Beginner's Guide to Google My Business [GMB] For 2023

Whether you’re a local mom and pop shop or large scale local business, claiming your companies’ Google My Business listing is undoubtedly the most beneficial action you can take to dominate your local online presence.

Google My Business is an excellent platform to focus on helping your business brand grow online and reach out to potential customers.

The simple reason why you should do this is that – a lot of people search for services or products near them. When they do this, they are close to purchasing the service or product.

In fact, one out of every four people tend to purchase from a store they searched online. So, your business must be shown in Google searches for people to learn more about you.

Not sure what Google My Business is & still unclear as to why is it essential for your business? Keep reading to know more.

What is Google My Business [GMB]?

Basically, Google My Business is a free tool available on the Internet for businesses to take advantage of. It helps many both small, medium and even large companies to create and manage their Google Business Listing.

This listing appears on Google searches for customers when they look for the related business service or product. Not only this, but it also shows your business on the map and shares the directions to your business.

The idea behind this is to attract customers and share details about your company with them so that they know what makes you unique. Plus, many people feel that companies that show up on Google are genuine ones.

Google verifies your business, your identity, and your business address before your business can be listed on GMB. So, until you have confirmed your business, you will not see it on Google searches or Maps.

But once your business is verified, it will be visible. Due to this process, customers instantly trust the companies that come up on Google Business Listing. In short, GMB Listing helps you in building your online presence and growing your brand.

Why Is GMB Useful?
 

One of the most significant advantages of being on Google My Business Listing is that when a local person searches for the services/products you are offering in the area, your business will show up for the.

For instance, if you search for “Digital Marketing Agency in New York,” you will find a company that is on Google My Business and offers these services come up.

That is just not it. Google also takes all the information and adds it to Google Maps. In fact, it also allows users to compare your business travel location, times and distances with other businesses as well.

Once a user selects the business profile, they can see relevant posts, information, and images that can help them judge the company better.

Basically, GMB is a significant part of SEO and is the best way to get the right traffic through searches. It helps you optimize your business.

How to Setup a GMB Listing?

Setting up a GMB is very easy. Here are the steps to do it.

• Log into your Google Account that you use with your business. If you do not have one, create it.
• Go to the URL – google.com/business, and once you reach the page, click on “Start Now.” You will find this option at the top right side of the page.
• With this, the process of creating your account begins. You will need to add your business name and business address here.
• If you deliver to people at home, then you can click on the box, “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” Moreover, if you do not want to share your address, you can select the option – “Hide my address (it’s not a store) Only show region.” In such a case, you will have to choose a delivery area.
• Select the category of your business (the most accurate one). This is used by Google to help you get the exact kind of customers you are looking for.
• Add your business website and phone number in the details.
• Select the verification option so that your business can be considered as a genuine one by the customers. If you are still not ready to have it verified, select the opportunity “Try a Different Method” and then “Later.”

Additional Tips & Tricks
 

Google Business Listings is not just about adding a little information only to have your profile shown on Google. The more accurate and complete the data is, the more genuine your business is seen as for the customers.

That is how you will be able to get the attention of the customers & convince them to purchase from you.

Some points you can work on:

Add relevant Offers: You can help your business listing’s user experience by posting offers providing potential customers with upfront value consistently.

Photos: Adding photos or as the behalf of your company, or incentivizing your customers mentions can drastically improve the quality of the GMB profile for your company.

Ask for Customer Reviews: Reviews are critical since about 90% of the customers believe in the Google reviews and judge the business accordingly. So, once you have satisfied a customer, ask them to leave a review from their account on Google.

Complete your Profile: Ensure that your Google Business profile is complete and accurate. Add videos, the right information, photos, and so on to make it better.

Claim your Google My Business Listing: Once your profile is all ready, log into your own personal/business Google account and claim the business to show that you are the owner of the company.

The Verdict 

The bottom line is that you MUST have your business on Google My Business if you want customers to find your business on Google & trust it.

With a complete GMB profile, your business will be highly successful for your online and offline business operations. So, just like you are focusing on SEO, SMO, and even Adwords, give a little time to add your business to Google My Business Listings.