Become Google-able: The Essential Guide to “Adding Me to Search”

Having a strong online presence is more important than ever. When someone searches for your name, what information do they find? Do they see a professional profile that reflects your skills and experience or a scattered mess of unrelated content?

Thankfully, Google offers a powerful tool to help you curate your online identity: the Google People Card or Add Me to Google Search. This virtual business card appears at the top of search results whenever someone searches for your name. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your expertise, connect with potential employers or collaborators, and control the narrative surrounding your online presence.

Allow us to guide you through the process of creating your own Add Me to Google People Card, step-by-step. Whether you’re embarking on your career journey or a seasoned expert, a carefully crafted People Card can significantly enhance your professional presence.

Update on Creating and Editing Add Me to Google Cards in 2025

With the discontinuation of Google People Cards, users can no longer create or edit these cards. The feature was retired on April 7, 2024, due to limited adoption and effectiveness.

Why Add Me to Google Card Wasn’t Widely Adopted

Several factors contributed to the limited adoption of Google’s People Cards:

• Limited Availability: Initially launched in India in 2020, the feature was later introduced in select African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. However, it was not made available globally, restricting its user base.
• User Perception: Many users did not perceive significant value in creating a People Card, especially when other platforms already served similar purposes.
• Privacy Concerns: Sharing personal information publicly on search results raised privacy issues for some users, deterring them from using the feature.

Countries Where Google Launched Add Me to Google Cards

Add Me to Search Cards by Google were officially launched in select countries, with a gradual rollout focusing on regions with high mobile internet usage and emerging digital markets.

India

The initial launch of Google People Cards took place in August 2020 in India, making it the first country to have access to this feature. India was chosen as the launchpad due to its vast internet user base and the increasing number of individuals looking to establish a professional online presence. The feature aimed to help freelancers, entrepreneurs, and job seekers improve their visibility in Google Search.

Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa

Following the Indian launch, Google expanded People Cards to three African nations—Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—later in 2020. This expansion aligned with Google’s strategy to support digital inclusion and personal branding in regions where mobile internet penetration was rapidly growing.

Despite its availability in these countries, Add Me to Google Cards did not see widespread adoption, leading to its eventual discontinuation in April 2024. However, the initiative highlighted Google’s ongoing efforts to provide digital identity solutions for individuals across emerging markets.

Alternatives of Google People Cards

With the discontinuation of People Cards, individuals seeking to enhance their online presence can consider the following alternatives:

• Google Business Profile: Formerly known as Google My Business, this platform allows businesses and professionals to manage their online presence across Google services, including Search and Maps.
• LinkedIn: A professional networking site where users can create detailed profiles, showcase experience, skills, and connect with other professionals.
• About.me: A personal landing page service that aggregates links to your content across the web, providing a centralized online presence.
• vCard: A digital business card format that can be shared electronically, containing your contact information and other relevant details.

By leveraging these platforms, individuals can effectively maintain and enhance their visibility on the web, ensuring that accurate and comprehensive information is accessible to those searching for them.

Also Read – Local SEO Checklist: Tips For Google Maps SEO

What is a Google People Card or Add Me to Search?

Think of your Google People Card as a digital resume that appears directly in search results. It allows you to provide basic information about yourself, such as your name, profession, and contact details. You can further add links to your website, social media profiles, or other relevant online content.

Here are some key benefits of having an Add Me to Search or Google People Card:

Increased Visibility:

When someone searches for your name, your People Card will appear prominently at the top of the search results. This can help potential employers, clients, or collaborators find you easily.

Enhanced Credibility:

A well-crafted People Card shows that you’re taking control of your online presence and are serious about your career or business. It can also help establish you as an expert in your field.

Improved Networking:

Your People Card provides a central location for potential connections to find your contact information and learn more about you. This can result in new opportunities and collaborations.

Control Over Your Online Narrative:

With a Google People Card, you can curate the information that appears in search results for your name. This allows you to ensure that potential connections see the most relevant and up-to-date information about you. 

How to Create Your Google People Card?

Wondering how to add yourself on Google? Creating your Google People Card is a quick and easy process. Here’s what you need to do:

Search for Yourself:

Head to Google and simply type in your name in the search bar.

Look for the “Add Me to Search” Prompt:

If you’re eligible to create a People Card, you should see a prompt at the top of the search results that says “Add yourself to Search.” Click on the “Get Started” button. (Note: Currently, Google People Cards are only available in a limited number of countries. If you don’t see the prompt, you may need to wait until it becomes available in your region.)

Fill Out Your Information:

Google will provide you with a form to fill out with your basic information, including your name, profession, location (optional), and a summary of yourself.

Here are some tips for completing your information:

Keep it Professional:

While you can add a touch of personality, your People Card should primarily focus on your professional identity.

Use Keywords:

Infuse relevant keywords describing your skills and experience. This will help your People Card show up in search results for those keywords.

Be Concise:

Keep your summary short and to the point. Aim for 2-3 sentences that showcase your strengths and experience.

Add Links:

You can include links to your website, social media profiles, online portfolio, or any other relevant online content.

Preview and Save:

Once you’ve filled out all the information, take a moment to preview your People Card. Make sure everything looks accurate and professional. When you’re happy with it, click “Save” to publish your card.

Optimizing Your Google People Card

Once your People Card is created, there are a few things you can do to optimize it:

Keep it Updated:

Regularly review your People Card and update your information as your career progresses. Add new skills, update your contact information, and adjust your summary to reflect your latest accomplishments.

Engage with Your Profile:

Your Add Me to Google Search or People Card isn’t static – you can interact with it! Respond to reviews or answer questions that users may leave on your card. This can help establish your thought leadership and build trust with potential connections.

Get Recommendations:

Encourage colleagues, clients, or collaborators to leave positive reviews on your People Card. This can add social proof and make your profile even more impactful.

Creating a Strong Online Presence

Your Google People Card is a valuable tool for managing your online identity, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional tips:

Develop a Professional Website:

A well-designed website showcases your skills, experience, and accomplishments in more detail than is possible on a People Card. It’s also a great platform to share your portfolio, blog posts, or other content that demonstrates your expertise.

Be Active on Social Media:

Utilize platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or industry forums to connect with potential employers, clients, or collaborators. Share pertinent content, join discussions, and engage in online communities to bolster your reputation and position yourself as a knowledgeable authority.

Ensure Brand Consistency:

Maintain a uniform brand identity across all online platforms, spanning from your People Card to your website and social media profiles. This includes using the same professional headshot, similar color schemes, and a clear, consistent message about who you are and what you do.

Here’s Where AdLift Digital Marketing Agency Can Help!

At AdLift, we recognize the significance of establishing a robust online presence. Offering a spectrum of services paid media, content marketing and SEO, we cater to diverse needs. With our seasoned experts, we craft customized strategies, guaranteeing a cohesive approach that drives you towards triumph.

Whether you need help crafting a compelling “Add Me to Search” or “Google People Card”, developing a professional website, or launching a strategic social media campaign, AdLift can be an invaluable partner in your online marketing efforts.

By following these tips and leveraging the power of your Google People Card, you can create a strong online presence, helping you connect with the right people and achieve your personal or professional objectives.

Ready to take control of your online narrative and build a thriving online presence? Contact AdLift today for a free consultation!