When we were still battling with the pandemic, Google introduced a new feature. This feature allows content creators and entrepreneurs to create a people card, also known as a virtual Google Card.
The People Card feature from Google allows users to appear in search results. This happens when other people search for their names on Google. For small business owners, this is important. You don’t have to be a celebrity to have your name on a virtual card on Google.
The people card is like a rich display you get when you search for popular personalities, big businesses, and celebrities. You get this display with relevant data from the company or celebrity. You can try becoming a celebrity to get that. Alternatively, you can do it with a Google People Card (add me to search).
If you have a business you shouldn’t ignore this. If you’re a developer, content creator, fashionista, or even a doctor, you can create a Google card. This allows people to look you up on Google.
You can only create one virtual Google Card and it will be connected and authenticated with your mobile number. You need to authenticate your account with a phone number first. This must be done before you can even create the card.
If you create your People Card, you will have complete control. You can decide on the information you want to share. Such information includes your workplace, social links, phone number, and email address. You can also decide to stop using the feature anytime.
Requirements for Creating Google People Card
- An Android phone or tablet, or an iPhone or iPad.
- A mobile browser or the Google Search app.
- A personal Google Account.
- Web & App Activity turned on.
The People Card feature is only available for individuals in India, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Users must have their language set to English. It is a mobile-only feature. To create your own People Card on Google, use the keyword ‘Add Me to Search’ or ‘Edit My People Card.’
How to add yourself to Google search: Add Me To Google Search (People Card)
Step 1: Go to Google.com
On your mobile device, open your browser and go to google.com, or open the Google Search app. Make sure you’re signed into the preferred Google account on your app or mobile browser.
Step 2: Search the query ‘add me to search‘
Search the query ‘add me to search‘ or ‘edit my People Card.’ At the top of search results, you’ll find the option of displaying add yourself to Google Search. Tap Get Started.
Step 3: Complete the information
Google will take you to a new page. You will create a public profile there. You can fill out the information you want to share publicly on your People Card. You will be asked to fill in the following details:
- Profile Image.
- Your name.
- Your current city.
- A small bio.
- Workplace.
- Education.
- Hometown.
- Website.
- Links to social profiles.
- Email.
- Phone Number.
Step 4: Tap on Send
Once you finish filling in your details, you can preview your People Card. If you’re satisfied with the content on your card, tap on the send button. Your virtual Google Card will then be created.
Once you send your People Card, a message will, it will say, “Your search card has been updated. It will, in search of results shortly.”
Google says it does’t guarantee that your card will show up on Google Search. You must add more than your name to make your card show up.
The more information you give on your card, the more it will show up on Google Search results. So add more than just a name to make sure your card shows up when someone searches for your name.
Google suggests that if you share a common name with a famous personality, you should add a distinguishable term. This should be added to your profile. This helps people easily find your virtual card in search results. You just have to add a term after your name, if you have a middle name put the first letter.
For people sharing the same name on People Card, Google will show multiple cards. When someone searches for people who share the same name, you can distinguish between the different individuals. Use the information provided by them to differentiate.
People Card is designed for business professionals, performers, and influencers. It is also meant for entrepreneurs, job hunters, and freelancers. This tool is for anyone looking to grow their presence online.
Follow these guidelines to help people find and distinguish you from others when they search for your name on Google:
- Only include information about yourself. If you send content that doesn’t represent your identity, Google removes your People Card.
- Generate your People Card with suggestions for fields like “hometown” or “profession.” If none of the suggestions fit, add your free text.
- Keep your information up to date. Google will stop showing your card. This can happen if it hasn’t been updated or verified in a long time.
