We all know Google is the most powerful search engine. Therefore, if you did not register your business in Google My Business (GMB), you are losing out an important opportunity to be listed in Google Search.
Google My Business is a free business listing from Google. It allows you to provide details and photos of your business, including your location, services, and products.
Imagine that your potential customer is looking a cafe nearby your location using Google, and eventually your cafe that is registered in Google My Business and it comes up in the customers search? This is very possible because google search is location centric as well. Not only is it Google searchable, Information from your Google My Business Profile may appear in Google Maps and Google Shopping.
SEO and Location Centric
A Google Business Profile helps ensure that people find your business when looking for products and services like yours in their local area.
Your Google My Business listing shows searchers where and how to visit your business. A Google Business Profile also improves your local SEO. In particular, a listing for a local business is more likely to appear when people search for a nearby business using Google Maps.
Control your online business information
Your Google My Business profile allows you to control and update your contact information, business hours, and other essential details as needed.
You can post updates to share that you’ve expanded services, temporarily closed, or fully reopened (an especially useful feature during emergencies like COVID-19). Google Business Profiles have strong local SEO, so the information you share will rank above third-party sites that might have out-of-date details.
Customers able to give feedback and reviews
Google’s combined star rating and space for detailed reviews allows customers to share as much or as little information about their experience with your business as they like. All of it helps future potential customers decide which businesses to visit and products to buy.
How to set up a Google My Business Profile
1) Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
If you’re already logged into a Google account, you’re automatically logged into Google Business Profile Manager. Otherwise, enter your usual Google account login details or create a new Google account.
2) Add your business details
Enter your business name. If it does not appear in the drop-down menu, click Add your business to Google. Then select the appropriate category for your business and click Next.
3) Enter your location
If you have a physical location customers can visit, select Yes. Then add your business address. You may also be asked to position a marker for the location on a map. If your business does not have a location customers can visit but offers in-person services or deliveries, you can list your service areas. Then click Next. Location is very important to increase your searchability index, or SEO.
If you didn’t enter a physical address, Google will ask you to specify which region you’re based in. Choose from the drop-down menu and click Next.
4) Fill in your contact information
Enter your business phone number and website address so customers can reach you. If you prefer not to be reached by phone, you don’t have to enter a phone number.
When your info is complete, click Next.
5) Verify your business (Very important to get the VERIFIED mark, to increase busines trust)
Enter your real physical address, not a post office box. This information is only used to verify your business and is not displayed on your Google Business Profile or shared with the public. Enter your address and click Next. You’ll be offered the applicable options for verifying your account. Physical businesses will need to get a postcard by mail to verify their location. Service-area businesses can be verified through an email address.
Once you receive your five-digit code, enter it on the next screen (or go to https://business.google.com/) and click Verify or Verify business. You’ll get a confirmation screen showing you’re verified. On that screen, click Next.
6) Customize your profile
Enter your business hours, messaging preferences, business description, and photos.
When you’re ready, click Continue. You’ll find yourself in the Business Profile Manager dashboard.
From here, you can manage your business profile, view insights, manage reviews and messages, and create Google ads.
Happy Listing your business!!