Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan

Claim Your Google My Business Profile

If you are beginning to dive into local SEO (search engine optimization), setting up your Google My Business listing is an excellent place to start! It is arguably one of the best ways to expand your business’s local exposure and visibility.

Your Google My Business page cannot replace your website. Instead, it complements your website and even boosts your visibility and presence on Google. The “Local Search” feature highlights businesses and companies nearby, along with essential details about your business (hours, location, services, and other information).

Some studies indicate that 50% of the people who do a local search (for example, “plumber near me”) visit a store or phone the business that day. That is why it is critical for your business to appear in the “Local Search” feature.

And the icing on the cake is that it is free to have a Google My Business page!

How to Create Your Google My Business Listing

Suppose you previously used Google tools (like Google+), or your business has been around for many years. In that case, it is likely already listed in some fashion on Google My Business. (Google automatically updated Google Places for business and the Google + Dashboard to the Google My Business platform.)

If you haven’t yet set up a Google My Business page and your business isn’t yet listed, it’s quite simple to get started (and you don’t need a computer programming degree to do it)!

1. First, log into the Google account that you would like to associate with our business. If necessary, create a Google account for your business.
2. Next, visit www.google.com/business and choose “Start Now” (usually appearing in the top, right corner of the page) and enter your business name and information.

   When you get to the section about your customers’ locations, if you work out of your home or you don’t want to display your address, check the box “Hide My Address (it’s not a store). Only Show Region.” Small business experts recommend publishing the address of your business, if possible.

3. Finally, designate your service or delivery area and choose a method to verify your business. Verifying your company protects you from anyone who might try to represent your business or pose as your business without your permission. It is also essential to verify your business so you can edit your business information on Google later.

   Some businesses can verify by phone, text, email, or through the Google Search Console. Most people choose to verify their business by mail. With this method, Google will send you a verification postcard with a unique code to enter into your account.

5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Google My Business

Here are five tips from industry leaders that will help ensure you get the most out of your new Google My Business profile:

1. Complete every section of your Google My Business account and make sure all your business contact information is accurate.
2. Add details about your products and services to your listing.
3. Keep your business profile updated and accurate.
4. Respond to reviews that customers leave on your Google My Business page—the good and the bad ones!
5. Publish posts on your Google My Business page regularly—especially about products, services, events, sales, and other details your current and potential customers should know.

https://support.google.com/business/answer/6300716?hl=en

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/local-seo/optimize-google-my-business/#close

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/google-my-business

https://neilpatel.com/blog/optimize-google-my-business/

https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2020/06/03/google-my-business-optimization