Getting your business listed on Google is not as hard as you think.
Google is the world’s largest search engine, handling approximately 8.5 billion searches per day. Leading the search engine business, Google accounts for 91.9 percent of the global search engine market share. Given that, it’s no wonder businesses want their products and services to be seen by Google users. If you aren’t on Google, you are missing out on a lot of potential customers and revenue! Good news—getting your company listed on Google is relatively simple. Read on to find out how!
A step-by-step guide for listing your business on Google
Step 1: Create a Google account
Formerly known as “My Business”, Google Business Profile is an easy-to-use tool for managing your business’s online presence. To create your business profile, you need a Google account first. If you don’t have one already, or want to create a new one for your business, visit the Google sign-in page and select the “create account” option.
Step 2: Add your business to Google via Google Business Profile homepage
Once you’ve created your account, go to the Business Profile homepage and click on the “Manage now” tab. First, enter the name and category of your business. A drop-down menu will pop up as you type, and you can select “Create a business with this name”. Then, choose the right category for your company and click Next.
Though it’s free, it is only available to businesses that involve in-person contact with customers. For instance, one that has physical locations, like restaurants, or provides services through visiting clients, like consultants or plumbers.
Step 3: Enter your company’s location/ service area and contact information
Add your business location by entering the full address of where you are based. If your business provides delivery or home and office visit services, you can list the areas you serve. If you do not put in a valid address, Google will ask you to specify the region you are located in. Then, add your contact information (i.e. phone number and current website address).
If you do not provide a business address, you will be asked to provide your personal mailing address for verification.
Step 4: Verify your account on Google
After you’ve filled out all the necessary information, you’ll need to verify your company on Google. Google verification ensures that your business is legitimate and that the information you provide is accurate. Google will send you the verification code through a variety of methods, including by phone, email, mail and Google Search Console.
Note that there are possibilities where you will be requested to verify your account using more than one method. Furthermore, the available methods are determined by factors such as business category, public information, geography, operating hours and so on.
Once you have completed your verification process, you will need to wait for Google to review and approve your business account. This process can take up to seven working days or more, and Google will notify you once your listing is approved.
There will be a few more details you have to put in to customize your profile, such as operating hours, services, messaging channels, business description and photos of your business. Google will offer you free advertising credits that are worth US$500. To redeem the credits, you will be directed to another window where you have to answer some prompts about your business’s online presence and activity.
What’s next?
Once you’ve completed the verification process, you’ll be able to take full advantage of Google’s features, including Google Maps and Google Ads. You can manage your business profile on your account page where you can add more information about your business, such as photos, videos, logos and managers. Be sure to add high-quality photos and videos to give potential customers a good sense of what your business is all about!
It will also show you insights that Google collects about your business, like reviews, messages and posts. All of these tools can help you to better manage your business and reach new customers.
So, don’t wait around for Google to add your business information to their listings. You can get started today. Follow these steps, and your business will start appearing in Google searches, giving you a valuable new source of customers and inquiries.
Note: The exact procedure may vary depending on the choices you make on each page and the type of business page you’re creating.
Also read:
- Google’s Global Antitrust Battle
- Google Hong Kong and PCPD promote Safer Internet tips in Hong Kong
- What Are Dark Patterns and Why Google, YouTube & Facebook Are in Trouble for Them
Header image courtesy of Pixabay
