How to set up a Google My Business page?
First, you might be wondering what is a Google My Business page and why it is important for your business to have? Google My Business (GMB) is a free feature for businesses to help manage their local listings on Google Search and Google Maps. This can help potential local customers find your business with a quick and easy search on Google. For example, if you search “Thrift stores near me” would you want your business to show up? The simple answer is, yes! If your business shows up on the Google search results that potential customer may feel your store is the best place to shop and will not search any further. Google is one of the internet’s most powerful tools and most likely your potential customer will be searching on Google to help them find the answers or place they are looking for.
How to get started with 9 simple and easy steps
1. Set up your Google Account
First set up a Google Account if you want to use any Google services. This will allow you to create a GMB page along with other features Google has to offer. Setting up an account is completely free. After being provided all your information you can now develop a business profile!
(If you already have a business Google account you can skip this step)
2. Head to Google.com/business/
This is where you will access your Google My Business account. It may be helpful to save this link to your bookmark.
3. Enter your business name
If you have the same name as another business in your region, you will see the autocomplete function suggest those businesses for you. Select the business and just simply create a new GMB profile.
4. What to do if your business is already claimed?
Click the “request access’ button and submit the form with many details as you can. You will receive a confirmation email of the request, and Google will contact you. If there is a confirmation email the account has been passed over back to you, then great you can move on to the next step. (This may take up to 7 days for Google to get back to you.) If access is denied you can ask for help in the GMB Help Community and get advice.
(If your Google business account is already claimed to you, you can skip this step)
5. Enter the address of the business location
Remember, you only add your location if your business has face-to-face interactions with customers. If you don’t have a location your customers can visit just simply check the box. If you do, leave it blank.
If your business delivers goods and services, you want to check the box.
6. Specify Service Areas (Service Area Businesses only)
Before selecting a business category, you will need be specific in the areas your business serves, this way Google can accurately surface your business searches in those areas. You can still do this without a physical address. You can enter the regions, cities or zip codes your business serves.
7. Choose your business category
This is a very important step to ensure the correct search terms for your potential customers. (It could also be worth testing it out.)
8. Add a contact phone number and website URL
It is strongly encouraged to have both a phone number and website. This will allow your business to more relevant.
9. Complete your GMB Verification
Google needs to provide proof your business exists. There are three options to provide verification. You can choose postcard, phone or email verification. Google will provide directions what to do next or how to verify your account.
What’s Next?
Add your features:
Website
Directions with your address
Phone number
Hours
Photos and videos
Start collecting Google reviews
Attach social media accounts
Add service menu and product collections
Benefits of Google My Business
GMB profile will make it easier for customers to find information for your business such as phone number, address, website and hours.
Easy and quicker to compare business offerings
Customers can easily check out your photos and reviews
Google Map users can follow and create lists of their favorite local business
Help your business be more relevant
Gives customers ways to provide feedback and help improve your business
You have now successfully created a GMB account! Remember, your customers will check your GMB for store hours, directions, etc. so it’s important to stay on top of edits as needed as it’s a direct line of communication with your customers.
