Is Google My Business Worth It?
Some people think that they do not need to be in Google My Business (GMB) because they already have a contact page with their business address and phone number somewhere online. What more could you get out of Google My Business? Well, Google can actually optimise your business presence even more with Google My Business listing.
What is Google My Business?
If you have ever tried to search for a business on Google and seen a professional business listing there complete with an address, map, phone number, and hours of operation – that’s Google My Business right there.
Why is a Google Business listing important?
Although you won’t be able to control the search results on Google, having your business listed can provide potential searchers with a more accurate listing of your business information. This is where SEO comes in.
Getting listed on Google Business will ensure that your business information on the Internet is accurate and up-to-date. Google My Business also provides other helpful tools for potential searchers, such as a map to your office and hours of operation, so people will know the best times to contact or visit you.
Google My Business can also help with customer engagement since people will be able to leave reviews about your business there. You will also be able to speak up and keep conversations going by replying to these reviews. This will help build rapport with current customers, as well as build trust with any potential customers that might be checking out your business.
You can take this a notch higher by adding photos of your business to encourage even more engagement. According to Google’s reports, businesses with photos on Google Business get 42% more requests for driving directions, as well as 35% more click-throughs to their websites. This, in turn, results in more customers and more profits in the long run.
It has also shown that businesses with verified Google My Business listings are more likely to entice customers because they are viewed as more reputable in the eyes of a web surfer. If you are verified on Google My Business, people are more likely to believe that you are trustworthy and are therefore more likely to get in touch with you, as well. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to get on Google’s good side. You’ve got nothing to lose, anyway, since it’s free of charge!
How do you get listed on Google My Business?
If you want a similar business listing of your own, visit google.com/business and create an account with the information that you would want people to find about your business.
Add your business name.
Click ‘Yes’ on the location prompt and add your office address.
Click on the option that serves areas outside of your location if applicable and enter the relevant areas.
Add a business category and choose the most appropriate one for your particular business.
Add any other contact details you would like to share, such as your phone number and website URL.
Click on Finish to complete the process and wait for verification.
The verification process for Google Business is pretty straightforward. You can get verified by mail, where Google sends you a postcard with a code for your online verification, or (if applicable), you can get verified via email or phone call.
The article was written by Soon Koon.