Optimize Your Google Business Listing - Step By Step Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting Up a Google My Business Listing
   1. Signing In or Creating a Google Account
   2. Verifying Your Phone Number
   3. Verifying Your Business Name
   4. Choosing a Business Category
   5. Adding a Physical Location
   6. Specifying Service Areas
   7. Adding Contact Information
   8. Adding Services and Service Areas
   9. Adding Opening and Closing Hours
   10. Providing a Business Description
   11. Adding Photos
   12. Optional Voucher for Google Ads
3. Finalizing Your Profile
   1. Checking and Modifying Information
   2. Adding Secondary Categories and Attributes
   3. Adding a Logo and Cover Photo
   4. Verifying Your Listing
4. Conclusion

Setting Up a Google My Business Listing

Setting up a Google My Business (GMB) listing is a crucial part of any local business owner's online marketing strategy. It allows your business to be easily found on Google search results and Google Maps, where most of your customers are likely to be searching. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of setting up a GMB listing and share some personal optimization tips along the way to increase your chances of being discovered by potential customers in Google's search results in 2021.

Signing In or Creating a Google Account

The first step in setting up your GMB listing is signing in to Google. If you already have a Google account that you're happy to use for your business, simply log in using your Gmail address. If you don't have a Google account, click on the "Create an account" option and follow the Prompts to create one. Choose the "To manage my business" option and fill in your details, including your first name, last name, username (preferably your business name), password, phone number, recovery email address, date of birth, and gender.

Verifying Your Phone Number

Once You've entered all your details, you'll be asked to verify your phone number. Google will send you a verification code via text message, which you'll need to enter on the Website. This step helps ensure that you are the owner of the phone number and adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Verifying Your Business Name

After verifying your phone number, you'll need to confirm your business name. According to Google's policy, your business name should reflect your business's real-world name and should not include additional details like address or service area. Be careful not to add any extra information that goes against Google's guidelines, as it could result in your listing being banned. Once you've confirmed your business name, proceed to the next step.

Choosing a Business Category

Selecting the appropriate category for your business is crucial, as it will have a significant impact on the keywords your listing ranks for in Google search results and Google Maps. Choose a category that best matches your business's primary activity. This choice will help potential customers find your business when searching for Relevant services. It's also recommended to add secondary categories related to your business to increase your chances of being found for relevant search terms.

Adding a Physical Location

If your business has a physical location that customers can visit, such as a store or office, select "Yes" when asked if you want to add a physical location. Fill in your business address details, which will be displayed on your listing and shown as a red Pin on Google Maps. If your business operates in a service area and doesn't have a physical storefront, choose the "No" option.

Specifying Service Areas

If you selected the "No" option for a physical location, you have the opportunity to specify the areas in which you're able to serve your customers. This helps visitors understand how far you're willing to go to deliver your services or products. You can specify countries, cities, regions, and postcodes, but remember that adding unnecessary areas won't help your listing rank in those areas. It's best to provide accurate and relevant information that aligns with your business operations.

Adding Contact Information

Next, you'll need to add contact information that will be displayed on your listing, allowing customers to get in touch with you. You have the option to add a phone number, website address, and other relevant details. If you don't have a website, you can choose the "Get a free website Based on your info" option, and Google will automatically create a web page for you. Adding both a phone number and a website address is recommended for maximum visibility.

Adding Services and Service Areas

Depending on the category you've chosen for your business, Google may automatically add related services to your listing. These services can be modified or removed as necessary. You also have the option to add your own services if the suggestions provided are not suitable. This step allows you to showcase the range of services you offer to potential customers, increasing the chances of attracting their Attention.

Adding Opening and Closing Hours

Provide your business's opening and closing hours to inform customers of when you're available. This information will be displayed on your listing and helps potential customers understand when they can reach you or visit your physical location. Double-check the accuracy of your opening and closing hours to avoid any confusion.

Providing a Business Description

Craft a short description of your business that will appear at the bottom of your listing. Think of it as an "About Us" page on your website, where you can highlight key information about your business. Avoid stuffing your description with irrelevant search terms, as it has no influence on Google's search results. Keep it concise, informative, and engaging to make a positive impression on potential customers.

