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In our digital age, any business needs to have a strong online profile. One of the most effective ways to enhance your online visibility is by creating a Google My Business account. This accessible business listing from Google allows you to provide essential details and photos about your business, making it easier for potential customers to find you on Google search and Maps.
Why Do You Need a Google My Business Account?
A Google My Business account offers several benefits that can help your online presence better and attract more customers. Let’s explore some key reasons you should create and optimize your Google My Business account.
Get Discovered in Google Search and Maps
The popular search engine is Google, with over 92% of the global market share. Having a Google My Business account increases your chances of appearing in relevant SERPs and being discovered by potential customers. Whether someone is searching for a local business or looking for specific products or services in their area, your optimized Google My Business profile can help you stand out from the competition.
Control Your Online Business Information
A Google My Business account gives you complete control over your business information. You can easily update and manage essential details like your business hours, contact information, website URL, and even post updates about special promotions or events. Keeping this information accurate and current ensures that potential customers have the correct information when they search for your business.
Build Trust Through Reviews
Reviews are a big part of getting people to trust and believe in your business. Customers can rate and review your business on Google My Business dashboard based on their experiences. Positive reviews can bring you more customers and help you move up in search results, while bad reviews can help you boost your products or services. Engaging with positive or negative thoughts shows that you care about customer comments and want to give excellent service.
How to Create and Optimize Your Google My Business Account
Now that you know how important it is to have a Google My Business account, let’s go over the step-by-step process of making your page and making it as visible as possible.
Step 1: Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
To get started, sign in to the Google Business Profile Manager using your Google account credentials. You can make a new Google account for free if you don’t already have one. Once you’re signed in, you’ll be directed to the Google My Business dashboard.
Step 2: Add Your Business
Click the “Add your business to Google” and enter your name. If your business name doesn’t appear in the drop-down menu, select the option to add your business. Choose the category that best represents your business and click “Next.”
Step 3: Enter Your Location
Show if your business has a physical place where customers can go. If it does, provide your business address and position a marker on the map to accurately pinpoint your location. If your business doesn’t have a physical storefront but offers services in specific areas, you can list your service areas instead. Click “Next” once you’ve entered the necessary information.
Step 4: Fill in Your Contact Information
Enter your business’s phone number and web address so that people can quickly get in touch with you. You can leave that field blank if you prefer not to display a phone number. Once you’ve entered your contact information, click “Next.”
Step 5: Verify Your Business
To verify your business, enter your actual physical address. This information is used solely for verification and is not displayed on your Google My Business profile. Google offers different verification options, such as receiving a postcard by mail or confirmation through an email address.
Step 6: Customize Your Profile
Now it’s time to customize your Google My Business profile to make it more appealing and informative for potential customers. Here are some key elements to focus on:
Business Hours
Enter your regular business hours and any special hours for holidays or specific events. Customers will know when they can visit or call you if your business hours are up to date.
Business Description
Write a compelling and concise description of your business. Focus on what makes you different from your rivals and what makes you stand out. Use relevant keywords to improve your profile’s visibility in search results.
Photos and Videos
Upload professional-quality images and videos highlighting your company, its offerings, and its people. Visual content helps customers better understand what to expect when they visit your business. Ensure your images are well-lit, properly framed, and accurately represent your brand.
Attributes
Take advantage of the attributes feature to provide additional information about your business. Depending on your category, you can highlight features such as wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, or women-owned or LGBTQ+ friendly. Adding relevant attributes can help attract customers with specific preferences or needs.
Products
If your business sells products, consider adding an inventory of your offerings to your Google My Business profile. This can enhance your visibility in Google Shopping and give potential customers a better understanding of your offer.
Improve the Visibility of Your Google My Business Profile
Now that you’ve created your Google My Business profile, it’s time to optimize it for maximum visibility. Here are some key strategies to improve your profile’s performance:
Complete all Elements of Your Profile
Ensure you’ve provided all the necessary information to enhance your profile’s relevance and trustworthiness. If your profile is complete and has correct and up-to-date information, it is more likely to show up in search results that are relevant to you.
Verify Your Location(s)
Verifying your business location helps Google validate the authenticity of your business and improves your profile’s visibility in local search results. Request a verification postcard or use alternative verification methods provided by Google.
Add Real Images and Videos
High-quality images and videos help potential customers visualize your business and create a positive impression. Show customers what they can expect from your business by showing off your goods, services, workspace, and team members.
Include Keywords in Your Profile
Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your profile to improve its visibility in search results. Use tools like Google Trends or Keyword Planner to do keyword research and find the most famous and relevant terms for your business.
Encourage and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are a vital form of social proof that can influence the choices of potential customers. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and reply quickly to both good and bad reviews. Engaging with reviews demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and builds trust.
Keep Your Business Information Up to Date
Regularly review and update your business information, including hours of operation, contact details, and special announcements. Keeping your information accurate and consistent across all platforms helps customers find the most relevant and reliable information about your business.
Add Special Features and Attributes
Take advantage of category-specific features and attributes to provide additional information about your business. This can help you attract customers with specific preferences or needs and differentiate your business from competitors.
Take Advantage of Google’s Free Marketing Tools
Google offers a range of free marketing tools, including stickers, social posts, printable posters, and custom videos. Utilize these resources to promote your business and enhance your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Google My Business account?
Google gives businesses a free tool called “Google My Business” that lets them control their online appearance on Google. It helps companies showcase their information on Google Search and Maps, such as address, phone number, and opening hours.
2. What is the Google My Business dashboard?
The Google My Business dashboard is the central hub where businesses can manage and update their Google My Business profile. It provides various features, such as editing business information, adding photos, responding to customer reviews, and analyzing performance metrics.
3. What is a Google My Business profile?
A Google My Business profile is a public listing that displays essential information about a business, including its name, address, phone number, website, and customer reviews. It appears on Google Search and Maps when users search for relevant companies in their area.
4. How can I get my business on Google?
You must create a Google My Business account and complete your business profile to get your business on Google. Start by signing in to Google My Business, enter your details accurately, verify your business, and optimize your profile with photos, descriptions, and other relevant information.
5. What is Google My Business website?
Google My Business website, is a feature that allows businesses to create an essential website for free using the information from their Google My Business profile. It is a simple and easy way for small businesses without a website to get an online presence.
Optimizing your Google My Business account is necessary to get the most out of your online presence and get more customers. By following the steps in this guide, you can make an interesting page for your business and full of helpful information. This will help it stand out in Google search and Maps.
