, it means your business name includes descriptors that violate Google's naming guidelines.

Google's Naming Rules:

Use your real-world business name - the name customers see on your storefront, website, or stationery
DO NOT add: Location names, taglines, service descriptions, or marketing phrases
DO NOT use: "B2B", "Marketplace", "Best", "Trusted", "Official", "24/7" etc.

❌ Wrong Names

Afriqoma B2B Market Place
ABC Trading - Best Cocoa
Lagos Manufacturing Co.
Trusted African Exports Ltd

✅ Correct Names

Afriqoma
ABC Trading
Lagos Manufacturing
African Exports Ltd

How to Fix the Error

Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard
Click "Appeal" on the violation notice
Change your business name to just Afriqoma (no descriptors)
Submit the appeal with your updated name
Wait 24-48 hours for Google to review

1 Create Your Google Business Profile

Go to business.google.com
Click "Manage now" or "Add your business to Google"
Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
Enter your business name - use only your official business name

For Online-Only Businesses

If you don't have a physical storefront, select "Service area business" and specify the regions you serve. You won't need a physical address displayed.

2 Choose Your Business Category

Select the category that best describes your primary business activity:

Agricultural

Agricultural Cooperative
Food Producer
Farm
Agricultural Service
Grain Elevator

Manufacturing

Manufacturer
Textile Manufacturer
Metal Fabricator
Plastics Manufacturer
Industrial Equipment Supplier

Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas Company
Petroleum Products Company
Fuel Supplier
Energy Equipment Supplier

Minerals & Mining

Mining Company
Mineral Resources Company
Wholesale Dealer
Industrial Supplier

3 Add Contact Information

✓ Phone Number: Use your primary business phone (WhatsApp-enabled preferred)
✓ Website: Add your Afriqoma profile URL: https://afriqoma.com/suppliers/[your-id]
✓ Address: Your registered business address (or service area)
✓ Hours: Set your operating hours (or 24/7 for online services)

4 Verify Your Business

Google requires verification to confirm you own/manage the business. Options include:

Phone verification: Receive a code via call or SMS (fastest)
Email verification: Receive code to your business email domain
Postcard: Google mails a postcard with verification code (5-14 days)
Video call: For some businesses, a live video verification

Verification Tips

Use a phone number registered to your business
Ensure your address matches official documents
Have business registration documents ready for video verification

5 Optimize Your Profile

Add High-Quality Photos

Logo: Your company logo (square, min 250x250 pixels)
Cover photo: Your factory, office, or products (1080x608 pixels)
Product photos: Showcase your best products
Team/facility photos: Build trust with real images

Write a Compelling Description

Google-Compliant Business Description for Afriqoma:

Afriqoma connects verified African suppliers with global buyers. We specialize in agricultural products, manufacturing, oil & gas, minerals, and services from across 54 African countries. Our platform offers secure transactions, multi-language support, and direct communication between businesses. Member of the growing African trade network serving international markets.

Alternative shorter version (under 750 characters):

Afriqoma is a B2B marketplace connecting verified African manufacturers and suppliers with international buyers. We offer agricultural products, manufactured goods, minerals, and services from 54 African countries with secure payment protection and multi-language support.

Add Services & Products

List your main offerings with prices (if applicable) to help customers understand your business.

6 Connect to Afriqoma

✓ Add your Afriqoma supplier profile URL as your main website
✓ Mention "Afriqoma Verified Supplier" in your business description
✓ Keep your contact info consistent between Google and Afriqoma
✓ Use the same business name on both platforms

Benefits of a Google Business Profile

Appear in Google Search when buyers search for your products
Show up on Google Maps for local buyers
Collect and display customer reviews
Free advertising - increases your visibility globally
Build trust with verified business information

? Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Business name violates policy"

Remove all descriptors, taglines, and location names. Use only your registered business name.

"Address could not be verified"

Ensure your address exactly matches official documents. Try postal verification instead.

"Duplicate listing found"

Search for existing listings and claim or merge them through Google Support.

"Suspended listing"

Review Google's guidelines, update your profile to comply, then submit a reinstatement request.

Need Help?

Contact Afriqoma support at support@afriqoma.com for assistance with your Google Business Profile setup.