An Introduction to Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is an amazing free tool that provide a business owner with the ability to list their business location(s) on Google Maps results and in local SEO results.
Visibility in local search is a must-have for every business, without it, people using the search bar for local services or products will struggle to find you.
You can use GMB to make your business more visible online by providing information about your products and services as well as photos of your storefront, employees, etc.
It’s also an opportunity for customers to leave reviews about their experience engaging with your business which can help other prospective customers decide whether or not they want to do business with you! If you don’t have one already, sign up today…it’s completely free!
When completing your free Google business profile, it’s essential that you fill it out properly because if you miss any important information, you may not show up in search engines, and will potentially miss out on valuable search traffic.
So, to help guide you I have created this article to help you in setting up your Google My Business account and the areas you will need to complete.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a search service provided by Google that allows business owners to upload contact details (street or business name) and up to 10 business photos (landscape or portrait).
For this, you will need to create an account and be logged in to business.google.com.
Uploaded business details are then displayed on Google Maps and within the map pack on Google Search.
Google maps include a unique business directory area that shows your business’ details in relevant user search results. The user interface of this feature is very easy to navigate, it really is brilliant!
People using Google search can find your business in local search results (map pack), which shows your contact details, location, and your review count.
Google Search & The Benefit of Google My Business
The single most important benefit of Google My Business [Internal Link to ‘The 5 Benefits of Google My Business’ blog] is the ability to make it easy for people to find your business using Google local and map search results.
It allows you to directly update your business information (including operating hours, business address, website URL, special offers, and more) on Google’s search engine.
When people can find your business locally online, you are going to get traffic to your website and phone calls to your business.
Claim (or Set-Up) Your Business Account on Google My Business
It’s important to register a Google My Business Page for your business but before you go creating a new one, first check to see if Google has already created one for you by searching your business name.
If it already exists you’ll need to claim your account, if it does not then you’ll need to start the process of setting one up.
Having an account is important because if somebody searches for your business on Google Maps but can’t find your listing in the map pack results, then they may think you are unreliable or untrustworthy.
While registering for a Google My Business Page, businesses must have:
- A Google ID, associated with the website where the business is registered, and the name of the business
- A main location – If you have multiple locations for your business, you will have to choose which location you want to show in the map view for your business
- A website for the business in the Google My Business domain
Make sure to include a business description detailing what your company offers and why customers should choose you over the competition.
When describing your products/services, it’s always important to remember that people are going to want specifics (e.g., “We offer personalised service with affordable rates”).
Be sure to take the time to complete all the relevant information when setting up your free business profiles.
Google My Business Dashboard
Google My Business dashboard is where you manage all of your business information, plus get valuable business insights on your engagement and traffic.
From the left-hand menu, you can post business updates, adding photos and videos, respond to reviews, share insights with customers and more.
This allows you to better serve customers by completing the relevant information about your products and services, which improves your local SEO [Internal Link: ‘Google My Business Optimisations for Local SEO’ blog] because your Google listing may now show in local results.
Within the business dashboard, you can also complete your basic information such as your business operating hours, special hours, and business address.
Other details you can access through your business account is the ability to write review responses, submit a blog post, and answer questions with direct messaging which all helps to add to your business profile. All these allow you to easily connect with each potential customer driving more sales.
The GMB business dashboard is a powerful tool that allows you to easily connect with your customers. Here are some benefits of completing and managing your business account:
- Know who your customers are and how they found you
- Understand what content is working for them
- Get insights to help you create the best experience possible for your customers
- Build a reputation that’s worth talking about.
- Make an impact on the world with every customer interaction
Download the My Business App
With the My Business app, managing your business account has never been easier.
Being able to share and update your potential customer on what makes your business unique can provide an edge over your competitors, with the Google My Business app making changes just got a whole lot easier.
When you need to add special hours, update information, and share posts you will have access in your pocket allowing you to keep your Google business profile up-to-date at all times.
Easily connect with customers on the go! Respond to reviews or message them directly from within the business app. You can even see who’s viewed your profile in real-time!
With the My Business app, you can do the following:
- Manage how your local business appears on Google Search and Maps
- Edit your business information (e.g. address, phone number, and hours)
- Respond to reviews, questions, and messages from customers
- Share new photos and post updates on special offers and events
Adding Content & Completing Your Business Profile
If you are looking to better serve customers then it is very important to complete your business profile on this amazing free tool – Google My Business.
Completing your Google My Business profile properly makes it easier for your customers to find and connect with you and you can make it easy for them to get in touch with you.
This is why I have outlined below the key areas you will need to complete when filling in, uploading, and completing your Google business profile.
Add Photos
A simple way to improve your local search visibility is to include images in your listings.
