Google My Business is one of the most effective free marketing tool available today. The GMB database feeds Google Maps and Google Search, making your business much more visible to local searchers.
There are two different methods of getting your Google My Business page up and running, depending on whether or not you already have established a Google Business Account. NOTE: Below are the desktop instructions — there is a Google My Business app that allows you to do the same process on your smartphone or tablet.
If You Do Not Have an Existing Google Business Account
If you do not have an existing Google Business Account, it is essential that you set it up right away. Go to Google business. You will need your business name, address, website, phone number, and locality. NOTE: You will need to provide a physical address. Some people are hesitant to provide their home address. If that is the case, you will need to establish a mailbox at a mailing center or a local co-working space. There are also services that provide a “digital” or “virtual” mailbox that will provide you with a physical address you can provide to Google. If you happen to get mail addresses to that address, my understanding is that it will be opened and digitally sent to you for a fee.
As you fill out the application, you will be asked to select a business category. Just pick the one that makes the most sense to you. In many instances, you won’t see an exact match.
After you’ve completed your application, open up a new tab and go to Google Maps. Search for your business in the search box. If it shows up, it means your business account has been successfully activated.
If your business is not showing on Google Maps, you will need to add it as a location. On the left side of the page, you’ll see an option to “Add a Place.” Fill in the information and click Submit.
While Google is usually good about adding listing almost instantly, it can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email informing you that the listing is active. In that email will be a link to your page. Click on that link and make sure all of your information is correct.
Once Your Business is Listed on Google Maps
Once your business is listed on Google Maps, you now need to claim and verify your listing. Look for the link that says “Claim this business.” It is usually on the left hand side, but Google moves things around sometimes — but look for the phrase “Claim this business” or “Verify this business.”
Clicking on the Claim this Business link will open a series of pages walking you through the steps of identifying and verifying that you are the owner of the page. You will be able to add your website URL and other information.
You will see a listing of various verification options. Some of the options include via mail (postcard), by phone, by email, or instant verification.
If you are logged into your Google Business Account as you complete this process, and your website has already been set up with Google Analytics and you have a Google Search Console, your verification will usually be immediate. If you do not use Google Analytics, you will most likely have to verify with a postcard (note: it will be mailed to the address you listed).
When you receive the postcard, it will contain a verification code. You will need to sign into GMB and find the Verify Now button. Click there and it will ask you for the code on the postcard. Fill it in, submit it and ta-dah! You are verified and ready to use your Google My Business page.
You Have a Google My Business Page. Now What?
Setting up and verifying your GMB is just the first step. Now you need to make sure your information is accurate and engaging. Make sure you use your most important keywords in your description.
Choose the most accurate category that you can. While the drop down in the Google My Business set-up seems limited, there are actually almost 2,400 possibilities. Here’s a link I found online of all the categories (this was current as to the posting of that list — things may change). If you type the category exactly as listed, GMB should recognize it.
Now you need to actively engage with the folks who will now find you via Google searches. Now the magic happens. Your GMB page is essentially a robust website inside Google. You can post photos, event announcements, product listings, videos and more. Plus, your customers can also post photos to your GMB page. It’s a great way to create more engagement and get more visibility online.
There is also an option to create a “post.” Though it seems much like a blog post, it will only be visible for 7 days so keep that in mind as you post.
Google will automatically give you $100 ad credits. Be strategic about it, but I highly encourage everyone to pick an offer, create an ad, and spend those credits. If you find an offer that provides you with positive ROI (return on investment), keep tweaking it. A good offer through digital advertising can help you grow your business quickly.
Another great feature of Google My Business pages is the ability to get reviews directly on the page. The more reviews you get, especially if they are 5-star, the higher your business will appear in Google search results and Google Map listings.
Here’s how to request reviews:
- Go to Google Maps
- Type in the name of your business in the search box in the upper left corner
- Once your information is shown on the left, click on the 3 lines in the upper left. This should open up a new menu. Browse down the list to the option to Share or Embed Map (note: this is also how you would be able to add the map to your website or other online listings)
- Click on the Share or Embed Map option and a pop-up box will appear. In the middle of the box will be a encoded link to your Google My Business listing. You can hit the “Copy Link” or highlight the link with your cursor and Ctrl + C or right click.
- Send that link to your customers, clients, friends and ask them to leave a 5-Star review.
NOTE: A best practice is to respond to every review — even negative reviews. Future customers will forgive bad reviews if you respond positively and helpfully.
You do not need to change your Google My Business page every week, but maybe put on your schedule to update something — change a photo, add a post, promote a product. Be active and watch your engagement grow.
If you run into issues or need help with your Google My Business Page, click here for a list of resources to help you contact Google.
Google wants their business listings to be successful. It’s a free tool. It takes a moment to set up, but it well worth it.