Have you ever Googled your favorite coffee shop or a nearby service, only to see it pop up on Google Maps with all the details you need? Now you’re wondering how to place my business on Google Maps? Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner in Canada, getting your business listed on Google Maps is no longer optional—it’s a must for visibility and growth.
In this guide, we’ll not only walk you through the steps but also dive into overlooked tips, share valuable stats, and explore how Click Typhoon can help Canada residents optimize their Google Maps presence with expert local SEO services.
Why Being on Google Maps Matters
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick reality check:
- 46% of all Google searches are for local businesses.
- Businesses with complete Google My Business (GMB) profiles get 7x more clicks than those without.
- 86% of people look up the location of a business on Google Maps before making a visit.
In short, being on Google Maps isn’t just about having a pin on a digital map; it’s about driving traffic, building trust, and increasing conversions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing Your Business on Google Maps
1. Set Up or Claim Your Google My Business Profile
- Go to the Google My Business website.
- Sign in with your Google account or create one if you don’t have it.
- Click “Manage Now” and type your business name. If your business is already listed, claim it. If not, create a new listing.
2. Add Accurate Information
Details matter. Fill in your:
- Business Name: Use your official name to avoid confusion.
- Address: For service-based businesses, choose “hide my address” and specify a service area.
- Phone Number: Preferably a local Canadian number.
- Website URL: Link to a fast, mobile-friendly website.
3. Select the Right Business Categories
Choosing the right categories can make or break your listing. While many websites simply tell you to pick one, here’s an insider tip:
- Primary Category: Reflects your core service (e.g., “Italian Restaurant”).
- Secondary Categories: Covers related offerings (e.g., “Catering Service”).
4. Verify Your Listing
Verification is the step that most businesses overlook or struggle with.
- Postcard Verification: Google mails a postcard with a code. This is the most common method.
- Phone or Email Verification: Available for some businesses.
- Instant Verification: If your business is already verified in Google Search Console, you may qualify for this.
Pro Tip: Click Typhoon specializes in helping Canadian businesses expedite the verification process and troubleshoot verification issues.
5. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Having a listing isn’t enough; optimizing it is the real game-changer.
- Add high-quality photos and videos of your storefront, products, or services.
- Write a compelling business description (up to 750 characters).
- Use keywords strategically in your posts and descriptions for better ranking.
Read more about “Is SEO Worth it For Small Businesses” on our blog page today!
Tips Most Websites Don’t Talk About
1. Leverage Local Canadian Trends
Canadians are proud of their local businesses. Showcase how you cater to local tastes and trends, whether that’s offering poutine in Quebec or eco-friendly services in Vancouver.
2. Ask for Reviews (the Smart Way)
Did you know that positive reviews improve your Google Maps ranking by 15%? Politely request reviews from satisfied customers but avoid generic requests. Example: “How did you like our maple syrup selection today?”
3. Use Google Posts Regularly
Most businesses don’t utilize Google Posts, but they’re a fantastic way to share updates, promotions, and events. Canadians love supporting local events—capitalize on that!
4. Track Your Insights
Google My Business provides insights on how people find you. For instance:
- Direct Searches: People searching for your business name.
- Discovery Searches: People finding you via categories or keywords.
- Photo Views: Businesses with more photos get 42% more requests for directions.
5. Collaborate with Local SEO Experts
Optimizing for Google Maps isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. This is where Click Typhoon steps in. With tailored Local SEO services, we help Canadian businesses stay competitive, rank higher, and attract more customers.
How Click Typhoon Can Help You
At Click Typhoon, we understand the unique needs of Canadian businesses. Whether you’re based in Toronto, Calgary, or Halifax, we:
- Conduct comprehensive keyword research to target Canadian audiences.
- Help you optimize your Google My Business profile with localized strategies.
- Manage reviews to build trust and credibility.
- Boost your ranking through citations, backlinks, and local content marketing.
Let us handle the SEO so you can focus on running your business.
Conclusion
Placing your business on Google Maps isn’t rocket science, but doing it effectively requires strategy. From setting up your profile to optimizing it for Canadian audiences, every step matters. By leveraging tools like Google Posts and insights—and partnering with experts like Click Typhoon—you can ensure your business stands out.
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Your customers are searching for services like yours on Google Maps right now. Don’t let your competitors take the spotlight. Connect with Click Typhoon today to:
- Get personalized local SEO strategies tailored to Canada.
- Save time and effort with expert optimization.
- Improve your Google Maps ranking and attract more customers.
- Gain valuable insights into your business’s online presence.
- Watch your business grow as we help you dominate local search results.
