Want to show up in search results when customers are looking for you online?
You need to set up a Google My Business account – it’s free, which makes it an affordable marketing tool for small and big businesses alike.
Adding your business to Google My Business can seem a little redundant. Google knows how to crawl through your site and list your address and phone number without you having to lift a finger – what more could you need out of your Google listing?
There’s a lot more you can do to optimise your presence on Google, even when someone simply
types in your business name.
Here’s five ways to get the most out of your GMB listing:
Your Phone Number
Customers need to see your business phone number. Opening a GMB account means you can keep accurate records of your current number.
Your Contact Information:
You can link an accurate map to your business address and include other information, such as your opening hours. This encourages customers to search for you during opening times, pick up the phone to book a table, or order online.
Interact With Your Customers:
Managing your listing allows you to engage with your customers, read their reviews and respond to them. Many potential customers check restaurant reviews, so this is a way to build trust with them.
Add Images:
Adding a photo to your business listing also encourages interaction. According to Google statistics, businesses which add a photo to their listing receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps. They also receive 35% more clicks to their web site.
Create A Short Name/URL For Your Business:
You can create a short name and URL through your business profile, to make it easier for customers to find you and take them directly to your listing.
Put all this together and you’ll have a better Google listing and encourage customers to trust your business, driving more engagement for the same amount of web traffic.
Here’s the basic steps to setting up your GMB account:
- Visit https://www.google.com/business/
- Enter your business name
- On the location prompt, select ‘Yes’ and enter your business address
- If you serve areas outside your location (such as food delivery), select that option and enter the areas you service.
- Type in a business category and select the most appropriate for your business
- Select the contact details you want to share, enter your phone number and current website URL
- Click ‘Finish’ to finish and verify
The verification process is straight forward with several options – i.e. you can verify your listing by mail. Google sends a postcard to the address you entered, with a code to verify the address online.
Some businesses can also verify themselves by phone number, or email.
What are you waiting for? Get online now and pave the way for more customers to find you, more of the time!