Upload up to ten photos with captions so customers know more about what they are seeing or interacting with when viewing your products/services. Make sure these pictures represent both exterior and interior shots as well as any other images such as food, clothing, or general product shots.
Having photos of your products or clear images of your business and team members is an effective way to increase visibility in local results and build trust with potential customers.
Use Google’s images tool to add images and a cover photo to your business listing.
Add a Location
Local search is dominated by search operators such as ‘permalink,’ ‘query,’ or ‘shop locator.’
Making sure that your location information and service area is set up correctly ensures that when people search for a local service provider, that they can find you and your business in local results.
Add Links
Linking to your business is always a good idea but it is usually the most underutilised part of a GMB.
Always link to your business website’s products and services by using the post and site section of GMB.
Add a Phone Number (& Other Contact Information)
Listing a phone number (and email) on Google My Business makes it easier for customers to contact you directly from your GMB profile.
Include contact information such as:
- Phone numbers
- Email address
- The physical address of all establishments if applicable
- Hours of operation for each establishment
- You may also wish to add any social media links here as well!
Set The Right Category
Selecting the right business category for your business is super important, choosing the wrong one can mean that your business listing doesn’t show in Google’s search engine.
The first step for this is to check what business category your business belongs to. If you are unsure, have a look at similar businesses and see how they’re categorised.
Trust, Reviews, & Social Media
Reviews will help each potential customer and Google know that your business is a good, local business with helpful services.
Trust is an important factor in getting those much-wanted clicks through to your website.
Reviews also go a long way to improving your search engine rankings for relevant keywords to your products and services.
Lastly, linking to your social media profile is an absolute must. This provides each potential customer with the opportunity to click through and browse your social media profiles.
Publish Posts Regularly
A brilliant feature within your business account is the ability to create valuable short Google posts. These posts are displayed as a part of your full Google My Business profile, as user-generated content within Google’s search results page.
When you publish posts regularly, it’s a great opportunity to share what is happening now in your business, present who you are, and covey good news to people researching your business online.
Why is Google My Business a Must-Have?
A Google My Business listing is a must-have for any local business with a physical address because it will help your customers find you when they are searching within your service areas.
You’ll want to set up a Google My Business Listing in order to make sure that as many people as possible can find you when they search on the internet or open Google Maps.
One of the benefits of creating and managing your Google business listing through this platform is that it allows you to create personalised content, decide which reviews are featured prominently, communicate with potential customers via social media posts, and respond more quickly to customer service issues and ask them questions about their experience with your services.
In summary, your business is losing out on opportunities by not having or managing your GMB listing properly.
FAQs
Is Google My Business Really Free?
Yes, Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search Engine Results Page (SERP) rankings. To help more customers find your business, you can verify it by entering information such as a phone number or website address; this will show up prominently in the listings section of most searches on any device without requiring users to click through from other sites outside of Google’s network.
Should I Add My Business to Google?
As it is pretty straightforward to complete your free business profile and GMB listing, it should be regarded as a necessity by all businesses. Your Google My Business account will give potential customers information on where they can find your physical location or display your service area and allow them easier access to your products and services offered through their website or maps app.
Is Google my Business Worth It?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search Engine Results Page (SERP) rankings. Having a GMB listing is necessary to help your customers find you. The SERP will provide as much information about a place as it can, but your business profile and presence on Google are what can make or break business success today!
How Do I Request Access my Google Business Page?
Simply go to https://business.google.com/ and create or manage your account, after logging in. If you have multiple locations, open the location you want to manage, this will take you to your Google My Business dashboard.
What Are The Features of Google My Business?
Manage your business information to make sure that it is up-to-date and accurate. Manage how you appear on Google Search, Google Maps, respond to reviews by customers of the services or products offered at this location, plus the option to answer questions and reply to messages. Share new photos and posts as well when there’s something to feature on your business profile!
What Should I Post on Google My Business?
Google My Business posts are a great way to announce upcoming events, highlight new products and services on your page, as well as clarify changes in hours. You can share interesting news or communicate offers through these marketing campaigns too!<?p>
Need Help Setting Up Your GMB Account?
Are you looking for a way to set up your Google My Business listing?
Optimise Online is the best place to get started. We are experts in this field and have helped hundreds of businesses just like yours.
Our team will work with you every step of the way, from creating your account, uploading photos, setting up your business hours, and more!
If you want to attract new customers that are searching on Google Maps or Google Search, then we can help make sure your business shows up in local Google search results.
This is a great opportunity for local businesses that don’t have a GMB listing, to gain credibility and take advantage of this free Google tool to generate more traffic and business.
Let us show you how easy it is to take control of your digital marketing strategy today!
Book a phone call with Calum Maxwell, our Managing Director, to learn how we may be of service.
