If you have just started your own business and you are keen to spread the word online about how great you are, then Google My Business is the tool for you. Free and super easy to set up, Google My Business, known as GMB for short, is the new and improved Google Places, and as Google+ is no more, it is the only feature you need to use to create a local business listing online.
Not sure where to start when it comes to setting up a Google My Business listing, or not exactly sure what it is?
Do not worry; the below guide will tell you everything you need to know and exactly what you need to do to both setup and make the most of a Google My Business listing.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is an essential service for any local business that wants to gain more visibility online. Effectively an online business profile, the beauty of Google My Business is that you have complete control over your own listing, including any information you put in it, as well as full reign over-editing.
To create a Google My Business listing, all you need is a Google account, and then you are good to go. Choose to add your business’ key information, including its address and phone number, as well as your opening hours, photos, and even videos of your storefront, your products, or your services.
You can also use Google My Business if your run a company from the comfort of your own home, and you do not need to worry about your personal address becoming public knowledge as Google will hide this for you.
Offering the perfect platform to raise awareness of your local business and boost your overall local SEO efforts, discover even more reasons why you need a Google My Business listing below.
What are the benefits of having Google My Business?
If you are not yet entirely sold on the idea of setting up Google My Business, then the below benefits should help to convince you.
- Increases your visibility online
- Allows you to share information with potential customers
- Helps you respond to queries in real-time
- Encourages positive reviews
- Drives traffic
- Increases sales
What do I need to set up Google My Business?
Fortunately, you only need a few things to set up Google My Business:
- A registered business that operates in person
- A Google account for your business
Google My Business does not operate for online-only businesses.
How do I set up Google My Business?
You will be pleased to hear that anyone can set up Google My Business without too much trouble for the technophobes among you. Simply follow the below step-by-step guide:
1. Log into your business Google Account
Although you can use your personal email address, it is much better to set up a Google account that is for business purposes only.
2. Go to the business tab
This can be found on google.com/business/
3. Add your business name and address details
When you create your listing, the first thing you will have to do is enter your business name and address. Make a note of the formatting you use to write your address, as you will want to use this for all your local business listings to ensure consistency.
4. Choose your address options
When adding your business address, there are several options available to you. You can choose to simply state the region you trade from or the exact address of your store. If you work from home, you may want to choose to hide this address. However, Google will need you to provide an address for verification purposes only.
5. Pick your business type
For this step, try to be as specific as possible. For example, if you own a pizza restaurant, opt for “pizza restaurant” rather than simply “restaurant”. If you cannot find a category that best explains your business, choose a more general section that still reflects your business’s overall nature. As well as adding a primary category, you can also add additional ones to let people know about other products or services that you offer.
6. Add other important details
Now you can add other information about your business, such as your contact number and website URL. Again, make sure you keep track of the formatting you use so that you can add further information at a later date if needed.
7. Verify your business
As mentioned above, you need to verify to Google that your business operates from the address you have chosen. There are several verification methods that you can choose from:
By postcard
Choose to have your verification code sent via a postcard to your work address and then once received, go to Google My Business and verify your address.
By phone
A faster way to verify your business address, if you have a landline at your physical store or at home if you work from there, Google will send you a message in the form of an automated voice that you can then verify online.
By email
This option is only allowed under special circumstances and is not permitted for new businesses. If you are authorized to use this method, retrieve your verification code from your email and then apply it online.
By instant verification
If you have already verified your business with another Google service such as Google Search Console, you may be able to be instantly verified without the need for a code.
By bulk verification
You should select the “Chain” option for businesses with multiple addresses in the verification dropdown list. This process can take several weeks to complete.
8. Share other valuable information
Think about what else your customers need to know about your business, such as your store’s opening hours, the areas you serve, and the in-store features you provide, such as wheelchair accessibility or refreshments.
9. Check your listing frequently
Anyone can edit your listing on Google My Business, including your competitors, so you need to check it regularly to ensure complete accuracy and consistency.
10. Add visuals
Unsurprisingly, businesses that publish photographs and videos of their business enjoy better results using Google My Business. Businesses who post an image will see roughly one-third more visitors to their site. However, you need to ensure that the images you use are of high quality and that they show your business in a favorable light.
Ideally, you should add at least three photos with options covering:
- The exterior of your business
- The interior of your business
- Your products
- Your employees and customers
- Menu items if applicable
It can be a good idea to hire a professional photographer to take these photos if your budget allows it.
In terms of adding a video, this is a great way to stand apart from your competitors, as long as the video in question is shot well and showcases the best of your business.
Conclusion
Every business that has either a physical store or that offers a face-to-face service should have a Google My Business listing. Not only is this a free tool that anyone can easily use to their advantage, but it also has the ability to help you build up a strong and highly successful local SEO strategy.
The ideal place to start for new business who want to grow their online presence, once you have got the hang of Google My Business, you can then move on to other key areas of local SEO such as choosing local SEO keywords, creating other local citations, and committing to a local PR strategy.
Before you know it, the business will be booming, and your local company will be the talk of the town for all the right reasons.
