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How to Get on Google Business Listings

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In today’s digital world, online visibility is crucial for any business. If you’re not showing up on Google, you could be missing out on countless opportunities to engage with potential customers. With over 5.9 billion Google searches happening every day, not being visible can drastically hurt your credibility and local presence.

Having a website alone is not enough. Your business needs to appear where potential customers are actively searching, and that’s where a Google Business Profile comes in. A Google Business Profile allows your business to show up in local searches, on Google Maps, and mobile searches, providing your customers with important details like your location, business hours, and reviews.

The real question is: how do you ensure your business stands out and appears on Google? This guide will walk you through the entire process of how to get on Google business listings and optimizing your profile to improve your visibility.

What is Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool that helps businesses manage their presence on Google Search and Google Maps. It enables you to provide essential information about your business—such as your address, phone number, website, business hours, and customer reviews—directly on Google’s search platform.

When your Google Business Profile is set up and well-maintained, it significantly boosts your local visibility. It makes it easier for potential customers to find and engage with your business. By ensuring that your business appears accurately on Google, you enhance its credibility and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

Consequences of Not Listing Your Business

Before diving into the steps for listing your business, let’s look at the consequences of not having a Google listing:

Missed Opportunities

Without a Google Business Profile, potential customers may not be able to find your business when they search for products or services you offer. Google is the most popular search engine worldwide, and people rely on it to discover local businesses. If your business isn’t listed, you’re essentially invisible to these customers.

For example, customers might be looking for restaurants, hair salons, or repair services near them, and if your business isn’t appearing in these local searches, they’ll turn to your competitors, who have claimed and optimized their profiles.

Loss of Credibility

A business that isn’t listed on Google may seem less credible. Many customers perform quick searches to verify the legitimacy of a business before making a purchase or visiting its location. Without a listing, your business could appear untrustworthy or outdated in the eyes of potential clients, causing them to look elsewhere for solutions.

In today’s digital-first world, a lack of Google presence often equates to a lack of customer trust.

Negative Impact on SEO

Google uses local search rankings to determine which businesses appear in Google Search and Google Maps. If your business isn’t listed, you’re missing out on significant SEO benefits that can help increase your website traffic and foot traffic to your physical store. This is a major disadvantage since customers often rely on Google’s local search feature to make purchasing decisions.

Steps to List Your Business on Google

Now that you understand why listing your business is so essential, let’s go through the step-by-step process of creating and managing your Google Business Profile:

Step 1: Create or Log Into a Google Account

The first step in getting your business listed on Google is to either create a new Google account or log into your existing one. If you don’t already have a Google account, you’ll need to sign up for one:

  1. Go to the Google Accounts page.
  2. Use a professional email address (e.g., name@yourbusiness.com) for consistency and ease of contact.
  3. Enter your basic details such as your business name, email, and password.

If you already have a Google account, simply log in to access your Google Business Profile.

Step 2: Access Google My Business (GMB)

Once you have your Google account set up, visit the Google My Business website and click on “Manage Now.” Google My Business is the platform where you can create and manage your business profile. This tool allows you to control how your business appears in Google Search and on Google Maps.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Information

The next step is to input accurate and complete details about your business. This will help Google and potential customers find your business easily. Be sure to include:

  • Business Name: Make sure it matches the name you use on your signage, website, and other online platforms.
  • Business Address: Include the precise location of your business to help customers find you easily. Ensure the address is consistent with what appears on other directories or websites.
  • Phone Number & Website: Provide a direct line of contact for your customers, as well as a link to your website if applicable.
  • Business Hours: Include your regular business hours and note any special hours for holidays or events.

Step 4: Choose a Business Category

Google asks you to select a primary category that best describes your business. This is critical because it determines which searches your business will appear in. If your business offers multiple services, you can also add secondary categories. For example, if you run a bakery, your primary category would be “Bakery,” but you can also select “Coffee Shop” as a secondary category if you offer coffee.

Step 5: Verify Your Business

Before your business listing goes live, Google requires you to verify that you’re the owner or authorized manager of the business. This verification can be done in several ways:

  • Postcard by Mail: Google will mail you a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once you receive it, you’ll need to enter the code in your Google Business Profile.
  • Phone Verification: If eligible, you can verify via a phone call.
  • Email Verification: In some cases, businesses can verify through an email sent to the business’s email address.

Verification is crucial; without it, your business listing won’t appear on Google.

Step 6: Optimize Your Profile

Once verified, it’s time to optimize your Google Business Profile. Here are a few key tips to improve your listing and attract more customers:

  • Business Description: Write a clear and engaging description of your business, making sure to include relevant keywords.
  • Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, and services. Google reports that businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
  • Services & Products: If applicable, list your services and products with detailed descriptions and prices.
  • Special Features: Take advantage of features like health and safety protocols or wheelchair accessibility options if relevant.

Step 7: Manage and Update Your Listing Regularly

Once your profile is live, it’s important to keep it fresh. Regularly update your business hours, add new photos, and engage with customer reviews. Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows that you care about customer feedback and helps build trust.

How to Improve Local Ranking on Google

To enhance your business’s ranking in local search results, it’s essential to:

  • Complete your profile: Google ranks businesses that provide complete and accurate information higher.
  • Verify your business: Verification boosts your credibility and visibility.
  • Maintain accurate business hours: Keep your hours up to date to avoid missing out on potential customers.
  • Manage reviews: Engage with customers by responding to their reviews, which helps build trust and loyalty.
  • Add high-quality photos: Businesses with photos are more likely to attract customer attention.
  • List in-store products: If you sell products, make them visible on your Google Business Profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get into my Google business listing?

To access your Google Business listing, log into your Google account, visit the Google My Business page, and click “Manage Now” to update your profile.

Is Google Business Listing free?

Yes, Google Business Listing is completely free. It’s an essential tool for increasing your online visibility without incurring additional costs.

How do I post to Google Business Listing?

You can post updates, offers, and events directly on your Google Business Profile by navigating to the Google My Business dashboard and selecting “Posts.”

How do I get my Google business listing on top?

To rank higher in local searches, ensure that your business profile is complete and accurate, post regular updates, respond to reviews, add high-quality photos, and verify your listing.

Conclusion

Listing your business on Google is a crucial step in increasing visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your business stands out in local searches and on Google Maps. Regularly updating your Google Business Profile is key to maintaining an active and positive online presence.

If you’re looking to maximize your business’s online presence and improve your SEO strategies, contact us at Click Typhoon for all your Local SEO in Delta BC needs. Let us help you optimize your Google Business Profile and grow your digital footprint!

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