Google My Business (GMB) is a free resource from Google that can dramatically boost your business’s local visibility online. If you’re not using GMB already, then the first item on your 2021 marketing checklist should be “set up Google My Business.” Once you create a GMB profile, you’ll unlock a powerful set of tools to boost engagement with your brand.
Why You Should Be Using Google My Business
If you’re wondering if it’s worth the time to set up Google My Business, consider this: An active GMB profile can directly increase your visibility on both Search and Maps results on Google. In addition, your profile will offer valuable information to potential customers that can help guide them to your storefront.
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Google My Business
Once you sign into Google My Business, you can begin setting up your listing. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Add or claim your business on Google. You’ll do this by entering your business’s address and, in some cases, pinpointing your location on the map.
- Select how your business will show up on Google. If your business serves customers from a physical location, your listing will feature your address so that customers can easily find you. Otherwise, you’ll select your local service areas.
- Select the best fitting category for your business. You’ll choose from a list of existing business categories, so you might want to look at some competitors’ listings to find the right category for your business.
- Enter your business’ phone number and website URL. You might also have the option to create a free website through GMB based on your information.
- Verify your business. This is how Google knows that your business is a real location that is as described in your listing. Most often, verification will be done by mail with a postcard containing a code sent to your business address. In some cases, phone or email verification is an option.
Once you’ve claimed your GMB listing, Leverage Marketing can help you make the most of it with ongoing GMB management. Learn what we can do by scheduling a short strategy call with our team.
