While Google search is the starting point for the vast majority of searches that result in website visits, Google Maps is also a big driver of clicks and footfall to businesses that have a physical location, like a store or a restaurant.
Google My Business is the most important aspect of any Local SEO campaign, as it's required for ranking in the Local Pack results (aka Map Pack results). This makes creating an account the first step any local or small business should take to boost their local SEO.
Getting your business to appear in Google Maps can help to drive actual customers to your store, through searches carried out in both Google Maps and Google search. It also gives searchers extra information, like opening times and details of the services you offer, along with user reviews to help instil trust, making them more likely to result in a sale.
This makes being featured in Google Maps very important for any local business. But how do you add your business to Google Maps?
The answer lies in Google My Business.
It's worth noting that it's not mandatory to actually have a website in order to list your business in Google Maps, but it will help to give you more visibility within Google's local search results, which will increase your changes of getting a sale.
Step 2: Check if your business has already been listed
Click Manage now then start typing the name of your business. If it appears in the list, it may have already been created, in which case you can claim it, but if not, you can add your business name then click the option to create a business with the name provided.
Step 3: Confirm your business name
Next, check your business name appears correctly. It should appear as used on your website or anywhere else your business name is referenced.
Step 4: Google My Business categories
Now you'll need to choose an appropriate Google My Business Category. This should be the main category that your business sits in. You can also add subcategories once your account has been set up, so at this stage just pick the primary category.
Step 5: Add your business services
Add the services that your business offers. You can choose from the services suggested by Google, and/or add custom services.
Step 6: Add your Google My Business location
Now you can select whether or not your business has a location that customers can visit.
This is an important option, as businesses that don't have a physical location won't show up in Google Maps.
Step 7: Add your business address
Enter your business address exactly as it appears on your website. It's important to use the same address and format when referencing your business address anywhere online. This helps to keep things consistent and avoiding any confusion.
Step 8: Add locations you serve
If you service other locations, you can specify this here.
You can then add the locations that you serve, at a city, state, or country level.
Step 9: Adding your business contact details
Next, enter the Google My Business contact number (bonus points if you have a local number), along with your website address (if you have one).
Step 10: Finish & Manage your Google My Business Listing
Finally, click Finish to save your listing.
How to verify your Google My Business account
You must verify your Google My Business account in order to properly manage it, which can be done by entering a code that will be sent to the business address in a postcard.
The end result
Once your account is up and running you will receive a confirmation email. Your customers can now find your business across Google.
Google My Business is the most important aspect of any Local SEO campaign, as it's required for ranking in the Local Pack results (aka Map Pack results). This makes creating an account the first step any local or small business should take to boost their local SEO.
Getting your business to appear in Google Maps can help to drive actual customers to your store, through searches carried out in both Google Maps and Google search. It also gives searchers extra information, like opening times and details of the services you offer, along with user reviews to help instil trust, making them more likely to result in a sale.
This makes being featured in Google Maps very important for any local business. But how do you add your business to Google Maps?
The answer lies in Google My Business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free online platform that allows businesses to manage how their businesses appear in Google Maps.It's worth noting that it's not mandatory to actually have a website in order to list your business in Google Maps, but it will help to give you more visibility within Google's local search results, which will increase your changes of getting a sale.
How to set up Google My Business
Step 1: Head over to https://www.google.com/business/ and click Sign in. You can use your Google login (the account you use for gmail, Google Drive, etc.).Step 2: Check if your business has already been listed
Click Manage now then start typing the name of your business. If it appears in the list, it may have already been created, in which case you can claim it, but if not, you can add your business name then click the option to create a business with the name provided.
Step 3: Confirm your business name
Next, check your business name appears correctly. It should appear as used on your website or anywhere else your business name is referenced.
Step 4: Google My Business categories
Now you'll need to choose an appropriate Google My Business Category. This should be the main category that your business sits in. You can also add subcategories once your account has been set up, so at this stage just pick the primary category.
Add the services that your business offers. You can choose from the services suggested by Google, and/or add custom services.
Step 6: Add your Google My Business location
Now you can select whether or not your business has a location that customers can visit.
Enter your business address exactly as it appears on your website. It's important to use the same address and format when referencing your business address anywhere online. This helps to keep things consistent and avoiding any confusion.
Step 8: Add locations you serve
If you service other locations, you can specify this here.
Step 9: Adding your business contact details
Next, enter the Google My Business contact number (bonus points if you have a local number), along with your website address (if you have one).
Step 10: Finish & Manage your Google My Business Listing
Finally, click Finish to save your listing.
Google My Business Dashboard
Once you've completed your listing you will have access to your Google My Business dashboard. From here you can update your business details, add opening hours, images/photos, your business description, any sub-categories that your business falls into and much more.
How to verify your Google My Business account
You must verify your Google My Business account in order to properly manage it, which can be done by entering a code that will be sent to the business address in a postcard.
The end result
Once your account is up and running you will receive a confirmation email. Your customers can now find your business across Google.
Do you need help with this we can do it for you be sure to contact us to get started