Google My Business
Promoting your business online and increasing its visibility doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. One of the easiest ways to get started is by signing up for Google My Business. This free service allows you to control how your business appears in Google Search and Maps, giving potential customers easy access to your contact details, location, opening hours and more.
What is Google My Business?
Google is the most popular search engine in the UK, making it essential for businesses to have a strong presence on the platform. Google My Business is a free listing service that allows you to provide vital information about your business, including:
- Your location (with a map).
- Opening hours (including special hours during holidays).
- Contact details and links to your website.
- Reviews from customers.
- Photos and videos to showcase your business.
- Special offers and promotions.
When users search for a local business, the Google My Business listing often appears at the top of search results, providing an excellent opportunity for visibility.
Who is Google My Business For?
Google My Business is ideal for any business with a physical location or those offering direct services to customers. Whether you’re a restaurant, retail store, local builder, law firm or fitness studio, the platform helps you connect with nearby customers.
It’s equally beneficial for B2B companies like accountants, security firms or marketing agencies. No matter the size or sector of your business, Google My Business can enhance your online presence.
Features of Google My Business
Google My Business offers more than just basic contact details. Here’s what you can do with the platform:
Business Description
You can add a 750-character description of your business, giving you the chance to highlight your unique selling points and make a strong first impression.
Photos and Videos
Adding visuals can make your listing stand out. Businesses with photos and videos see significantly more engagement than those without.
Questions & Answers
Enable public Q&As to address common queries about your business. This feature is particularly useful for businesses offering specialised products or services.
Opening Hours
Keep your customers informed by adding your standard opening hours and updating them for special occasions or holidays.
Reviews
Customer reviews play a vital role in building trust and improving your search ranking. Use the dashboard to:
- Monitor and respond to reviews.
- Thank customers for positive feedback.
- Address any negative reviews constructively.
Posts
Use the Posts section to:
- Promote products with links to purchase pages.
- Share blogs and updates (note: posts remain live for seven days).
- Highlight special offers or upcoming events.
Services
List all your services with brief descriptions, helping potential customers understand what you offer.
Messaging
Activate Google’s messaging service to allow customers to contact you directly through your listing. This simplifies the enquiry process and can increase conversions.
Website Builder
Don’t have a website yet? Google My Business provides a free, automatically updated website based on your listing content—a great option for startups.
Insights
The Insights tool provides useful analytics, such as:
- How customers found your listing.
- What actions they took (e.g., visiting your website, requesting directions).
While not as detailed as Google Analytics, this feature offers a helpful snapshot of your online performance.
Getting Started
Setting up Google My Business is simple:
- Sign Up: Visit the Google My Business website and create a Google account, if you don’t already have one, if you do simply login.
- Add Your Details: Enter your business name, location, contact details and services.
- Verify Your Business: Google will send a verification code to confirm your listing.
- Optimise Your Profile: Add photos, write your business description and explore additional features.
Tips for Success
Many businesses make the mistake of setting up a basic listing and then forgetting about it. To get the most out of Google My Business:
- Keep Your Content Fresh: Regularly update your posts, photos and offers.
- Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave feedback and ensure you respond promptly to all reviews.
- Use Posts Strategically: Share seasonal promotions, events or news updates to keep your audience engaged.
- Track Performance: Use Insights to measure how well your listing is performing and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Google My Business
Google My Business is an invaluable tool for improving your online visibility and attracting more customers. It’s free, easy to set up and offers a range of features to help your business stand out in search results.
Done well, a Google My Business listing can drive more traffic to your website, improve your reputation and boost your business. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Google My Business today and start making your mark online!
