What is Google My Business?
Have you heard about Google My Business? If you don’t currently own a Google My Business account or are unfamiliar with it, we guarantee you’ve used it in some capacity. For example, you’ve probably used Google to search for something along the lines of, “delicious chocolate, Huntsville, Alabama.” Or, you may have searched for a specific business to find out more information. The Google My Business page is the square box that shows up on the right-hand side, providing you with the company’s website, phone number, hours of operation, directions, reviews, and other helpful information
Google My Business essentially works as a virtual phone book. This tool makes it easier for people to find your business through Google search based on your business name and related keywords.
You can use this tool to maximize your Google Listing and boost your search engine optimization (SEO). Below, we’ve provided our tips to make the most of Google My Business.
1. Claim Your Business Profile
Let’s start with the basics. Before you can customize the information on your Google My Business page, you’ll need to claim your business profile. If you have a Gmail account, you can use your account to edit, update, and manage the information in your listing. Once you click the “Business Profile” button, it will lead you to a new page where you can “Add Business” and complete the steps necessary to complete and claim your business.
Keep in mind, for the last step of the verification process, Google will send you a tangible postcard with a code that you will enter to complete the final step. Google Listings are helpful to businesses and organizations with a physical location. If you’re strictly in E-commerce, then Google My Business may not work for you since you’ll need a physical location where you can receive mail in order to complete your profile. P.O. Boxes will not work for Google My Business.
However, if you have a storefront, office, or any type of physical location, then Google My Business will help you establish credibility and make it easier for customers to find you
For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your profile, click here.
2. Keep information Updated
After setting up your Google My Business account, it’s important to make sure you keep your information updated. Have you changed your phone number recently? Have a new website address? Changing your hours of operation for the holidays? Let people know through Google My Business. The goal is to keep your information fully updated. This information should tell potential customers and current clients everything they need to know about your business, including the details they need to contact you and visit your storefront.
Remember, if your Google Listing has shown up on a user’s page, chances are you’re providing the exact service and product they’re searching for, meaning they are more likely to take immediate action, encouraging potential customers to contact you or visit your storefront.
3. Upload pictures consistently
Whether you’re a product-based company or a service-based company, adding photos to your Google My Business page is essential to the success of your listing. Photos encourage potential customers to choose your business over others. For example, if you’re a restaurant, showcasing your food lets customers know exactly what to expect when visiting your restaurant. In turn, if you’re a service-based industry, clients would like to know who they’ll be working with, what your company culture is like, and who you’re currently working with. The goal is to present potential customers with the information they need to make the choice to visit your storefront or do business with you in comparison to your competitors.
Additionally, like other social media platforms, we recommend establishing a consistent schedule of posting to your Google business page. Google algorithms favor consistent updates because the information is constantly updated and stays fresh. It means you’re utilizing their tools and Google will reward your listing for that.
In all, Google My Business is a helpful, free tool you can use to optimize your Google listing on the biggest search engine in the world. Optimizing your Google My Business page will help consumers learn more about your business, improve your website engagement, boost your local ranking, and SEO!