Today we’re going to go over setting Google Business listings for local businesses. Google business listings are an important part of local search engine optimization and this activity is something that an SEO agency should put in place for any local SEO client. If you are a local service provider of any sort, getting your Google Business listing set up correctly can help bring in more business from your local area.
Getting Started:
An example of the entire process of basic profile set up will be illustrated, using Kaizen Inbound as an example. To get started, go to:
https://business.google.com
Once you’re there, click the plus sign icon in the lower right corner of the page. Note: Google is notorious for changing this user interface often. If you don’t see the icon in the lower right corner, look for an option that says “Add location” somewhere. Fill out the form with all of your business information to complete the basic info for your profile:
Once you reach the bottom of this form, make sure to select the correct option for I deliver goods and services to my customers at their location.
If your company provides services at your business location, don’t check this box. If your company provides services for clients on-site (such as HVAC services, plumbing, or any other type of business that provides services on-site), select this option.
If you selected I deliver goods and services to my customers at their location, you can select a region that you serve or a radius of a certain amount of miles from your business address:
You will then just need to check the box stating that you are authorized to manage the business and agree to the TOS.
Verification is necessary before the listing goes live!
The information submitted about your business will need to be verified by Google before any of the information will go live on Google. There are a few different verification methods and Google decides what verification options are available for each business. Mailing a postcard to the business address submitted with a verification PIN number is one of the most common verification methods. Phone number verification is also an option sometimes and the Google PIN number can be verified there. Click to verify by mail or phone if multiple options are available.
Keep in mind! Once you’ve requested to verify your business by mail (if that’s the verification method you’ve selected), make sure to look out for a Google verification post card in the mail. It is small and often easily lost especially if mixed in with junk mail.
Building Out The Business Profile
While you’re waiting for postal verification, you can continue to build out and add more to your business listing. The changes made will go love once the business is confirmed.
Core profile essentials that should be added include:
- Business logo
- Hours of operation
- Business photos
- Labels
- Additional photos
Google likes having more information when ever possible. That’s why it’s always a good idea to build out the Google Business listing as complete as possible.
Once the additional profile information and photos are added, the profile setup is complete. The only thing left to do is wait for verification to be mailed to the business address. Navigate back to All Locations and you will see that you can click Get verified once you have received the verification PIN:
Once you have the PIN from the postcard, enter the PIN to finish verifying the business. All information added should go love shortly after.
There are many additional activities that need to be done to promote your business once your Google Business listing is online. Additional website content pages need to be added to the company website, address citations for the business need to be create in proper online data sources, links need to be gained for the company website, and much more! Need help getting your Google Business listing online? Contact us today!
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