One thing I recommend to every local business is setting up a Google My Business account. Why? Because it’s an excellent way of increasing the visibility of your business, and your website, on Google. And let’s face it, Google is important and that’s not going to change any time soon.
A newly launched website doesn’t usually get found straight away as search engines don’t know that it’s there. As part of every new build that I complete, I add a Google Search Console profile (I’ll explain why soon!) and submit the sitemap to Google which helps to get things started but it doesn’t result in your new site being found immediately. A Google My Business profile can help you to be visible sooner and links through to your website which can bring longer term benefits too.
What is a Google My Business profile?
- It’s a free business profile that pins your business on Google maps and shows up in Google searches
- It displays some basic information about your business
- You can add photos and news updates
- It’s where people can leave reviews for your business
- Did I mention that it’s free?
How to set up a Google My Business profile
- Go to business.google.com
- Log in with a Google account (NB. This doesn’t have to be a gmail email address, this is any email address that you have signed up to Google services) or sign up
- Type in your business name
- Enter your business category (i.e. osteopath or maths tutor)
- Click yes to enter a location
- Make sure that the map marker is in the right location
- Answer the next few questions as appropriate for your business
- Choose a verification method such as the postcard option and enter contact details. In a few days the postcard will arrive and you can log back in to the business profile manager to enter the verification code
- Add photos and details of your business
- Done!
If you need help setting up and managing your Google My Business account, please let me know as I am happy to help.
