Google My Business: Step-by-Step Registration – In today’s world of advanced technology, people often rely on Google for any queries they may have. For instance, when you are driving on a highway and about to run out of fuel, you search for the nearest petrol pump, or when you feel hungry, you search for the nearest restaurants with good ratings and reviews.
You can find these listings on Google, which business owners create; this creates an excellent opportunity for businesses to expand their reach to customers. In this article, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to registering on Google My Business (GMB).
What is a Google Business Account?
A Google My Business Account is a free online tool that allows business owners to manage how they appear on Google Search. It also empowers business owners to promote their business by enhancing visibility on Google Search and Google Maps. Creating and maintaining a Google Business profile helps a business increase its visibility & credibility by receiving genuine reviews.
A GMB profile includes essential information about your business, such as the registered name of your business, category type, business address to ensure accurate navigation, and a contact number so that the customers may contact you directly.
GMB Features
- Categories & Descriptions: With a GMB account, you can add your business category and write an eye-catching description that defines your business accurately.
- Location: You can add the exact location of your business/outlet so it will be easier for your target customers to find you. It will help increase the visibility of your business.
- Photos: You can upload pictures of your offerings – the products. Also, the customers can share the images on GMB that they have taken at the place of your business. It will help enhance the credibility of your business.
- Reviews: These will work as a cherry on the cake on GMB. The positive reviews about your business will help attract more customers.
- Other Attributes: A Google business account gives you the flexibility to add different attributes about your business, like the mode of payment you accept, etc. It will help your potential customers to know your business better.
Why Google My Business Profile is Important for Your Business
A GMB Profile offers multiple benefits that can help your business, including:
- Increased visibility in local search results and Google Maps, attracting potential customers who are actively searching for businesses like yours.
- It helps you get improved customer engagement.
- It enables you to get a better brand reputation, as positive customer reviews and ratings build trust and credibility.
- A GMB profile allows increased sales as better customer reviews & ratings influence potential customers’ decisions.
- It offers a cost-effective way to reach potential customers, significantly reducing marketing costs compared to traditional methods of marketing.
Things You Should Consider While Creating a Google My Business Profile
Creating a Google Business profile is just the first step. To use it efficiently, you must make continuous efforts. Here is a list of to-do’s that you should stick to after creating the GMB profile:
- Encourage Customer Reviews from happy customers.
- Respond to all kinds of reviews, acknowledging both positive and negative feedback professionally.
- Keep your profile updated with accurate information, including address, phone number, website URL, and operating hours.
- Ensure consistency across various platforms as it ensures customer trust and avoids confusion.
- Share updates regularly, such as announcements and promotions.
Businesses Eligible for GMB profile
Most of the businesses are eligible to make a GMB profile. Businesses that sell products online or through a local retail store are eligible for the Google My Business profile registration. So, if you are also eligible for it, get your Google My Business listing done.
Google My Business: Step-by-Step Registration Process
The detailed process to register a Google Business profile is as follows:
Step 1: Visit the Google My Business website by clicking on this link: https://www.google.com/intl/en_in/business/.
Step 2: Sign in with your Google account that you use for your business. If you don’t have a Google account, create one by visiting this link: https://www.google.com/account/about/. It will help make your Google My Business login easy & quick.
Step 3: Select the “Add Your Business to Google” button and enter your business name.
Step 4: Choose the business type that best describes your business type amongst online retail, local stores, and service businesses. Enter your business information, such as your address and official URL.
Step 5: Select your business category from the list provided. Choose the category that most accurately reflects your primary services or products.
Step 6: Add contact information such as a phone number and website address for better customer reach.
Step 7: Verify your business location, as this is crucial for claiming ownership and managing the business profile; it ensures legitimacy.
Step 8: Optimize your business profile once it is verified. Add opening and closing hours and a unique description.
Step 9: Upload high-quality photos to showcase your products, services, and team. You can also add other relevant information, such as accepted payment methods, special discounts, etc.
Note: After registering and successfully creating your Google My Business free account, you can easily access it just by logging in. Earlier, the Google My Business App was also available, which was replaced by GBP – Google Business Profile in July 2022.
GMB Verification
Google offers various verification methods, such as receiving a postcard with a verification code or a verification code over a phone call, email, or video call (for specific business types), depending on your location and business type.
FAQs
Q. How long does it take for a new Google My Business listing to appear?
Ans. After you register a new listing on GMB, it takes three to four days to appear.
Q. How much does it cost to register on Google My Business?
Ans. It’s completely free to create and manage a profile on GMB.
Q. How do I check if your Google Business profile is verified?
Ans. Go to your Google Business profile and click the “Verification” button. You can see the current status of the verification request for your Google Business account.
Q. How do I check my GMB page?
Ans. Visit https://business.google.com to access your Google business account dashboard. Log in with your Google business account. Your Google business profile shortcuts will start appearing on the top of the page as soon as you log in.
Q. Is GMB and GBP the same?
Ans. Yes, GMB is now called GBP – the Google Business Profile, which is the same free tool.
Q. Does a Google Business profile replace the official business website?
Ans. No, a GMB profile is not a replacement for your official business website. It is a complimentary free online tool that helps you drive more traffic to your website.
Q. How can I reach the Google support team for any query with my GMB account?
Ans. You can reach out to Google My Business customer support by visiting this link: https://support.google.com/business/?hl=en#topic=4596754.
Conclusion
Google My Business plays a significant role as it is a free platform connecting businesses with potential customers searching for them on Google Search and Google Maps. In this article, we have discussed the step-by-step registration process for GMB. If you are a business owner, no matter the size of your business, register your business on Google; it will definitely improve your visibility, traffic, and sales. You can do it by yourself or you can hire a reputed agency like our Sterk Web. We will help you with all the requirement for Google my Business Registration.
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