How to Set Up a Google My Business Account & Why You Should
Author: Paul Ferris
June, 2020
Google My Business is a platform that allows your business to show up across the Google suite, including Google Search and Google Maps - and it’s free! Google is renowned for ensuring ease of use, convenience and high quality listings for searchers, so it’s the ideal way for customers to find you and quickly access your business’ information. More customers is always a good thing right?!
It is a great tool to invest some of your time in because it’s so important for people to get accurate, informative and complete details about a business when searching for a product or service.
What Exactly is Google My Business?
Google My Business allows you to manage how your business appears online. You can include more than just the basic information like business name, address and contact details, like your operating hours and photos. Also, there are various ways to communicate with your customers such as monitoring and replying to customer reviews.
You get a free Business Profile to connect with your customers on Google Search and Google Maps. When people search online, they expect to find relevant and helpful information. The process of updating your business information is straightforward, even across multiple locations.
The information your submit shows up in different ways, in the knowledge panel, the local pack and maps. The results depend on how general the customer has been when they searched for a business or product.
It’s common practice for consumers to use online searches to find a business. So, if yours doesn’t show on a Google search result page, it means one of your competitors is. Bottom line is, you want to be up there, at the top, for all to see.
What are the Benefits of Google My Business?
Visibility
The biggest benefit is the one you want, and that is that customers will find you! Your Google My Business listing will provide details of your location, whether that’s a shop front or online store.
Improved SEO
Google My Business Accounts have strong local SEO so the information you share will rank higher than other sites. It will improve your SEO, as your listing will show up on page one of a Google search, not further down and hidden from view.
Appeal to Customers
Posting photos and special offers to your profile to show the benefits of your business, gives more reasons why customers should choose you. Offer a personal touch to appeal to the public or list regular promotions to spark interest.
Keep Customers Informed
Keep your customers up to date with any changes such as new products, an updated menu or temporary closures to your business. Users will always get the correct information about your business and services and that knowledge gives customers confidence in you straight away.
Easy Connection
There are several ways for your customers to connect with you - phone, messages or leaving reviews about your company. With several options for transacting, it is easier to do business.
Customer reviews are an effective way to build trust, with customers trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations they receive. Five star reviews stand out and entice customers, so they’re a great inclusion to have.
Analytics
Your Business Profile provides some analytics about your visitors so you can use the data to improve your advertising strategies. You can see how your customers are reaching your website and interacting with your business.
How to Create a Google My Business Page
There are only a few steps to set up your Google My Business Account. However, if you’d prefer, engage a company that offers search engine marketing services who can take care of it for you. Web Force 5 provides a comprehensive suite of strategic digital solutions to improve your online presence, as well as website design services and more.
Here's how it works:
1. Sign in to Google My Business using your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.
2. Enter your business name to find it in the list, or add it.
3. Choose the main category that fits your business. You can add more later on so initially you can just choose one that is most relevant.
4. Enter your location if you choose to do so, which will be your physical store front or business location. This will show on Google Maps and is considered an important feature by searchers.
5. Complete your address details in full. Be sure to include all necessary information and don’t forget the details such as building or suite number. You may be asked if you are one of the existing locations which will show in a list.
6. Select whether you serve customers outside this location. For example if you offer a delivery service, select yes and enter the other areas.
7. Enter your contact details - phone and website URL.
8. Select whether you want to receive updates and recommendations from Google.
9. Finish and verify your business listing.
After you have verified your listing, you will see your Google My Business dashboard where you complete your listing. Ensure you fully populate your details to provide anything that will assist your customers. Consider your company logo, a description of your business, photos, staff profiles and trading hours.
Google My Business is one of the best, free platforms around so it’s worth creating one immediately! Contact the expert team at Web Force 5 for assistance with creating a Google My Business Account that is tailored to your business. Speak to them also about providing website design services to improve your current website, as well as their SEO marketing services.
