Google, synonymous with online searches is the most popular site for anyone looking to find anything. Google currently has a 92.47% market share, which makes its top search page positions valuable for businesses from all industries.
Many companies already focus on SEO strategies to promote their sites, but there are still a few ways to get the word out on Google about your business. Google My Business is one such way.
Google Business page creation is simple and very worthwhile.
This article will show you how to create a page for you company. We’ll also discuss some of the key benefits.
Google My Business: Benefits
Companies can instantly reap the benefits of a Google My Business listing by creating an account.
Google My Business listings improve visibility and share information with other Google products. This means that the company and products will be displayed on Google Maps as well as Google’s shopping pages.
Let’s look closer at the benefits of a Google My Business account.
1. Increases visibility in online searches
Customers often search Google for products and services without any particular brand or company in their mind.
Companies with a Google My Business profile are more visible in search results and could be influenced by customers to choose their brand.
Donna Evans, founder and owner of She Moves, stated, “Our Google My Business profile was one of the most important places people find us. With over 40% of our leads directly coming through it,
This is how Google My Business helped the company increase its visibility.
2. Consistency in Business Details
Google My Business allows businesses to list all information that customers may be looking for, including their website and phone number as well as their opening hours.
This is convenient for customers and makes it easier for businesses.
3. Possibility to showcase customer reviews
Customer reviews are a powerful marketing tool. Any way to help brands showcase glowing reviews can increase sales.
Kelly Montague, luxury jewelry brand Stephen Einhorn, stated that “Google My Business reviews are key for our success, providing brand recognition and giving customers confidence to buy.”
You can read more about the brand’s benefits from Google My Business reviews by clicking here.
4. Customers’ insight can benefit businesses
Customer reviews are not only great marketing tools, but also incredibly helpful for companies looking to improve their offerings.
Google My Business gathers feedback from customers in a simple and easy-to-use format.
Interesting read: Four Incredible Ways to Conquer the Social Customer Experience
5. Google My Business is great for SEO
SEO strategies receive a helping hand by Google My Business. Companies that take the time and complete a profile instantly will benefit from improved SEO across Google search results.
Let’s now talk about setting up a google business page.
It is easy to set up Google My Business. Your listing will be up and running in no time, drawing the attention of potential customers.
How to Get Started with Google My Business
1. Manage your Google Business Profile
All Google accounts will grant access to Google Business Profile Manager. This is the tool you need to create your Google My Business listing.
It’s easy to log in and open Google Business Profile Manager if you already have a Google Account. It will automatically open if you are already logged in to Google.
You will need to create a Google account if you don’t have one. It’s quick and easy to sign up, and takes only minutes.
2. Google Business Profile Manager: Add Your Business to Your Account
After you have Google Business Profile Manager open you will see the option to add a business to your account.
If your company name is not listed in the drop-down menu, you can click “Add your Business” to search for it.
3. Request to add an existing business
Sometimes, a Google My Business profile may already be set up for the brand. If this is the case, you will need to request access. Click’request access’ to proceed with the steps.
4. Add your business name and choose a category
If you are creating a new business profile, you will need to enter the business name. Enter the name that your business is most commonly known under.
After the business name is added, you will be able to choose a category for yourself company.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and change your mind later if you choose a category that suits you better.
To move on to the next step, click ‘next.
5. Select Your Location
Google Business page setup offers many benefits, including the ability to provide detailed information about your location for your customers.
This is where you will need to indicate whether your company has a physical location that customers can visit.
If it does, you will be asked for your business address. Google Maps may ask you to authorize the placement of a marker at your business.
This step can be used even if a business does not have a physical location or headquarters that customers can visit. Instead of entering your address, you may be asked to list the locations your business serves.
Interesting read: The Small Business Guide to Marketing on Google Business Profile
6. Add your contact information
Google My Business listings all have contact information for companies. You can add this next step.
You can list your business phone number as well as the email address that you would like potential customers use. You can leave the blank if your company does not have a staffed telephone number. Here you can also add a website address.
You can tick the box to let Google know that you don’t have a website.
This information can be updated immediately after a website has been created.
7. You can choose whether or not to receive information from Google
Google will then ask you to sign up for information and updates.
