Listing your business on Google is now more streamlined than ever. Google My Business, which allows you to manage your Business Profile on Google Search and Maps, is now an essential part of Google’s dashboard for listing your business on Google and tracking your company’s online presence.
This includes the ability to edit information like opening hours, photos, offers, and products directly from your Business Profile on Google Maps. You can also engage with customer reviews and make updates using various devices, including Android. Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding or claiming your business on Google My Business.
Understanding Location and Registration Requirements
When preparing to set up a Business Profile, it’s important to note that Google’s algorithms display businesses in local search results (Maps). This is based on location and services. However, the registration of a business must be in the town or city with a physical address or service area. This rule ensures that businesses appear to potential customers in the right regions and also enhances the accuracy of local search results and visibility.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Listing Your Business on Google
If you already have an established business, you might find that listing your business on Google is partially complete. Your business could already exist in the Google My Business directory, and all you need to do is claim it. If you’re starting a new business or opening a new location, you’ll probably need to add it.
1. Go to Google My Business
Click “Manage Now”.
2. Enter Your Business Name in the Search Box
3. Select or Add Your Business
Click on your business listing if it appears among the suggested matches. If not, select the option that says, “create a business with this name”.
4. Select Your Business Type
Clarify to Google whether your business is online retail, a local store, or service-based.
5. Select Your Business Category
You will be asked to choose a Category that describes your business. The category selection is very important as it is essentially the way Google will classify your business and the type of search query it will display your listing for.
Google has preset Categories, or keywords, for each industry. Start typing your keyword in to see if Google produces a match, then select the best one. You will get a chance to add more categories later on (up to 5).
6. Enter Your Address
Enter your business address in Google. If you are offering a service, it will instead ask you to identify the areas where your business provides deliveries or home and office visits.
7. Verify Your Location.
Google asks you to drag and zoom the map and position the marker on the exact spot where your business is located.
8. Enter Contact Details
Provide any contact information you want your customers to see on your profile.
9. Verify Your Business
Google will want to verify that your business is located where you say that it is and that it is yours before listing your business on Google.
There are multiple verification methods available:
- Phone or Text: Verification through a phone call or text message.
- Email: Verification through an email sent to the business.
- Video Recording: Verification through a recorded video.
- Live Video Call: Verification through a live video call.
- Mail: Verification through a postcard sent to the business address.
- Instant Verification Methods:
- Verification through Google Search Console for website owners.
- Bulk verification for eligible businesses managing 10 or more profiles for locations of the same business.
10. Customize Your Profile.
Customize your profile by following these steps:
- Let your customers know when you are open for business by selecting the days and hours.
- Decide whether you want to receive messages from your business profile.
- Make sure to add a business description and photos.
Conclusion
Listing your business on Google is vital to your survival. Google My Business offers a clear and easy-to-use platform where you can edit key details and engage with customer reviews. This puts you in control of your online presence, allowing you to talk to your audience, show your offerings, and build trust in your brand.
Take the first step in local search engine optimization (SEO) today. Your business’s online visibility and success rely on it.