What is Google My Business & Why Do I Need It?

A few years ago, my little brother started a painting business in Panama City, Florida. As a digital marketing professional, the very first question I asked is if he claimed his Google My Business profile yet. Yes, your Google My Business profile that important!

Before you create a website, run ads, register social media accounts, or list your business on any other directory, register your Google My Business page first, and fill it out as completely as possible.

What is Google My Business?

According to Google, “Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.” For example, when you search for almost any product or service on Google or Google Maps, Google My Business listings show up first. Go ahead, take a minute to test this yourself. Search for a hair salon, seafood restaurant, or furniture store.

Why Google My Business is important.

Since Google still boasts over 86% of search engine market share as of July 2020, it is vital that your organization’s information show up when users perform searches on Google. Of course, great reviews, popular keywords, and other factors will help your organization show up first and get more traffic. However, we must start somewhere. Claiming your Google My Business page is the first step.

Claiming or creating a Google My Business Profile takes time.

To claim or create your Google My Business page:

1. Create or login to your Google account.
2. Create or claim your page.
3. Confirm your contact information.

Google will request to call you directly or send a postcard with a unique claim code to confirm your contact information. Usually, business owners or managers must wait a few weeks before you get access to edit your profile.

Fill out your Google My Business Profile completely.

The first time you log in, you will see the option to add a description, hours, services, images, videos, a logo, cover photo, keywords, and more. The more information you add, the more likely potential customers will be able to find you. Take your time filling out the profile and add as much information as you can.

Update your listing regularly.

Post coupons and special deals and thoughtfully reply to reviews for best results. Keep your login information in a safe place and be prepared to change your profile any time you need to update your hours or if you are closed for the holidays. Searchers are likely to find this profile before visiting your website, so it is essential to keep your business’s information up to date.

Request reviews.

Within your profile, under the “Info” section, you’ll see the option to share your profile. We recommend sharing your profile with customers and ask them to leave a review. Positive reviews will boost your ranking.

Get started with Google My Business now.

Now that you understand what Google My Business is, how to use it, and just how important it is for local searchers, it is time to get started using this incredibly helpful free tool. Claim your profile now at Google.com/business.