- Sign in to google/create a google account – Make sure you sign up using your business email domain.
- Enter your business name – Either select the correct choice from the drop-down menu or select ‘Add your business’ if it is not already present.
- Choose an appropriate category for your business – This may be something as specific as ‘frozen food manufacturer’.
- Enter your location – If you have a physical shop or similar that customers can visit, then select ‘yes’. You can position a marker on the map to denote the exact geographical location of your location. If your business offers a delivery or service area, you may list this here too.
- Fill in your contact details – Here you should enter your business telephone number and website address or Facebook page so customers may easily reach you.
- Finish and verify – You can verify your business by either mail, email or telephone. Fill in the corresponding details and double check them. Wait for your verification postcard, email or telephone call to arrive and enter the verification code provided into the Google My Business account.
Why it’s worth registering your business
- It doesn’t cost anything – For some larger businesses, money is no object when it comes to their marketing efforts but the reality for the majority of businesses is that their resources are far more precious. Google My Business costs absolutely nothing and will give you an edge on your competitors who fail to claim their business listing or create an account.
- It’s quick – Creating your account with Google My Business takes about 10 minutes and once you’ve made it it requires little to no time to maintain. The relative benefit a small business can gain hugely outweigh the resources it takes to register their business.
- SEO – Getting your business registered or claimed will not only improve your website’s search engine optimisation and increase your chances of appearing further up the organic search rankings, but it can also help your business appear in Google’s ‘Local Finder’.
- You’re premises can be easy to find – For businesses with physical locations or premises such as shops, provided you have registered your store locations, Google maps will log this information and help people navigate to you. In the modern smartphone era, this is particularly helpful.
- Customers can quickly get in touch – The speed and efficiency of contemporary internet browsing has seen modern audiences attention and patience spans steadily decrease. For businesses this means, to maximise your chances of getting business or making conversions, it is imperative to make everything as easy as possible for the customer. By listing your business telephone number and email address on Google My Business you’ll make getting in contact quick and simple.
- Free advertising – In addition to the basic information you provide, you may also add pictures or videos of your business/goods/shop which to catch the eye of those browsing the search results. Additionally customers will be able to review your business which can help you build credibility and establish confidence in other potential customers.