Adding Photos

Adding photos to your Google My Business listing is crucial for attracting prospective customers. Genuine images that showcase your products, services, or previous work are preferred over stock images. Avoid using images downloaded from the internet, as Google and your visitors may view them negatively. Photos play a significant role in motivating customers to choose your business, so choose high-quality images that accurately represent your offerings.

Optional Voucher for Google Ads

At this point, Google may offer you a voucher for free advertising on Google Ads. You can choose to skip this option for now, as we will focus primarily on optimizing your Google My Business listing. However, it's worth considering in the future if you want to further promote your business using Google's advertising platform.

Finalizing Your Profile

After completing the initial setup of your Google My Business listing, it's essential to review and modify the information as needed to ensure accuracy and maximize your chances of attracting customers. From the left-HAND side menu, click on the "Info" link to access and modify the information you filled in during the creation process.

Checking and Modifying Information

Review your business name, category, service areas, opening and closing hours, contact information, and other details. Make any necessary changes or updates to ensure the accuracy of your listing. Pay attention to details like address, phone number, and website, as they directly impact how customers can Interact with your business.

Adding Secondary Categories and Attributes

Consider adding secondary categories that are relevant to your business to increase your visibility in Google's search results. These secondary categories should be related to your business activities and expand the range of keywords for which your listing can appear. Additionally, you can add attributes that provide further information about your business, such as health and safety measures or accessibility options.

Adding a Logo and Cover Photo

To enhance the visual appeal of your listing, add a logo and cover photo. Your logo should be square, with a recommended size of at least 720 pixels by 720 pixels. The cover photo should have a size of 1024 pixels by 576 pixels. These images will help your business stand out and leave a lasting impression on potential customers.

Verifying Your Listing

Once you've reviewed and finalized your profile, follow the verification process to make your Google My Business listing live. Google will send you a postcard containing a verification code to the physical mailing address you provided. Enter the code on the website to confirm your listing. Verifying your business adds credibility and trustworthiness to your listing.

Conclusion

Setting up a Google My Business listing is a crucial step in increasing your online visibility and attracting more customers to your local business. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this tutorial, you can create a comprehensive and optimized listing that showcases your business to potential customers. Remember to keep your information up to date and utilize the various features within Google My Business to maximize your online presence. Good luck with your listing, and may it bring you success in the digital world!

Highlights

• Setting up a Google My Business listing is essential for local businesses to improve online visibility and attract customers.
• The step-by-step process includes signing in or creating a Google account, verifying phone number and business name, choosing a business category, adding a physical location or service areas, providing contact information, adding services and opening hours, writing a business description, uploading photos, and finalizing the profile.
• Adding accurate and detailed information helps customers find your business easily and make informed decisions.
• Adding secondary categories and attributes, such as health and safety measures or accessibility options, further enhance your listing's visibility.
• Verifying your listing through the postcard verification process adds credibility to your business.

FAQs

Q: Can I create a Google My Business listing without a Google account? A: No, you need a Google account to create and manage a Google My Business listing. If you don't have one, you can easily create an account during the setup process.

Q: How long does it take to verify a Google My Business listing? A: The verification process typically takes up to four days once you've requested the verification postcard. Be sure to check your physical mailbox regularly to avoid delays in completing the verification.

Q: Can I add multiple locations to a single Google My Business account? A: Yes, Google My Business allows you to manage multiple locations within a single account. This is beneficial for businesses with multiple branches or franchises.

Q: What should I do if my business category is not available in the options provided? A: If you cannot find a suitable category for your business, choose the closest available option. Google allows you to add attributes and secondary categories to provide more context about your business activities.

Q: Can I update my Google My Business listing after it is verified? A: Yes, you can update your listing at any time after it is verified. It's important to keep your information accurate and up to date to provide the most relevant details to potential customers.

Q: Is it necessary to add photos to my Google My Business listing? A: Adding photos to your listing is highly recommended as they significantly impact potential customers' perception of your business. Use genuine images that showcase your products, services, or previous work to attract and engage customers.