Obtaining local leads and optimizing your Google My Business presence go hand in hand. When customers search for a product or service near them, they are usually interested in making a purchase.
Remarkably, 78% of local mobile searches result in an online or in-store purchase according to Search Engine Land. These are the consumers your business should be targeting!
With this guide, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of Google My Business listings – from discovering what they are to setting them up and optimizing for local SEO. You’ll also learn how these listings have the power to maximize your business’s presence in search engine results!
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Google My Business (or GMB) is a local business listing service powered by Google.
Google My Business is a free tool available to all businesses with the condition that there must be some form of face-to-face interaction with your customers. Unfortunately, if you are an entirely online business this will not work for you.
Have you ever performed a local search? If so, then you’ve likely noticed this in Google’s results:
How Does Google My Business Work?
Google provides business owners with a unique opportunity to get their websites live and visible in search engine results. This way, when people are looking for the services you provide, your website will be readily accessible. Claiming your business on Google is simple and effective!
Showcase the services you provide, curate an FAQ page and include visuals for a complete user experience. Let customers share their experiences with your business by allowing them to leave reviews. You can further elevate it by adding attributes such as Online Care, Appointments Scheduling, Free Estimates & Classes – all of which will reflect on your Knowledge Graph!
Why Your Business needs Google My Business
There is no denying it: Google has an incontestable stronghold on both search and local search. Stat Counter reveals that more than 90% of queries are completed through the giant’s engine alone.
As a small business proprietor, you mustn’t overlook the advantages that come from using Google My Business (GMB)–it’s simply not an affordable option to ignore.
Studies have revealed that an overwhelming majority of customers (92%) prefer to evaluate different brands when they go shopping online. And most often, their primary source for this kind of research is Google Search Engine – where they look up businesses that offer the products or services they’re interested in buying.
Even more impressive, nearly 50% of all Google My Business listings get over 1000 searches each month. Furthermore, an astounding 96% are seen at least 25 times in the same period of time.
Are you aware of the incredible benefits that come with listing your business on Google My Business?
The latest research reveals that a remarkable 56% of people who view your Google My Business listing will click through to your website, while an additional 24% choose to phone in directly. This is excellent news for businesses looking to thrive and survive during these uncertain times!
Incorporating GMB into your business can prove immensely beneficial; it not only gives potential customers the opportunity to contact you without delay but allows you to monitor feedback from past clients and guide them directly to your location. In addition, GMB offers a plethora of other powerful tools that maximize efficiency and productivity.
With all these advantages, it’s clear why Google My Business is a must-have for any business!
Now that you understand how Google My Business can help your local business succeed, you can learn how to create a Google Business profile on one of our blogs.
Several Ways to Verify Your Business on Google My Business
Depending on the type of business entry you’re attempting to acquire or manage, there are a variety of ways you can confirm your organization:
- Instant verification
- Bulk verification
- Verify by mail (postcard)
- Verify by phone
- Verify by email
1. Instant Verification
If you have already authenticated your business with Google Search Console, you may be eligible to instantly verify your listing and get started on optimizing it.
It’s a straightforward process; simply sign in with your Google My Business account, which should be the same one you used to authenticate your business on Search Console. That’s it – you’re set!
Unfortunately, some GMB business categories are not eligible for immediate confirmation. If you don’t see a prompt requesting that your listing be verified, then an alternate verification process must be utilized.
2. Bulk verification
If you’re the owner of ten or more locations for one company, bulk verification may be a great option for you! Just keep in mind that service-oriented businesses and agencies managing multiple companies do not qualify.
If you’re looking to bulk verify your Google My Business listings, here’s how:
- Sign in to Google My Business and choose a location
- To swiftly verify one of your locations, simply click on the “Get verified” button.
- Click “Chain”.
- Please fill out the form with all pertinent information, such as your business name, location, and contact details.
- Submit the form and allow up to one week for Google to process it.
3. Verify by Mail (Postcard)
Verifying your business address is easy and can be done in just a few clicks. First, log into your Google My Business profile to ensure the address is accurate. Then simply click on the “Mail” option for postcard verification – it’s that simple!
