How To List Your Vape Shop On Google

Advertising your vape shop on Google comes with a few obstacles you’ll need to deal with before you can do anything about it. The first is starting a business profile on Google and assigning a location for your business.

While this will allow potential customers to find you, it won’t actually advertise your business. Advertising online in the vaping industry is strictly regulated and difficult to do. So if that’s what you’re looking for, there might be a need to get a little creative.

What we can help with is helping you create your vape shop’s business profile and connecting it to the online vape store locator. Here’s how.

Advertising Restrictions for Vape Shops

The quickest way to generate traffic and sales online for any business is to invest in an ad campaign that drives brand awareness. But in industries like yours, vape shop advertising is not always an option, specifically due to the strict local advertising laws and restrictions that rule the industry.

That’s why learning how to start a vape shop business is not the only important step towards a successful venture; learning how to promote your vape shop online is a huge chunk of it.

So:

Can you advertise vapes on Google?

The short answer is, no. Google policies aim to keep the promotion of vape products out. This does not mean that you won’t be able to find your vape shop on a Google search, far from it, but advertising with Google can be difficult because vapes and e-cigs fall under Google’s ‘dangerous goods’ list. Even if they’re tobacco-free nicotine products, Google lumps all vape products into this category.

Listing Your Vape Shop On Google

We’ve already learned that advertising on Google is probably a no-go. However, there isn’t any reason why your business shouldn’t appear on the vape store locator or on a ‘vape shops near me’ Google search.

Here are the steps to list your vape shop on Google:

1. Create a Google Account
   • If you don’t already have a Google account, you'll need to create one. This account will be used to manage your business profile and other Google services.
   • Go to Google Account Creation and follow the instructions to create your account.
2. Go to Google My Business
   • Visit the Google My Business website and click on the "Manage now" button to start the process.
3. Add Your Business Name
   • Enter the name of your vape shop. Make sure it matches the name you use on your storefront, website, and other listings for consistency.
4. Choose a Business Category
   • Select the category that best fits your business. For a vape shop, you might choose categories like "Tobacco shop" or "Vaporizer store."
5. Enter Your Business Address
   • If you have a physical location, enter the address of your vape shop. This will allow your shop to appear on Google Maps and in local search results.
   • If your business operates online or from your home and you don’t want to display an address, you can choose the option to hide your address. Google will still need a mailing address for verification purposes.
6. Add Service Areas
   • If you deliver products or serve customers outside your main location, add the areas you serve. This can help local customers find your business.
7. Enter Contact Information
   • Provide a phone number and a website URL if available. This information will be displayed on your Google My Business listing and allows customers to contact you directly.
8. Verify Your Business
   • Google requires verification to ensure your business is legitimate. Verification options include:
     • Postcard by mail: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
     • Phone: If eligible, you may receive a phone call or text with the verification code.
     • Email: Some businesses can verify via email.
     • Instant verification: If you’ve already verified your business with Google Search Console, you may be eligible for instant verification.
   • Follow the instructions provided to complete the verification process.
9. Complete Your Business Profile
   • Once verified, fill out your business profile completely. Add your business hours, photos, a business description, and any other relevant information. This will make your listing more attractive and informative to potential customers.
10. Optimize Your Profile
    • Regularly update your profile with new photos, posts about promotions or events, and respond to customer reviews. Keeping your profile active and engaging can improve your visibility and attract more customers.

Conclusion

If you’ve decided to start an online vape shop or a brick-and-mortar store, then you already have an idea of how important it is to have an online presence for your business. The real question is, where to start?

To keep things simple, you can follow the steps listed above to list your vape shop on Google and then think about how to advertise your business online or on social media. But, first things first.