For both small and large businesses alike, Google’s My Business tool is a helpful resource to understand how your customers are interacting with your business online. The Google My Business account is a free, must-have tool for any small business owner looking to amplify their online footprint and reach new potential customers

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business helps small businesses take control of their website listing online through the Google platform. This business listing gives potential customers important details about your business including address, hours of operation, contact listing, a direct link to your business website etc. This online information adds credibility to your business online. Google My Business attracts new potential customers online by categorizing your business based on location – for example, if you are a nail salon and a customer googles “nail salons nearby”, you are more likely to appear on their radar with a comprehensive Google My Business listing.

How do you set up Google My Business?

One of the best things about Google My Business is the easy-to-use user interface – no technical skills needed here! To access Google My Business to claim your business listing online, visit https://www.google.com/business/. Click on the blue Manage Now button on the top right-hand side and follow the prompts to set up your business listing online.

How do I maximize my Google My Business listing?

Be thorough

It is important to fill out your Google My Business listing as comprehensively as possible. This not only helps to improve your credibility and accessible information available online, but it also diminishes the risk that someone else could fill in those fields for you.

Remember: other people can change your listing

As we mentioned above, it is important to monitor your Google My Business for false or misleading information. Google My Business accounts are not private and can be altered by other online users. This is why it is especially important to capture the correct information in your Google My Business listing as soon as possible. We recommend all small businesses claim their Google My Business listing early in their business lifespan – even before you launch if possible!

Monitor your reviews

An important consumer feature in Google My Business is the ability to share reviews of your experience. This feature is a useful tool for small business owners as it helps to attract new customers based on the reviews of previous customer experiences. It is critical to remain responsive to Google My Business reviews, even if they give negative feedback.

Use the Google My Business post options

Another way Google My Business can help to amplify your small business online is by creating a post on the platform. This post can be optimized to work as a sort of mini-ad for your business. You can create numerous calls to action using Google My Business posts such as advertising events and sales, linking to your blog or showcasing new products or services.

Use the booking button

This handy feature is a great option for businesses that rely on customer bookings or appointments. With the Google My Business booking button, customers can search for a business and book a service without ever leaving the Google search page. This easy function significantly improves customer conversion online and helps to bring business in the door without having to invest in a third party booking app.