While it’s not a requirement, there are many benefits to staying up-to-date with the latest search news.
We recommend that you check this box.
8. Verify your new business listing
This is the final and most important step. Google will ask you to confirm the accuracy of the information that you have provided.
Verification is the process used to verify that everything is correct. This is the most time-consuming part of the setup.
If you do not have a physical address, you can verify your listing by phone or email. These options may not be available to all businesses but you can see one or both if you’re eligible.
Postcard Verification
Google usually sends a postcard with a five-digit verification number to the address provided. This usually arrives within five working days. Once you have received the postcard, the verification code and the number, you will need to enter the number to verify that your business is legitimate.
Phone Verification
This option is available if you are eligible to verify business by phone. An automated phone call will be made to you, giving you the verification number. The number can be entered to confirm your business in the same way.
Email Verification
Some businesses have the option to verify their email address via email. You can request a verification number to be emailed to your email address if you are able to verify this. You must verify that the email address you received via email is the same as the one connected to Google My Business. After receiving the number, you will be able to enter it to complete verification.
Google Business Page Setup: Best Practices
The first step in setting up your business page was to create it.
Once the website is up and running you can customize it and add additional details to increase your customer base. This is how it works.
1. Check that your profile is complete
Google My Business profiles can make a huge difference in your traffic and build trust.
The search engine released data that showed customers are 2.5x more likely than others to consider a business trustworthy or reputable if it has a complete listing. Customers are also 30% more likely than others to visit a business and 50% more likely that they will consider purchasing.
You have so many additional information you can add to the picture, beyond just where and when your business is open.
Listings let you provide information about your products and services, as well as descriptions and photographs of your company. This gives customers a glimpse into what to expect.
2. You can add photos and videos to inject some personality
You will be asked to upload your logo when you create your Google My Business listing.
This is a great idea. Customers will quickly recognize your brand when they see it in search results. You can also add photos and videos to your profile.
Go to the dashboard, and click on ‘photos’. You can upload photos from your store or HQ as well as images of the products and services you sell, and videos of behind the scenes tours and product demonstrations.
Google My Business offers a great opportunity for potential customers to see inside your business, as you can see in the example.
It is used by high-end restaurants such as The Ivy to show off their interiors and give potential diners a sense of the ambience. To tempt potential customers into making a reservation, food photography is also used.
3. Encourage customer reviews
Google My Business can be a great way to draw attention to positive feedback about your company.
Customers can leave detailed feedback and star ratings about their experience.
This could be a big step in your company’s growth if you provide a unique service and customers are willing to share good news about your company.
This is an example of how Google My Business can be used by ZSL London Zoo to collect customer reviews.
Visitors are invited to write reviews and upload photos. This powerful marketing tool is a great way to influence future customers, who might be unsure whether to visit the attraction.
Even the most successful businesses may get negative reviews from customers from time to time. Companies shouldn’t be afraid to give customers the opportunity to post their negative reviews on a public forum.
Negative feedback should instead be seen as an opportunity. In this instance, it allows businesses to listen to customers and learn from them, and then make improvements to their offerings.
4. Keyword Research is a great way to optimize your listing copy
Google My Business is all about relevance.
Use your keyword research to make sure your listing is relevant.
You’ll be able to identify the most important keywords for your business and customers. These keywords can be used to optimize your Google My Business listing.
It’s a smart idea to monitor social media and look into data from Google Analytics to determine the best keywords.
For the best results, compile the most relevant keywords to your listing page.
Interesting read: Top 12 Paid & Free Social Media Analytics Tools in 2022
5. Verify your Listing
Verified businesses have a higher chance of being found by consumers. This is good news for local SEO. They also rank higher in general Google search results pages.
Start Setting Up Your Google Business Page Right Now
Google My Business offers endless possibilities for companies looking to be noticed.
It’s quick, simple, and completely free to create a listing.
After your listing is live, add some personality to it along with your business information. This will make sure that everyone who sees it is interested enough to go to your site and learn more about you company.
Optimize your listing using keywords, photos, video, and other relevant information.
You’ll quickly have a Google My Business listing that piques the interest of potential customers.
SocialPilot’s first post was A Step-By Step Guide to Setting Up a Google Business Page in 2023.
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