Google My Business: How small local businesses can benefit from it

As a local small business, you are probably continually seeking innovative strategies to improve your online presence and pull in those local customers. An often overlooked tool that can help you do this is Google My Business (GMB). This platform places your company on important platforms such as Google Search Engine and Google Maps. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how exactly this works and how you can set-up your very own Google My Business account.

Google My Business serves as a virtual storefront, providing an instant snapshot of your business to users searching for products or services on Google. When potential customers perform local searches on Google, a well-optimized GMB profile increases the likelihood of your business appearing in their search results.

Your GMB profile is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your business online. It serves as a digital introduction, showing them important information such as your business name, address, phone number, and reviews. A compelling GMB profile establishes credibility and trust, influencing users’ decisions to engage with your business now or in the future.

More and more people are using their phones as their primary tool when searching for something. Google My Business is optimized for mobile, guaranteeing that users can quickly access key information about your business while on the go.

Google My Business boosts your local search engine optimization (SEO). By getting and optimizing your profile with relevant keywords, accurate business information, and high-quality images, you signal to Google that your business is a credible one. This, in turn, improves your chances of ranking higher in local search results.

Before setting up your Google My Business account, gather essential details about your business, including name, address, phone number, business hours, and high-quality images. This information forms the foundation of your online presence.

Step 1

Access Google My Business

Open your web browser and navigate to the Google My Business homepage. If you don’t have a Google account, create one to proceed.

Step 2

Sign In or Create an Account

Sign in with your existing Google account or create a new one. Ensure that the account you use aligns with your business, as it will be associated with your GMB profile.

Step 3

Enter Your Business Name

Input your business name exactly as it appears offline. Consistency is key for online visibility.

Step 4

Choose Your Business Type

Select the appropriate category that best represents your business. This helps Google understand and display your business to relevant local searches.

Step 5

Add Your Business Location

Input your business address accurately. If you operate a service-area business without a physical storefront, indicate your service area instead.

Step 6

Provide Contact Information

Enter your business phone number and website URL. Make sure these details are up-to-date and consistent with your offline information.

Step 7

Confirm Business Information

Review the information you’ve entered and make any necessary corrections. Accuracy is crucial for building trust with potential customers.

Step 8

Verify Your Business

Google may ask you to verify your business through various methods, such as a postcard sent to your business address or a phone call. Follow the prompts to complete the verification process.

Now that your account is set up, it’s time to optimize your profile for search engines. Learn how to use relevant keywords, craft an engaging business description, and leverage customer reviews for SEO benefits.

Google My Business is a dynamic platform that continually develops to meet the needs of local businesses. By following this step-by-step guide and implementing SEO best practices, you’re well on your way to using the full potential of Google My Business and raking in those customers!