Google My Business
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Google My Business Set Up
There is one area that Local
Businesses have an advantage over National Businesses. That is Google My Business. Or GMB for short. This is the area found just
above organic searches on Page 1 of search results. Here you will find
businesses listed through Google Services that accompany the Google Maps image.
The beauty of this section is that, even if your website is ranking organically on deeper pages of organic results, it could be featured in this section. Putting your business in this "map pack" is essentially allowing you to be displayed before the National Businesses under the organic search.
Google has taken a very positive step to promote local businesses by offering this listing area. And local business owners should definitely take advantage of this. But, as we have found, many do not. Perhaps these business owners are not aware of the option or don't have time to do the process to get listed there.
There are usually 3 top businesses listed there (with the occasional google ad
represented as well). National Businesses that dominate the top spots on
organic listings normally are not included in this local business section.
The beauty of this section is that, even if your website is ranking organically on deeper pages of organic results, it could be featured in this section. Putting your business in this "map pack" is essentially allowing you to be displayed before the National Businesses under the organic search.
Google has taken a very positive step to promote local businesses by offering this listing area. And local business owners should definitely take advantage of this. But, as we have found, many do not. Perhaps these business owners are not aware of the option or don't have time to do the process to get listed there.
Either way, if you are not included under Google My Business, you should seriously think about getting verified.
Your
business will need to basically apply through Google for inclusion in the
Google My Business section. You can find the submission area by searching
in Google for it. You business will need to have a Google Account, along
with a gmail account. But do not worry, you will not be spammed via
email.
Once you have the Google account set up, you would begin to input your company information. This includes your business name, physical address, and phone number. Google will send you a postcard via mail to verify your existence. Once you have that, you can then claim your business through GMB.
Keep in mind that it is very important to ensure that all of your related business information is the same on any site or directory that you published on. Using different phone numbers or addresses will cause your application to be rejected. So pay close attention to where you are advertising and ensure that all your information is the same.
You will also have a profile under GMB that you complete. This includes photos of where you work and photos of your staff members and management associated with your business. It is advantageous to complete this profile to the fullest of your capabilities.
Once you have the Google account set up, you would begin to input your company information. This includes your business name, physical address, and phone number. Google will send you a postcard via mail to verify your existence. Once you have that, you can then claim your business through GMB.
Keep in mind that it is very important to ensure that all of your related business information is the same on any site or directory that you published on. Using different phone numbers or addresses will cause your application to be rejected. So pay close attention to where you are advertising and ensure that all your information is the same.
You will also have a profile under GMB that you complete. This includes photos of where you work and photos of your staff members and management associated with your business. It is advantageous to complete this profile to the fullest of your capabilities.
Once you are verified and your profile has been updated, your competition businesses will narrow to include just the other businesses listed with Google My Business. Your playing field will narrow dramatically and you can then begin working on ranking in the top spot amongst those businesses included.
If your business is not listed here, we strongly urge you to go through the process. While it may be time consuming to do, the benefits will outweigh your time spent in the long run. If you are interested in outsourcing this piece, we are happy to assist you with this. Just reach out to us and we can give you a quote on the cost of our GMB service.
Just give us a call at 780.257.4731 or complete the webform here. We will get back to you..