When starting your local business, whether it’s a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce one, entrepreneurs have to consider how modern customers will find them.
It has been estimated that almost half of all consumers use the “near me” search to find a specific store or retailer. Today, a business’ online presence can strongly affect customer flow and revenue.
Some Facts and Numbers
Statistics show that during April 2019, Google processed 9.57 billion search queries in the United States and confirmed its status as the actual market leader. It also generated 6 out of 10 of all core search queries in the United States. Additionally, the results of the studies showed that in May 2019, 6 out of 10 mobile users in the United States used the Google Maps app.
This data shows how important it is to get your business on Google. By the way, business owners don’t even need to already have a website. Google offers a free tool for small businesses to manage their online presence – Google My Business.
Google My Business is…
Google My Business (also known as GMB) is a free Internet-based service for business owners, launched in June 2014. With GMB, business owners can manage the data shown in the Google search results and on Google Maps – reviews and business information – both from desktop computers and on mobile devices.
Create an Account on Google
You need to have a Google account to sign in to Google My Business.
If don’t have a Google account you need to create one. You don’t necessarily need a Gmail address to do this, you can use any email address you have. Your Google account not only allows you to sign in to Google My Business, but it also lets you use various Google applications like Docs, Maps, G Suite, etc.
If you already have a Google account, but would prefer to have a separate one for your small business, then you can create another Google account using another email address.
Fill in the form to create a regular Google account. Notice the “use my current email address instead” option
How to Add a Business to Google
There are several ways you can add your business to Google. You can do it from both your desktop computer or your mobile device. You can start by creating your Google My Business account, or use the Google Maps app.
Adding a Business to Google Maps: on a Desktop
- Using the search line.
- Using a pin.
- Using the “Menu”
1. Using the Search Line
Go to Google Maps.
Enter your business address in the search line and tap “Add your business”.
Enter your business address in the Google search line
2. Using a Pin
Go to Google Maps.
Right-click on your location on Google Maps and an information box with the address will pop up.
Click on the place where your business is located and find the address in the information box
Click on the address in the box to drop a pin on Google Maps and tap “Add your business”.
Check the pin and click “Add your business”
3. Using the “Menu”
Go to Google Maps.
Tap the “Menu” icon in the left corner of the Google search line.
Tap the “Menu” icon in the search line
Scroll down and tap “Add your business”.
Scroll down the menu and tap “Add your business”
Adding a Business to Google Maps: on a Mobile Device
- Open Google Maps on your mobile device.
- Tap “Add a missing place.”
1. Open Google Maps on Your Mobile Device
Open Google Maps on your mobile device
2. Tap “Add a missing place”
Tap “Add a missing place”
After you have added your business, either on a desktop or on a mobile device, the following window will pop up. Insert the name of your business and start to claim it.
Enter your business name and start to create a profile in Google My Business
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How to Claim Your Business on Google
You can use both a desktop computer or a mobile device to claim your business on Google.
Claim Your Business on Google: on a Desktop
- Go to Google My Business.
- Sign in to your GMB account.
- Enter the name of your business.
- Add your business information.
- Select a business category.
- Enter the contact information.
- Click “Finish.
2. Sign in to Your GMB Account
Sign in to your Google My Business Account
3. Enter the Name of Your Business
Enter the name of your business
4. Add Your Business Information
Choose whether you run a brick-and-mortar or an e-commerce business
Let them know if you serve customers in the local business area or not
5. Select a Business Category
Choose the business category that best describes your business
6. Enter the Contact Information
Enter your business address
List your phone number or a website for your customers
7. Click “Finish”
Once you have entered all of the information, you will see this window to finish the registration process
Claim Your Business On Google: on a Mobile Device
- Open the GMB app.
- Sign in to your account.
- Tap “Add a new business”.
- Add business information.
- Tap “Finish.”
1. Open the GMB App
Download the Google My Business app from the Apple Store or Google Play and open it
2. Sign in to Your Account
Sign in to your Google My Business Account
3. Tap “Add a New Business”
Tap “Add your business to Google”
4. Add Business Information
You need to enter all of the information mentioned above in the “Claim Your Business on Google: on a Desktop” section.
5. Tap “Finish”
This window will confirm that you have finished the process of registering your business on Google
Get found online – Learn more…
How to Edit a Google Business Listing
Once you have claimed your business on Google My Business you can always edit the information you have added.
Simple Steps to Update your Google Listing
- Sign in to your Google My Business account.
- Choose the location.
- Tap “Info” in the Main Menu.
- Complete the profile or correct the wrong information.
1. Sign in to your Google My Business account.
Sign in to your Google My Business Account
2. Choose the location
Choose the location you would like to manage (if you have several locations).
3. Tap “Info” in the Main Menu
Tap “Info” in the Google My Business menu to edit your business profile
4. Complete the Profile or Change the Wrong Information
List of information you can add to your GMB profile
List of information you can add to your GMB profile
Advanced information you can add to your GMB profile
You can easily correct or add to your business information in the Google My Business app. Just tap “Profile” after choosing the location you would like to manage and scroll down to find the missing parts.
Tap “Profile” to edit your business information from a mobile device
Here you can also upload photos and create posts for your customers, letting them know about special offers, upcoming events, etc.
Tap “Photos”to post images of your business, products or services
Here you can post information that’s relevant for your customers
Providing comprehensive information about your business will increase your Google SERP and boost your Google business listing to the top of the search results.
How to Create a Google Business Page
If you still don’t have a website, Google My Business will help you create one.
Create a Google Business Page
- Go to your Google My Business account.
- Scroll down the main menu and click “Website”.
