Google My Business

Introduction to Google My Business: Boost Your Local Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what Google My Business is, how it works, its benefits, and why you should use it.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses and organizations to manage their online presence on Google. By creating and verifying a GMB listing, businesses can ensure that their information appears correctly and consistently in Google Search and Maps.

How Does Google My Business Work?

1. Create and Verify Your Listing: To get started, you need to create a GMB listing for your business. Google will then send a verification code to your business address to ensure you’re the rightful owner.
2. Complete Your Profile: Add accurate and detailed information about your business, including your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and category. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
3. Add Photos and Videos: Visual content helps attract and engage customers. Add high-quality photos and videos of your business, products, and services.
4. Manage Reviews: Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing. Respond to reviews to show that you value customer feedback.
5. Post Updates: Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, events, and news directly on your GMB listing.

Steps to setup google business profile

To create a business profile, visit the “Google My Business” website. You will need a valid email address to sign in. Click on the sign-in button to begin.

Choose a name for your business and write in the textbox.

For example: Sweet Treats and then click continue.

Then you will have to choose business type. For example: Sweet treats is a local store business then select local store. You can select more than one as per your requirement and then click “Next”.

Select a business category for your business and click “Next”.

Enter the location of your business and click “Next”.

Google will show you a list of existing businesses in its database. If your business is on the list skip to the next step and if not then select “None of these” options and move on to the next step by clicking “Next”.

You can choose an exact location using the marker to drag and position it where you want to provide service from. Once done click on the “Next” button.

Next, add your phone number and website URL, website is optional. Searchers will find and contact you through your provided contact information, so double check that it’s correct.

If you want to get new and tips about how to improve your business profile and get invitations to participate in occasional surveys and pilots, then select the boxes and click “Continue”.

Your Business Profile won’t become searchable until you verify it. So, while you have the option to skip business verification during your initial setup don’t skip, you’ll need to verify your listing eventually.

There are five ways to verify your listing:

1. By phone: You’ll get a call or text from Google with your verification code.
2. By email: You will receive an email with your verification code.
3. By postcard: A postcard with your verification code will be sent to your registered address.
4. By video recording: Record a video demonstrating your location, business equipment, and your authorization as a business manager.
5. By live video call: Provide the same proof as the video recording, but during a live call with a support representative.

Here is an example of verifying with business video.

These are the requirement you should include in your video. To get verified these requirements should match with your profile.

Upon clicking on “Start recording” you will get a QR code to continue on mobile phone. Use your phone to scan it and continue recording.

When you start recording you will be asked to allow access to your camera and microphone. Follow the tips for recording, once recorded stop recording and upload video. After recording is uploaded it might take up to 5 business days to get reviewed. You will be notified once it’s verified. If video method does not work you can verify using another method or re-record your video including all requirements.

If it is not verified customers won’t be able to view your business profile. However, you can make changes and add other information such as time when your business opens and closes.

Add descriptions.

Add profile using select photo. After selecting photo click on next.

You can advertise your business with google ads.

Select a preference of your choice where a user will go after clicking on the ad of your business.

Also, you will get an email to manage your business profile. Upon clicking on manage my profile button you will navigate to your business profile where you can add more information related to your business profile. You can add the following details to your profile as shown in the screenshots and save it so that your customer will be able to view what services you provide in your business.

Add your contact information, website and social profiles.

 

Also, you can add special times for your customers.

Furthermore you can include more business information.

Benefits of Google My Business

1. Increased Visibility: A verified and optimized GMB listing can significantly improve your visibility in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
2. Better Local SEO: GMB listings are a crucial factor in local SEO. They help your business appear in the Local Pack, Local Finder, Google Maps, and organic rankings in general.
3. Customer Engagement: GMB allows customers to interact with your business by calling, messaging, or leaving reviews directly from your listing.
4. Insights and Analytics: GMB provides valuable insights into how customers are finding your listing, what actions they take, and other engagement metrics.
5. Free Advertising: GMB offers a cost-effective way to promote your business online without spending on ads.

Advantages:

• Free to Use: GMB is a free tool that provides immense value without any cost.
• Improved Local SEO: Helps your business rank higher in local search results.
• Direct Customer Interaction: Facilitates direct communication with customers through reviews, messages, and Q&A.
• Actionable Insights: Offers data on customer behavior and search performance.

Should You Use Google My Business?

Absolutely. If you own a business that relies on local customers, Google My Business is an essential tool. It helps you gain visibility, attract new customers, and engage with your audience effectively. Whether you’re a small local shop or a large chain, GMB can drive more traffic to your business and improve your online presence.

Conclusion

Google My Business is a vital tool for any business looking to enhance its online visibility and attract local customers. By creating and optimizing your GMB listing, you can improve your local SEO, engage with customers, and gain valuable insights into your online performance. Start leveraging the power of Google My Business today to boost your local online presence!