Setting up Google My Business listing for beginners
If you’re looking at how to get your business details up on Google Map, Search, and other Google platforms, you’ve come to the right place.
But for your business listing to be visible across these platforms, you’ll need a verified Google My Business (GMB) account.
Local SEO with GMB
A Google My Business listing is as important as the Yellow Pages were for businesses before Google or the internet took over. Without it, your customers might not see you on Google Maps and Search listings.
When potential customers type in ‘accountant near me’ on Google search, your GMB profile listing should show up on searches, like a directory listing, with other related businesses near them. This is a local SEO strategy to help your business be more visible in local searches on Google. And did I mention it’s free?
What is Google Local Pack?
Google Local Pack is the Google Map Pack of information, or search display, based on your customers’ queries. Google will show them a local map, lists of businesses and other snippets of information on search engine results page (SERP). GMB was made with local businesses in mind and built to make it easier for your future customers to find you online, contact and visit you, with as little effort or clicks as possible.
What you need to create a Google My Business account
It’s easy enough to set up your GMB listing without a digital marketing agency, and quickly too.
Below is the snippet of information your potential customers will see about your business. Aside from Reviews, it’s a good idea to have them ready when creating your listing:
- Business name
- Description of your service
- Category or the types of services you provide
- Business opening hours
- Pictures
- How to contact you (phone, address, website)
- Where you are on Google Maps, and of course:
- Reviews
About those Google Reviews
Finally, with your GMB account, you can review and manage your Google Reviews. These reviews are important as they can influence people’s decision on where to eat, which shop to buy from, which accountant to go with, etc.
So you need to monitor and respond to them. If you’re given a great review, say thanks. And if it’s a negative review, say thanks anyway. But acknowledge the issue. It wouldn’t hurt either to fix the problem with a discount on their next purchase, refund, and so on. It is much cheaper to lose a little money (fanning out irate customer and avoiding negative reviews) when you gain a lot more from a satisfied customer (e.g. positive Google Reviews or recommendations).
Verification Code
Once you have set your Google My Business account up, it needs to be verified before your listing becomes public. There are three ways your account can be verified, but all require a code to activate it:
- Automated phone call or text
- Postcard
If you have been running your business for some time now, the first two options might be available to you.
Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the activated via slow mail postcard for most new businesses.
Google says it’s about six days wait for the verification code postcard to arrive, but what I found in the last nine months is that it’s at least a six weeks wait. If you can’t wait that long, email Google and request verification via a video chat with one of their reps.
Need help Google My Business or local SEO?
Need help setting up your GMB listing or local SEO marketing? Contact our Digital Path Brisbane team if you need help with your local search strategies. We’ll optimise your GMB listing and website content, improve your local SEO, monitor your digital platforms, and many more.
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