The 101 on Google My Business.

Did you know that in addition to your business website you can create a free Google My Business (GMB) account? A Google My Business account is a way for those searching on Google to find your business, hours of operation and reviews easily and quickly on the search page. In this post we'll look why SMEs should take advantage of the feature and how to set up your Google My Business account today and share some tips on what to include in your GMB for success.

Photo by henry perks on Unsplash

Why should an SME create a Google My Business account?

Starting a Google My Business account is an affordable way to improve the online visibility for your business or brand. Whether you have an online operation, a bricks & mortar, or a combination style business a GMB is a good way to communicate with those searching for your business or businesses like it, and build trust with those potential customers through a verified listing and reviews.

How do I create a Google My Business account?

Creating a Google My Business account is so easy you can do it today, or even right now!

Head to google.com/business and sign in with your business account. Don't have a branded email domain for your business yet? This might be the perfect time to set one up!

Next you'll enter your business details such as the name and address, business category, hours of operation, website and contact details (i.e. phone number).

Tip: It's okay if you don't want to publish the address -- including it helps Google Maps recommend you when someone searches for a business criteria in your local area. But for some businesses this won't be necessary.

All that's left is to verify your listing and there you have it -- your very own Google My Business listing! Now, what to put there?

What should my Google My Business Account Include?

If your website is like a virtual shop window for your business where customers can browse and learn about your offerings or services, your Google My Business account is the crash-course version.

You won't be updating your GMB very often so make sure when you're setting up the account to include:

• A high resolution version of your logo and any branded photography that you use in other marketing collateral. Don't try to use more than 2-3 images. Keep it simple!

• Your hours of operation. When can people visit your premises? Are you open on Bank Holidays? All this is something you can set for free in a GMB account.

• Your website link and a way to contact you.

• Ask customers or clients to review the business on Google -- you can even send the link via an automatic email after a transaction, to increase the chances of collecting reviews.

  • Tip: Respond and acknowledge reviews and reviewers. It shows a proactive, customer service forward approach. Also, be aware that with Google Reviews you can't control what reviews are public. There could be a chance of a less than happy customer leaving a review. Be prepped and prepared for how you'll respond so that if that happens you're cool, calm and collected. Potential customers will see that and appreciate it!

Summary:

Setting up a Google My Business account is free and easy to do. It is a quick way to gain customer trust by showcasing your hours of operation, verification by Google as a business and customer or client reviews.

Get in Touch.

Have a question about digital marketing? We're here to help! Write to us at liz@litirmarketing.com.