What is Google My Business and how does it relate to Google Maps?
Google My Businessis a service run by Google that gives web-searchers the ability to easily access business addresses, phone numbers and additional details relating to a business via Google Maps. In combination with the Google Maps feature, Google My Business also provides them with pictures of a particular area of business location as well as different routes and estimated time-frames for getting to a location depending on their mode of transportation.
Benefits of claiming a business on Google Maps
In order to use Google My Business, you first need to claim your business on Google Maps. Here are some potential benefits to claiming your business according to Google:
- Establishes online credibility and growth
- Creates organic web traffic
- Enables local customers to discover your business
- Allows customers to get accurate information about your hours
- Helps you create local online advertisements
How to claim your business to get the most out of your listing
Here are 8 steps to follow to help you through the process of claiming your business, according to Google:
1. Create a Google My Business account
Before you can claim your business, you need to create a Google My Business account. The format is similar to signing up for a Gmail account. You will need to create a business email address and a password at this stage.
2. Enter your business name
Type the name of your business. You can also search for and add your business or chain name in the suggestions tab.
3. Enter your business address
Add your business address. You might also be asked to place a location marker on a map to confirm the location. If your business does not have a set location, you can enter the town or city where you operate. If you run a chain businesswith multiple locations, start by entering your headquarter’s address. Once your account is set up, you can click the Manage Locations tab and add individual listings, addresses and contact information for separate locations.
4. Select and complete information to appear on Google Maps
After entering the proper contact details, Google My Business will ask you if you want to appear on Google Maps. If you select yes, it will ask you whether you serve customers at your location. If you own a location that customers can visit like a clothing boutique, restaurant or coffee shop, enter your address.
There will be an additional option for you to list locations of locations customers do not go to, like a factory or warehouse. If you do not own a business where customers visit like a call center or warehouse, enter your address and select “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” From here, it will ask you to list the areas in which you offer your services.
5. Search and choose a business category
After completing or dismissing Google Maps details, select a business category. Google recommends that you be specific. For example, instead of entering your business category as “Restaurant,” enter “Italian Restaurant.” This way you can be sure that your website appears in more target-based searches. If “Italian Restaurant” or a related category does not appear, Google advises that you pick the next closest category available.
6. Enter contact and website details
Enter the phone number that matches the location you are listing and if you have a website, enter the URL. This allows customers to have immediate access to contact details and your website all in one place. If you don’t have a website at this stage Google will ask you if you want to create a free website.
7. Select the method of verification you prefer
To protect your account from getting hacked, you will now be asked to select a verification method (via phone or email). You may have to answer additional security questions you will have to recall when logging in. This step also helps Google verify that you entered the correct email and phone details.
8. Add additional information and optimize your profile
According to Neil Patel, once you verify your account, you can add additional information and take measures to optimize your profile to improve your search rankings. At this stage, add your business hours, a description of your business, photos of your business location, employees or products and other items.
You should also make sure that all of the information you include on your Google My Business Account matches up exactly to the information you have on your website. If the information matches, you can receive higher rankings on Google and get more engagement with web users.
Frequently asked questions about Google My Business
How much does it cost to put your business on Google?
According to Google, setting up and having a Google My Business account is free. The exception is if you want touse Google Ads. In this case, you can establish a budget plan that works with your needs and price point.
How do I log into my Google My Business account?
You can log into your Google My Business account by completing the following steps:
- Open your preferred web browser
- Search, Google My Business
- Click on Google My Business web page
- Click sign in to start
- Enter your email address and password
How much does a Google My Business email cost?
Your Google Business email allows potential customers to contact your business through the information on the Google Maps listing. According toGoogle G Suite, (the program through which you create and access your Google Business email), there are three different payment options you can choose. There is a basic plan for six dollars per month, a business plan for $12 per month and an Enterprise plan for $25 per month.
These two options offer additional features like unlimited cloud storage and Apps Script. If you want to add emails for individual employees, it could change the pricing.
