Marketing Strategy
How to Add Your Business to Google

How to Add Your Business to Google

February 22, 2021
6 min read

If you want to boost your online presence, one of the best things you can do is claim your Google business listing.

Especially if you just started marketing your business, Google My Business is a great launching point.

Today, most people and business buyers look for products and services online. When they do, they usually intend to make a purchase soon after. In fact, about half of consumers who conduct “[product search] near me” searches visit an online store or business website that same day.

For this reason, it’s important that the information that people find online about your business is accurate. You can accomplish this task by adding your business to Google.

Your Google Business Listing Matters

In addition to content marketing, SEO is an important part of an effective digital marketing strategy.

You may ask, “How to get your business on Google?” Alternatively, you may wonder, “How to get my business on Google Maps?” The answer is you can do both by registering for a Google My Business account.

A Google my business listing helps your company to show up in local Google searches and maps. Google searches and maps are vital for giving your business legitimacy.

What’s more, they’re especially important if you have a physical store. Google search results are also important if you provide local services.

You may have yet to claim your Google My Business profile. If you haven’t, you’ll want to get started on doing so right away.

Alternatively, you may already have a Google My Business profile. In that case, you want to make sure that all your details are current. You also want to make sure that the information on your Google My Business profile matches your website and social profiles.

A small discrepancy, such as an incorrect address or phone number, could lower your online credibility. What’s more, inaccurate details can negatively impact your SEO ranking with Google.

Accordingly, it’s important to make sure that the online details published about your business are correct. What’s more, it’s important to make sure that you publish the same information everywhere you promote your business online.

Getting Started With Google My Business

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free resource that helps you manage how your business shows up in Google’s search engine and maps.

Google My Business

Your Google My Business profile contains information such as your business name and location. It will also highlight your business hours.

You can also use Google My Business to monitor and reply to customer reviews. Furthermore, you can add photos related to your business.

More importantly, you can learn more about your customers with Google My Business. For example, you can learn how people are searching for you and use that information to find new customers. You can also learn more about where these individuals are located relative to your business.

It’s a straightforward process to register your business on Google. However, you’ll also need to verify your business. You also want to make sure that your listing is as strong as possible.

There is no charge to use the service.

How to Add Your Business to Google

Here’s 7 simple steps to adding your business to Google:

  1. Start by logging into the Google account associated with your business to get started creating your Google My Business profile. If you don’t have a Google account, you can simply create a free Google account for your business.
  2. Now, you want to navigate to google.com/business. There, you’ll find a “Manage now” button in the top right-hand corner and on the landing page.
  3. After clicking the “Manage now” button, you can enter the name of your business. After entering your business name, you’ll go to the next step and enter your business address.
  4. Now you can move on to the next step, which is telling Google more about your business. Here, you’ll let Google My Business know if you go to your customers instead of having them come to your store.
  5. For example, you might operate a residential contracting business. In this case, you’ll check the box that says, “I deliver goods and services to my customers.”
  6. Alternatively, you may work from home or have an address you don’t want to reveal to the public. In that case, you’ll check the “Hide my address” option. Now, you can enter your service area.
  7. At this stage, you’ll want to choose the most accurate category for your business. This information will tell Google who to show your business to when people look for information.

Now, you can add your business phone number and website to your Google My Business profile.

Your Google My Business profile

Also remember to add your business to Google Maps.

Verifying Your Business

Google business verification helps you to ensure the accuracy of your company’s online information. It also helps to ensure that no one falsely represents your business.

There are a few ways that you can verify your Google my business listing. These methods include:

• Email
• Instant verification
• Phone
• Postcard
• Bulk verification (For ten or more locations)

You’ll begin the verification process by making sure that your business address is correct. You can also add a contact name for the postcard if you choose that verification method.

Now, click “Mail,” and Google will send you a postcard. The postcard should arrive in about five business days.

While you’re waiting for the postcard to arrive, it’s important not to change your name, address or business category. Also, make sure that you don’t request a new code. Any of these actions can delay the verification process.

Once you receive the postcard, log onto your Google My Business account. If you have more than one business location, select the business you want to verify, then click “Verify now.”

Now, you can enter the five-digit verification code that you received on the Google postcard. After hitting submit, you’ll have verified your business.

Other Verification Methods

You can also verify your Google My Business profile by phone if you’re qualified. If you’re eligible for this method, you’ll see the “Verify by phone” button when you begin the verification process.

Also, you may have already verified your business using the Google Search Console. If so, you might see the option to verify your business instantly using email.

Tweaking Your Business Profile

Now, you want to optimize your business profile. You’d begin by navigating to your Google My Business dashboard and clicking the business profile that you’d like to optimize.

get your business added to google

You can start by choosing the info section in completing or updating your information. You’ll want to add as much information and media to your profile as possible.

For example, you want to include a photo of your business. You also want to state the area that you serve.

Also, you’ll want to list important information such as your business hours. It’s also important to list vital features of your business, such as whether you offer wheelchair accessibility or free Wi-Fi.

When optimizing your listing, you want to make sure that everything’s right the first time. Google allows anyone to suggest edits to your Google My Business listing. You don’t want to encourage people to make random changes because your business information is inaccurate.

You also want to check your Google My Business listing periodically. It’s a good idea to check your listing occasionally to make sure that all the details of your business are current and correct.

I like to add some of my most popular blog articles to the listing every once in a while to show our customers what we’re all about!

Managing Online Reviews

Now you know the answer to the question, “How do I add my business to Google?” However, you’ll also want to manage your Google My Business reviews. It’s good practice to encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business profile.

However, it’s also important to respond to those reviews. A response to a positive review shows that you appreciate your customers.

It also shows that you’re thankful for your customers’ support. More importantly, however, thanking customers for reviews makes your positive reviews stand out. This practice also compels other customers to leave more positive reviews.

Conversely, it’s also important to respond to negative reviews. You can show your customers that you take your business seriously by responding to complaints. In this regard, it’s important to work to resolve the issues of unhappy buyers.

However, it’s vital to remain extremely courteous when responding to negative reviews. Attacking your customers makes you look unprofessional. Furthermore, an inappropriate response will make negative reviews look more credible.

Consider Content Marketing Experts for Your Digital Marketing Success

Now you know more about how to add your business to Google. However, Google My Business is just the first step in promoting yourself locally online. For example, you might also want to consider content marketing.

Online marketing is a full-time job. Fortunately, an experienced Content Marketing expert can help.

Marketing Insider Group is a digital marketing firm with global recognition. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses win online. We can also help you to develop a successful content marketing strategy.

We specialize in a customer-centric approach for both large and small organizations. When you partner with Marketing Insider Group, you’ll learn how to breakdown silos and create a culture of innovation.

Contact Marketing Insider Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about taking your digital marketing campaign to the next level.

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Michael Brenner

Michael Brenner is an international keynote speaker, author of "Mean People Suck" and "The Content Formula", and Founder of Marketing Insider Group. Recognized as a Top Content Marketing expert and Digital Marketing Leader, Michael leverages his experience from roles in sales and marketing for global brands like SAP and Nielsen, as well as his leadership in leading teams and driving growth for thriving startups. Today, Michael delivers empowering keynotes on marketing and leadership, and facilitates actionable workshops on content marketing strategy. Connect with Michael today.

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