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Add a Business

Add a Business

Use Add Business to connect the correct business to your account before you start scanning rankings, using CTR Booster, or creating check-ins.

This is one of the most important setup steps in the platform. If the wrong business gets added, your scans, platform connections, and check-ins can all end up tied to the wrong listing.

What this article covers

In this guide, you will learn:

  • how to add a business step by step

  • when to use Name, Place ID, or URL

  • how to add a Service Area Business correctly

  • what to check before moving on

  • common mistakes to avoid

Before you start

Have these ready before you begin:

  • the exact business name

  • the direct business URL or Place ID, if available

  • the correct location details

  • the right Google Business Profile

If you manage multiple locations, double-check everything before saving. Most setup issues start with the wrong business being added.

Why this step matters

Adding a business is what connects that location to the rest of the platform.

Once the business is added correctly, you can:

  • run rank scans in Local SEO Heatmap

  • use CTR Booster for that listing

  • create and publish check-ins

  • manage subscriptions and connected platforms

  • keep each location organized inside the dashboard

How to add a business

Step 1: Open Add Business

Go to the My Business Dashboard.

Step 2: Choose how you want to add the business

You can add a business in three ways:

  • Name

  • Place ID

  • URL

Step 3: Enter the business details

Enter the business information and confirm that you selected the correct listing.

Step 4: Save and review

Save the business, then review it in your dashboard before moving on.

Do not rush this part. It is better to fix a mistake now than after scans or check-ins have already been created.

Add by Name

Use this option when you know the exact business name as it appears on the listing.

This is usually the easiest option for simple setups.

Best for:

  • single-location businesses

  • businesses with a unique name

  • accounts where there is little chance of confusion

Tips:

  • use the full public business name

  • avoid nicknames or internal labels

  • make sure you choose the right location if similar names appear

Add by Place ID

Use this option when you want the most accurate match.

Place ID connects to one exact listing, which makes it the safest option when there is any chance of selecting the wrong business.

Best for:

  • multi-location businesses

  • common business names

  • listings that are easy to confuse

  • cases where precision matters most

If you already have the Place ID, this is often the cleanest way to add the business.

Add by URL

Use this option when you already have the direct business listing link.

This can speed up setup and help avoid search mistakes.

Best for:

  • faster setup

  • known locations

  • avoiding name search errors

Tips:

  • use the direct business listing URL

  • do not paste the homepage unless that is what the field asks for

  • double-check that the link belongs to the correct location

How to add a Service Area Business

A Service Area Business is a business that goes to the customer instead of serving them at a storefront.

Common examples include:

  • plumbers

  • HVAC companies

  • electricians

  • roofers

  • towing companies

For these businesses, accuracy matters even more.

To add a Service Area Business correctly:

  • use the exact business listing

  • make sure the setup matches how the business actually operates

  • do not treat it like a normal storefront if customers do not visit that location

  • verify that the location you are adding is the right one for future scans and check-ins

If the wrong listing or location is used, future scans, engagement settings, and check-ins can all be tied to the wrong area.

What to check after adding the business

Before moving on, confirm that:

  • the business name is correct

  • the location is correct

  • this is the exact business you want to manage

  • the setup matches the real business model

  • the business is ready for scans, subscriptions, and platform connections

If something looks off, fix it now before connecting platforms or creating posts.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Adding the wrong location

This is the most common issue, especially for businesses with more than one listing.

Using internal names

Always use the real public business name, not team labels like Main Account or North Branch.

Using the wrong URL

Make sure the link goes to the exact business listing, not a website homepage or a general search result.

Setting up a Service Area Business like a storefront

If the business goes to the customer, the setup should reflect that.

Rushing through setup

Take a few extra seconds to confirm the business before saving. It prevents bigger problems later.

Best practice

If you are not fully sure which option to use:

  • use Name for simple cases

  • use Place ID when accuracy matters most

  • use URL when you already have the direct listing link

When in doubt, choose the option that gives you the most precise match.

Quick recap

You can add a business in three ways:

  • Name

  • Place ID

  • URL

Use Name for simple setups, Place ID for the most accurate match, and URL when you already have the direct listing link.

For Service Area Businesses, make sure the setup matches how the business actually works.

Always review the business after adding it, then move on to scans, subscriptions, platform connections, and your first check-in.

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