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“Google My Business” is the latest name for Google’s product that allows you to get a listing on Google Maps. Your business also has the chance to show up in the three pack when someone searches for your services in your local area. It will also show up on the right-hand side when you type in your business name.
What is Google My Business and Why Care
Google My Business is a free platform from Google that allows you to manage your business information, track your reviews and measure the performance of your online marketing efforts. You can also create a website for your business with Google Sites. With all these features, it is no wonder small businesses are flocking to register on this site! It is important that you complete all the required fields in order to be found by potential customers.
In the example below, I have typed in “ice cream shop mooloolaba”. You can see that Google chooses 3 shops to show on the first page of Google. These 3 shops are registered on Google My Business. That is the only way you can show up in these listings.
However, there are actually 5 or more shops in Mooloolaba that serve ice cream. If you click on “View All”, it will take you to the maps section.
Here you may choose to go to an ice cream shop that is not in the three pack but is closer to where you are.
So you can see just how important it is to be listed here if you want anyone searching on their phone, tablet or desktop to find you.
If I know the name of the ice cream shop, I may type it into Google. Because the business “Gelatissimo Mooloolaba” has a listing, they get shown on the right hand side on a desktop, or at the top of a search on a mobile, making it much easier for people to get directions or call.
Registering on Google My Business will ensure that people can find you quickly if they want to visit.
How to Register on Google My Business
Plenty of people have already written on how to register, list or add your business to Google My Business. I recommend reading this article by Bright Local to see all the steps to set up Google My Business. They are in the business of online listings and they know more than most about what is required.
But as Bright Local says, this is just the beginning when it comes to listing your business online. Bright Local can list you on many other sites that will build your credibility in Google and improve your website rankings. Build Local Citations & Boost Your Local Rankings with BrightLocal From Only $2 Per Site!
How to optimise your Google My Business Listing
Marc from Work Pics has identified 11 elements you can optimise to help your listing rank higher in Google. He talks further about these in this blog post.
In my experience, how high your website ranks in Organic listings is also a key factor Google uses to determine which sites it puts in the three pack.
Optimising Google My Business: The #1 Business Directory Online
Why Google My Business will help you grow your business
It helps people find your business when they search for businesses, products and services in their area. It makes it easy for them to contact you.
Why Reviews are Important
The more good reviews you have, the higher your ranking tends to be on Google Maps. The higher your ranking is, the more customers are likely to find you.
Also, if the reviews are good, more people are likely to use your services.
How to get reviews for your business on Google My Business
The best way to get reviews is asking customers for them through email, social media, phone calls or an app. You can also request third party testimonials from service providers who have worked with you before.
Have current customers write testimonials about what makes your business special and why they love doing business with you. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry! Ask people who have already given some feedback on other platforms about the services they’ve received if they would be willing to leave another review on Google My Business.
Next Step
If you don’t want to do this yourself, contact me or Marc and we can help. Marc is ideal if you need photos or video (in Sydney, Australia) for your listing.
As part of the Large Hope monthly SEO services, we also fill out all the relevant sections of Google My Business.
