Presently, establishing a strong online presence for your business is more than just an option—it’s now very necessary for every business no matter the size. One of the most effective ways to increase or amplify your online presence is by having a Google My Business (GMB) account. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a GMB account for your business, optimizing your listing or profile for improved visibility, and leveraging its great features to draw more modern customers to your business.
Why Creating a Google My Business Account is Very Important
It’s necessary to understand why creating a Google My Business account or profile is a game-changer for your business, before we go into the setup process, :
- Increased Online Visibility: A well-optimised Google My Business account or profile will in no little way boost your business’ online visibility, especially on Google search results and Google Maps, this makes it easier for potential customers (especially, those in search of the exact business or services you provide) to find you.
- Consistent Information: There are details which are regarded as the most important details of your business, these details include your name, address, and phone number (NAP). You should ensure that those important information are error-free and the same in all your online accounts, this will definitely enhance your credibility and help you with local SEO.
- Customer Insights: Google My Business account helps you to have access to valuable analytics which provide you with insights into how customers are interacting with your business online, and how they found your listing and what actions they took when they visited your site.
- Competitive Advantage: There is a popular adage among the Igbo People of Africa which says, ‘A herbalist is greater than his fellow with just one root’. A GMB account is enough to help you stand out from competitors, it presents your business as trustworthy, credible and reliable in your industry.
Now let’s dive into the steps of creating a Google My Business Account/profile. We will try our best to make the steps very easy to understand and practicable.
Step 1: Creating a Google My Business Account
- Open your web browser and visit the Google My Business web address, https://business.google.com/create
- If you already have a Google account and you are accessing the site with your device, you will be automatically signed in. If not, you’ll need to create a Google Account.
Note: You certainly have a Google account if you have e Gmail.
Step 2: Find Your Business
- Type your business name into the search bar.If your business shows up, you can claim it. If not, click on “Add your business to Google” to begin the registration process immediately.
Step 3: Add Your Business Information
- Fill in your business name, address, and other essential details in the spaces provided by Google accordingly.
- Choose categories that best describe your business to make it easier for potential customers to find you when they search for related services. Wrong selections at this stage will make your business appear when searches that are not related to your kind of business are made.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
- Choose your verification method. Google may send a verification code to the phone number you provided, or send the code via a phone call or require you to do about a 5 minute video or send you a postcard that contains your verification code to your business address. The postcard usually arrives within one week.
- No matter the mode through which the code gets to you, you will need to sign in to your Google My Business account and enter the code to verify your business.
Note: You can skip the verification process and continue with the rest of the registration process and then come back to it when you are ready. Your account will be invisible to the public if it is unverified.
Step 5: Complete Your Profile
- Add your business hours: Clearly specify your business hours to help customers plan their visits. This is especially important for businesses with seasonal hours or special holiday hours.
- Upload photos: Showcase your business with high-resolution photos that highlight your products, services, and overall ambiance. Listings with compelling images receive more clicks and engagement.
- Provide contact details: Ensure your phone number and website are listed so customers can reach you easily.
Step 6: Managing and Maintaining Your Listing
Regularly updating your GMB listing ensures that your business information remains accurate and relevant:
- Monitor and Respond to Reviews: Actively engage with customers by responding to their reviews—whether positive or negative. This not only builds trust but also shows that you value customer feedback.
- Update Business Information: Keep your business details, such as hours of operation, address, and contact information, up-to-date to avoid customer frustration and potential loss of business.
- Utilize GMB Posts: Share updates, promotions, events, and other relevant information through GMB posts to keep your audience informed and engaged.
Leveraging Google My Business Features
Google My Business offers a variety of features that can help you enhance your online presence and drive more customer engagement:
- Use the analytics provided by GMB to understand customer behaviour, track how they interact with your listing, and refine your marketing strategies accordingly.
- Enable messaging to allow customers to contact you directly through your GMB listing, providing them with quick and convenient access to your services.
- If applicable, integrate booking buttons to allow customers to schedule appointments or make reservations directly from your listing, streamlining the customer experience.
Tips and Best Practices for Maximizing Your GMB Account
To ensure your Google My Business account works as effectively as possible, consider these best practices:
- Maintain Accurate Information: Consistently update your business information across all online platforms to prevent discrepancies that could confuse customers or harm your search rankings.
- Use Professional-Quality Photos: High-quality images can make a significant impact on potential customers’ first impressions, so invest in professional photography if possible.
- Engage with Customer Reviews: Regularly respond to reviews to show that you care about customer satisfaction and are attentive to feedback.
- Post Frequently: Keep your audience engaged by regularly posting updates, promotions, and news relevant to your business.
Conclusion
Creating a Google My Business account is a powerful yet simple strategy to amplify your business’ online presence, attract new customers, and grow your revenue. By following these steps and leveraging GMB’s full range of features, you can establish your business as a trusted authority in your industry, outshine your competitors, and drive sustained growth. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with your audience where they are—start creating your Google My Business account today.