- Start to create your webpage.
- Choose the theme.
- Choose the primary button.
- Write a text about your business.
- Upload photos from your gallery.
- Tap “More”.
- Choose the available domain
- Click “Publish”
1. Go to Your Google My Business Account
Go to Google My Business on a desktop computer, sign in to your GMB account and choose the location you would like to manage (if you have several locations).
2. Scroll down the Main Menu and Tap “Website”
Click on “Website” at the bottom of the GMB Menu
3. Start to Create Your Website
Click “Get started” to create your website
4. Choose the Theme
You can choose a theme for your website
5. Choose the Primary Button
Choose the primary button for your interaction with consumers
6. Write a Text About Your Business
Provide a description of your business
7. Upload Photos from Your Gallery
Upload photos of your venue
8. Tap “More”
Tap “More” for further settings. You can choose the language of your site or read tips on how to get customers.
Tap “More” for further settings
9. Choose an Available Domain
Google My Business will find available domains and provide information about their prices.
Find an available domain
10. Click “Publish”
Once you are finished making the changes, make the webpage available for your customers.
Click “Publish” to make your page available for your consumers
How to Verify a Business on Google
To get all of the benefits of Google My Business and make your business more noticeable for customers, you also need to verify your business on Google. Doing this you will complete the registration of your business on Google.
You can choose a method of verification to verify your business either on a computer or on a mobile device. Usually, Google verifies local businesses by mail. But for service area businesses (i.e.plumbers, house painters, pest control experts) and businesses with more than 10 locations, other options are available (mail, phone, bulk verification).
Get a Verification Code on a Postcard: from a Desktop
- Sign in to your GMB account.
- Choose a way to verify.
- Request a postcard.
- Enter the code.
1. Sign in to Your GMB Account
Sign in to your Google account
2. Choose a Way to Verify
Choose a way to verify your business and click “Post”
3. Request a Postcard
Google My Business will inform you that your postcard is on the way
4. Enter the Code
Enter the code from the post card and click “Verify” to complete the verification process
Get a Verification Code on a Postcard: from a Mobile Device
- Request a postcard in the GMB app.
- Enter the code.
1. Request a Postcard in the GMB App
Click “Verify” to request a postcard with a code
2. Enter the Code
Enter the code from the postcard and click “Verify” to complete the verification process
How to Verify Your Business by Phone
From a Computer
- Sign in to Google My Business.
- Choose a business to verify and click “Verify now.”
- Click “Verify by phone.”
- Enter the code from the automated message sent to the phone number you listed in your business information.
From Mobile Device
- Open the Google My Business app.
- Choose a business to verify.
- Tap “Call me now.”
- Enter the code from the automated message sent to the number listed in your business information, then tap the arrow.
How to Verify Your Business by Phone
Make sure that the email address shown in the verification screen is correct and can be accessed by you.
Via Computer
- Go to Google My Business, choose the business you want to verify, if you manage several, and click “Verify now.”
- Choose “Email” in the verification options.
- Receive an email and click the “Verify” button in the email or enter the code from the email into the Google My Business dashboard.
Via Mobile Device
- Open the Google My Business app.
- Choose a business to verify.
- Tap “Send email.”
- As soon as you receive the verification email, tap “Enter code” and enter the code from the email. Submit the code and wait for the business status to change.
How to Verify a Business with 10+ Locations
Businesses with more than 10 locations can use bulk verification.
- Open Google My Business and sign in with your Google account.
- Click “Get verified” next to one of your locations, and carefully complete the confirmation form. It should include:
- Business name.Business Countries/Regions (list of countries and regions you will manage in your account.)
- Contact Name (provide the names of all people that will manage this account.)
- Contact Phone (a number that could be used to clarify any details needed to verify your account.)
- Business manager email (an email address for someone from the business who can verify that you are authorized representative of the business.)
- Google Account Manager Email (list the contact details of any Google contacts you have been working with.)
As soon as your business is verified, Google will show it in the Google search results and on Google Maps.
How to Optimize a GMB Listing
Google’s local search results relate to three fundamental characteristics: relevance, remoteness and reputation. So, pay attention to each aspect and optimize your business listing to get a leading place on Google.
The 3 Rs When Optimizing a Business on Google
- Relevance
- Remoteness
- Reputation
Relevance
Carefully complete the Google My Business business profile. Include local SEO keywords to further describe your business. List the phone number and website, add opening hours and accepted payment methods. You can even mark up to 5 different business categories that are relevant to your business.
Remoteness
Google algorithms mainly point out businesses near the user’s location. But good photos of the venue, products and the interior may encourage potential customers to visit you despite a longer journey.
Reputation
Google collects information about your business from the web (articles, directories, links, etc.) Consumers’ reviews play an essential role in building a business’ online reputation. Encourage your satisfied visitors to leave reviews about your business and don’t forget to reply to them.
Positive consumer reviews and a high star ranking will demonstrate your good reputation and prove your reliability to potential customers.
How to remove a Google My Business Listing
If you decide to close your business you can also remove it from Google My Business.
Enter your Google My Business account
Sign in to your Google account
Choose the location you would like to remove (if you manage several locations)
Tap “Info” and find the “Close or remove this listing” box
“Close or remove this listing” box
Choose “Mark as permanently closed” to leave limited information about your business on Google. You will be able to remove the label if the business reopens.
Choose “Remove listing” to completely remove it from your account (pictures, posts, videos) without an opportunity to recover it. Information about the business will still appear on Google, otherwise you need to choose “Mark as permanently closed” first.
Originally published Sept 16, 2019 10:00:00 AM