After your postcard arrives, simply sign into your Google account and click the “Verify” option from the menu. Inputting the code provided on your postcard is all that remains to complete the verification.
To ensure that your postcard arrives within the expected five days, Google suggests that you avoid:
- Edit your business name
- Edit your address
- Change the business category
- Request a new code
Taking such an action might delay the authentication process and necessitate Google customer service intervention.
4. Verify by Phone
For those businesses eligible, Google offers the remarkable opportunity to verify your listing right over the phone. Just look for ‘Verify by phone’ when you’re ready to get started!
Make sure your phone number is accurate and you’ll receive a code through text message to verify it.
5. Verify by Email
If you qualify, Google will offer the option to “Verify by email” so that your business can be verified. Make sure your email address is accurate before confirming and a link for verification of your listing will be sent directly to you!
Are you trying to maximize your Google My Business listing? Don’t hesitate to check out one of our blog posts on the topic right here, and get started optimizing today!
How to Get Assistance from Google My Business Support Team
Unsure of how to use your GMB listing? If you’re ever facing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance from the Google My Business Help Community. They are always available with helpful advice and support!
If you’re in need of help, the GMB Knowledge Base can be searched for answers to your queries – or else reach out to our friendly volunteers and users who are more than happy to lend a helping hand.
Take a stand against fraud and malicious intent by filing an official complaint with GMB using the Business Redressal Complaint Form. If you spot any false listings or fraudulent activity, don’t hesitate to take action!
By identifying and flagging fraudulent customer reviews as “inappropriate,” you can guarantee a reliable and trustworthy consumer experience.
Google My Business Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help GMB users, this section answers some of the most common inquiries relating to their accounts.
What’s a Business Profile?
Take control of what customers see when they search for your business on Google with the Business Profile tool. Showcase updates, products, services, and more to connect with new potential clients while also accepting online orders. Your company can become visible in a whole new way!
Is a Business Profile on Google free?
Absolutely, creating your Business Profile on Google is complimentary! Make a profile without spending a dime, and start to reach more customers by managing your business from both Google Search and Maps.
Do I need to download an app to create and manage my profile?
With the Google Maps app, you can easily manage your Business Profile on-the-go. On your desktop computer, managing is as simple as logging into Google Search and using its built-in browser feature.
My business doesn’t have a storefront. Can I still have a Business Profile?
Even if your business doesn’t have a physical location, you can still create a profile as long as you personally meet with customers. Additionally, hybrid businesses which serve clients at their business address and visit or deliver goods to them are also able to set up profiles. Lastly, service-area companies such as plumbers or cleaning services that don’t receive customers onsite but instead visit/deliver directly to customers may qualify for creating a profile too!
Should I create a Business Profile if I already have a website?
Absolutely! Your free Business Profile will not only amplify your website’s visibility on Google Search and Google Maps, but it can also add an extra layer of credibility to boost customer trust.
How do I add and edit my business attributes to show the services I offer, like delivery or pickup?
Utilizing attributes is a great way to inform customers about the services you offer, such as “Dine-in” or even “Curbside Pickup”. You can also let them know of any safety protocols your business has put into place like mandatory masks for staff and patrons, daily temperature checks for all employees, and regular sanitation between visits. Check out this guide on how to add or edit your business’s attributes!
How do I show what products I have in store?
With Pointy from Google, you can easily sync your in-store inventory with your Business Profile on Google. It’s a simple connection that requires no manual work; just select the point of sale system and watch as your products are automatically added.
What other tools does Google have to help small business owners grow?
From offering tailored advice to improving your workflow, Google also provides tools to help businesses of all kinds thrive and grow.
How else can I reach more customers?
Utilize Google Ads to exponentially broaden your reach and target more customers than ever before. No matter what kind of product or service you provide, Google Ads will bring qualified leads directly to your business!
Summary
In conclusion, Google My Business is a fantastic way to increase the visibility and credibility of your business. With the free Google My Business tool, you can create an impressive profile that will help you reach potential customers on both Google Search and Maps. Additionally, there are other tools available such as Pointy from Google for managing inventory and Google Ads for targeting qualified leads. By utilizing these tools, you can easily grow your business and reach more customers than ever before!