Have you ever looked at the businesses that appear on Google Maps and wondered how you can get yours added?
Well wonder no longer, the answer is a Google My Business listing. In this guide we'll explore what Google My Business is, what it can help you achieve and how to get on Google My Business.
Let's get started.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is like a social network for businesses. In fact, it's very similar to the now defunct Google+ network.
With Google My Business, business owners can set up pages and fill in their business details - including things like opening hours, photos, menus, services offered and so on.
Of course, exactly what your Google My Business page will include depends on the kind of company you run.
The great thing is, that Google My Business is flexible, meaning it's suitable for all kinds of businesses.
It can be used by businesses that have a storefront, such as bars and coffee shops, and those that don't, such as plumbers and freelancers.
And it's free, so you don't have to worry about budgeting for using it.
What benefits will a Google My Business listing bring to me?
We've already touched on one of the biggest advantages of having a Google My Business listing - appearing on Google Maps. If you've got a storefront, this will make it easier for customers to find their way to you.
Having a Google My Business listing also mean you have a chance of featuring in the main Google results when someone does a local search.
The best way to see this is with an example:
The information in the map and under it is all drawn from Google My Business listings, and it complete dominates the results pages.
You'll see similar results for any combination of "shop type and locality", and it even works for things like "coffee near me".
Wouldn't you just love to be the first business people see when running this kind of search in your area?
That's a huge reason why getting a Google My Business page set up is a good idea.
Aside from that, a Google My Business page also allows people to leave reviews of your business. (Check out the star ratings on the results example above).
This is great as it lets you know what people think of you, and lets you show off your successes to the wider public.
On top of this, you also get access to metrics including: The number of times your listing has been viewed, the number of times someone has got directions to your business via the listing, the number of phone calls generated by your listing and the number of clicks through to your website from your listing.
How can I get a Google My Business listing?
As already mentioned, Google My Business is free. All you need to do is register, fill in your details, upload photos and verify your business. (You verify your business by returning a postcard to prove your business is based at that address.)
Now, all of this may seem easy enough. But of course, it's just one more thing on to the already-full plate of a business owner. After all, you don't just have to fill in this information once - you have to update it every time your opening hours, menu, prices and so on change.
The good news is that Google My Business is now integrated with GoDaddy's Website Builder.
So if you have, or upgrade to, a Business Plus or Online Store package you'll be able to manage everything to do with your Google My Business page from your Website Builder dashboard.
And when you're setting up your Google My Business page, we'll use information from your website to help speed things up, making the whole process quicker and easier.
You can see the feature in action here:
Businesses are already setting up Google My Business pages via the tool, with one user commenting: "It was very easy. It was all step-by-step and easy to follow."
If you're planning on launching a new business website, or are thinking of replacing your existing business website, then GoDaddy Website Builder offers a quick and easy way to do so. Plus, you get access to a range of useful, time-saving features such as Google My Business integration that others vendors just can't match.
How can I make sure my Google My Business listing performs as well as possible?
Although Google My Business can help your business show up in map results, like most things related to search engines it's not guarantee.
However, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of appearing at or near the top of map results.
These are:
- Add photos
- Maintain your accurate business hours
- Provide a business description
- Regularly add posts, like promoting a new product
- Respond to reviews as they come in
Google has more guidance on improving your local ranking here.
Summing up
Having a Google My Business listing is crucial. It can literally drive customers to your door. And you can bet your rivals are using it. So make sure you get your listing today. If you want more tips on how to attract customers to your local business, check out this guide.
