29th November, 2024
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool that businesses can use to manage their online presence across Google platforms, including Search and Maps.
At Tidy Design, we’ve used Google My Business for years to help strengthen the visibility and reputation of both our business and our clients’ businesses. It’s a resource we confidently recommend to every client because when optimised properly it doesn’t just increase visibility it also attracts more customers, builds trust, and showcases your brand in the best possible light. Whether you’re a small local business or a larger operation, Google My Business is a proven method for enhancing your online impact.
Setting Up Your Google My Business Account
To get started with Google My Business, the first step is to sign up or log in using your Google account. Simply head over to Google My Business to begin. Once you’re in, the next step is to add your business details. Enter your business name and select the category that best matches your services, this helps Google connect you with the right audience.
After that, it’s essential to provide accurate and detailed information about your business. Make sure your address is correct, so customers can easily find you on Google Maps. Add your phone number and website for easy contact and ensure your business hours are current to avoid any confusion.
Finally, you’ll need to verify your listing. Google usually completes this process through a postcard, phone call, or email. Follow their instructions carefully, as verification is crucial to getting your listing live and accessible to your audience.
Optimising Your Profile
Having a Google My Business listing is a great start, but simply being listed isn’t enough to stand out. Optimising your profile is essential if you want to maximise your visibility and attract the right customers. A well-maintained Google My Business profile can set you apart, showcasing what makes your business unique and helping potential customers connect with you easily.
To begin, focus on uploading high-quality photos. These should include images of your premises, products, or team, ensuring they are professional and engaging to make a great first impression on potential customers.
Next, your business description is key. Highlight your most important services and unique selling points while incorporating relevant keywords. This makes it easier for customers to find you when searching for businesses like yours.
Keeping your profile active and up to date is equally important. Use the “Posts” feature to share announcements, events, or special promotions, ensuring your business remains fresh and relevant in the eyes of potential customers.
Reviews play a huge role in building trust. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and make sure to respond to all feedback, whether it’s glowing praise or constructive criticism. This shows you value customer opinions and are dedicated to providing great service.
Also, don’t overlook the analytics offered by Google My Business. These insights can reveal how customers are finding and interacting with your profile, helping you fine-tune your marketing efforts and reach even more people effectively. When optimised, Google My Business is an invaluable tool for growing your business.
Finally, as business owners, it’s important to stay updated on any new features that Google My Business introduces. Google regularly adds tools and capabilities that can enhance your profile and improve your visibility. For instance, this post from 2020 highlights some of our favourite features at the time, but it’s worth checking back regularly for updates to ensure you’re making the most of all the options available. Keeping your profile fresh and up to date is key to staying ahead of the competition.
Benefits of Google My Business
Google My Business offers a range of benefits that can make a real difference for your business, especially when it comes to local visibility. From our own experience, we know how often we turn to Google when searching for nearby services or items—whether it’s finding a café, a repair shop, or a specific product. This highlights how crucial it is for businesses to feature prominently in local search results.
One of the biggest advantages of Google My Business is improved local SEO. An optimised profile significantly increases your chances of appearing in local search results, ensuring that people in your area can find you quickly and easily when they need your services. Being visible locally not only attracts customers but also positions your business as a trusted option within your community.
Google My Business also plays a significant role in driving foot traffic to your location. We’ve all been out and about and suddenly needed something quickly, whether it’s a place to entertain the children or somewhere to grab a bite to eat. In these moments, having an accurate and optimised Google My Business profile can make all the difference.
When your profile includes up-to-date details like your address, phone number, and business hours, it makes it easy for people to find and visit you, even on short notice. Whether someone is searching while on the go or planning their visit in advance, your Google My Business profile ensures they have everything they need to choose your business confidently.
Conclusion
Google My Business is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. By setting up and optimising your profile, you can boost visibility, build credibility, and attract more customers. It’s a powerful platform that helps you connect with your audience in a way that’s both meaningful and effective.
If you need help getting the most out of Google My Business, we’re here to assist. We’ve configured Google My Business for many customers, including for our own Tidy Design site. Reach out today, and let’s make sure your business gets the attention it deserves.
Thanks for reading about how to use Google My Business. And thanks, ChatGPT, for assisting in creating this post.
Luke