Have you googled your own business name recently? If so, in the search results, do your business details come up prominently in the right-hand column with all your details? If not, you haven’t set up a Google Business page. Having this listing helps to give your company credibility and can also help with your search engine ranking . Read on for help setting up a Google Business listing.
The first thing you need to do is create a Google account. If you already use Google analytics, you will already have an account. If not, time to sign up.
Follow this link to create a Google account.
Once you have done this, Sign up for a Google My Business account. Go to google.com/mybusiness .
Start by adding your business name.
As you type in your business name, you will be offered options that seem to match your business. It is possible there is already a business page for your business created by someone else. If so, you can claim the existing page. Assuming there is no page already in existence, Click Next.
You will be asked if you want to add a location your customers can visit. This location will show up on Google Maps and Search when customers are looking for your business.
Add your country, street, city and postcode.
There is the option to drag the map pin showing your location to an exact location.
Click next – You will be asked:
Do you also serve customers outside this location?
For example, if you visit or deliver to your customers, you can let them know where you are willing to go.
Click Next
Now you must choose the category that fits your business best. This helps customers find you if they are looking for a business like yours.
As you type, you will be offered options for categorising your business. You have to pick an existing category.
Take some time to find the right category. Once you have verified your business account, you will be able to add extra categories to your listing. It is well worth doing this.
Click Next
Now you will be asked what contact details do you want to show to customers.
Help customers get in touch by including this information on your listing.
Give your website and contact phone number. Giving these details helps to prove you are a genuine business. It helps visitors trust your company and gives Google information which will help you to come up in local search results.
You can then complete the listing.
The final stage will be to verify the listing. In order for Google to be certain that this business belongs to you and not to a competitor trying to spoil your listing, you will be sent a postcard to your physical address. It will take a few days to arrive by snail mail, but simply follow the instructions on the card when it arrives. You will then be able to extend the information you have provided about your business by including extra categories and adding pictures. Take the time to do this, it is well worth the effort.
You should also encourage clients to leave you reviews on this listing. This can really help to boost your ranking.
You can read more about creating a link to send customers to encourage them to give you testimonials in our article: “4 Steps to creating a link to your Google ‘My Business’ Reviews”
