What is Google My Business & Why Your Local Business Needs It.
In today's digital age, having an online presence for your business is more important than ever. Consumers are turning to the internet to research and discover new businesses, making it essential for companies to ensure that their online information is accurate and up-to-date. Fortunately, Google provides a simple and easy-to-use tool that can help businesses establish their online presence and manage their site information: Google My Business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool that allows business owners to manage their online presence across Google, including in search results and on Google Maps. With Google My Business, businesses can provide important information about their company, including their address, phone number, hours of operation, website URL, and more. By providing accurate and comprehensive information, businesses can improve their online visibility and make it easier for customers to find and contact them.
Manage your online business details.
One of the most important features of Google My Business is the ability to add and manage business details. This includes not only basic information like the business name and address, but also more detailed information like business category, service area, and attributes such as whether the business is women-led or offers free Wi-Fi. By providing as much information as possible, businesses can improve their chances of appearing in relevant search results and attracting more customers.
How to create your Google My Business Listing.
To get started with adding and managing business details on Google My Business, simply log in to your account and select the "Info" tab. From there, you can add or edit information about your business, including your address, phone number, website URL, and business hours. You can also select your business category and add attributes that describe your business, such as whether you offer outdoor seating or accept credit cards.
Add content to make your listing stand out.
In addition to basic business details, Google My Business also allows you to add photos and videos of your business. This is a great way to showcase your products or services and give customers a sense of what it's like to visit your business in person. You can also add virtual tours of your business, which can be especially useful for businesses in the hospitality or tourism industries.
Engage more with customers online.
Another important feature of Google My Business is the ability to manage customer reviews. Customer reviews are an important part of any business's online reputation, and Google My Business allows you to respond to reviews and engage with customers directly. By responding to reviews and addressing customer concerns, you can show that you value your customers and are committed to providing excellent service.
View how your business is performing online.
In addition to managing business details and customer reviews, Google My Business also provides insights into how customers are interacting with your business online. This includes data on how many people are viewing your business profile, how they're finding your business, and what actions they're taking, such as visiting your website or requesting directions. By analyzing this data, you can gain valuable insights into how to improve your online presence and attract more customers.
Conclusion
Adding your business information to Google's search engine can significantly improve your online visibility and increase the chances of potential customers finding and engaging with your business. This page from Google's developer documentation outlines the steps to follow to establish your business details on Google, including how to add your site information and verify your ownership of the site. By following these steps, you can ensure that your business appears accurately and prominently on Google's search results pages, making it easier for customers to find you online. Ultimately, taking the time to establish your business details on Google can lead to increased website traffic, better search engine rankings, and ultimately more business for your company.