How to Setup Google My Business Page 2021

Did you realize that you may be missing some of your best customers and clients simply because you don’t have or own a Google My Business page? Many Google My Business Pages are simply not set up, because business owners do not know the process. Here is your guide to Google My Business Setup.

Why Google My Business

According to the State of Marketing Report - 2020, 88% of local consumers used their smartphones to visit or call a local business to make a purchase. Many prospective clients or consumers are also using Google My Business to check business hours, locations, reviews, and insights.

If you don’t have a Google My Business page, then you should get excited about spending an extra 30 minutes setting one up.

Another important fact is that someone else can set up a page on Google for your business and if you don’t have access to that page, you can’t control the information being published. 

Plus, a staggering 97% of people admitted that they learn more about businesses online than anywhere else from the same report.

Can your business be found online? If not, you’re losing a huge sector of potential income and growth. 

GOOGLE MY BUSINESS PAGE

Google has the monopoly on search engines of today. It’s the largest search engine for Search Engine Optimization in the world. It accounts for over 88% of all global searches. This alone is reason enough to have a Google My Business page.

Google My Business (GMB) gives business owners a free page to develop their profile. It’s one time the adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, don’t do it,” should be ignored.

This is a free advertisement and marketing tool that reaches 90% of your client base as well as 88% of all local searches done on smartphones. Depending on keywords for your SEO, your business could appear on various searches that give you an advertising platform that you would have never intended or paid for. 

That’s a win for everyone.

SETTING UP A GOOGLE MY BUSINESS PAGE

Setting up your business page does what yellow pages or a phone book once did. It gives you a listing and a map. 

Start your Google My Business page by clicking here > www.google.com/business/ and following these steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Account, or create one. 
2. Sign up with your business email domain since this account will be for your brand or business. (This should be part of your website. If you don’t have one, you can reach out to your website administrator or hosting company. If you don’t have a website or domain, you can go here > Google Workspace Solutions to learn how to set one up through Google. Another option would be to reach out to us and let us get one set up for you.)
3. Enter the name of your business. 
4. Enter your business’ or chain’s address. (If your business doesn’t have a physical location you can list a service area.)
5. If you serve customers at your business address, enter your business address. You also have the option to list your service areas as well.
6. If you don't serve customers at your business address, you will still have to include an address. It can not be a P.O. Box. But you can choose to hide your specific address if you work out of your home and only show a general area that you serve. Next, you will choose, I deliver goods and services to my customers, then list your service area.
7. Select a business category. 
8. Enter a phone number or website URL, whichever will work best for you. Make sure your website has an easy-to-use contact button or form. 
9. Hit Finish.
10. Verification option. Don’t forget to review your information before you request verification. For some businesses, you will be able to choose the option - Verify Now. You will find a red banner at the top of the page, click Verify now.
11. For others, Google will send a postcard to the address you listed with a verification code. This code proves you’re a real business. You will have to enter the code before your listing is visible to others. The card will take about 5 business days or so to arrive.
12. If you’re not authorized to manage the Business Profile for the brand, find the person in your organization who’s authorized and continue the process.

ADD YOUR BUSINESS IN GOOGLE MAPS

1. Sign in to Google Maps.
2. You can add your business in 3 ways:
• Enter your address in the search bar. On the left, in the Business Profile, click Add your business.
• Right-click anywhere on the map. Then, click Add your business.
• In the top left, click Menu Add your business.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish signing up for Google My Business.

WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS ACTUALLY DO

Don’t assume everyone will know what your business does. Be descriptive when completing your business profile.

Mention what set’s your business apart, how you treat your clients and customers. In what ways has your business succeed or what problems does it solve?

Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. What questions are they asking when they search for your business? 

Creating a compelling business profile can sometimes be overwhelming.

You may need a fresh set of eyes, someone that can step back and evaluate your business’s best qualities. Ask employees, or return customers or clients for their opinions.

Invest in getting a professional evaluation, it may be helpful to completely renovate your brand before extending your reach with Google My Business.

Now’s the time to do that. You’re about to make yourself known to the world. Get the help you need to make a great impression. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Have you ever searched Google or Google Maps for something in particular?

A restaurant, gas station, grocery store?

If you have, you’ve noticed how many businesses often pop up. 

If you’re in the mood for barbeque and five barbeque restaurants appear, which one are you most likely to choose if you’re not familiar with them?

Probably the one that has the best pictures and most positive reviews. (We'll be discussing how to do this as well as other tips for growing your business in upcoming posts, keep in the loop by subscribing to our email list.)

In a busy virtual marketplace, local listings serve as a billboard for prospective customers who want to find you quickly and easily. But especially right when they're ready to make a purchase. 

Remember what we opened this up with, 88% of all consumers are using a Google search to make a local purchase. 

Completing a Google My Business Page can help you in so many ways!

It can make you more visible and effective in your community. It can provide growth and expansion opportunities. It can increase the job pool to better-qualified employees. 

Here are five key points that should encourage you to create your Google Business Page today:

1. Your business will appear more credible online.

2. Your business will appear in local search results.

3. Your online presence will convince more potential customers to buy and persuade past customers to return.

5. Your Google SEO will make your online ads more effective.

6. You will be able to track traffic which will add to your arsenal of marketing tools.

7. Your online presence can connect you more to the community around you.

 

Having your business listed with Google’s free profile Google My Business service is a no-brainer if you are looking to grow. 

 

If you want to set up a Google My Business Page but are overwhelmed with it all, feel free to contact us. You're not alone in growing your business.

Our passion is helping business owners be successful! We here to help you!