What is a ‘My Google Business’ page and how do I set one up?
Whether you’re a sole trader or small business owner you should make it a priority to get as much exposure as you can online.
Getting found online is all about SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) but this can be hard work, take time and cost money.
It makes sense to invest time in other ways to get your business out there online a little quicker.
One of the great ways to do this is to have a prominent place on Google by setting yourself up with a “My Google Business” page.
What is My Google Business?
It is a business directory created by Google for business owners. Its free and easy to set up and a good way to get business exposure without having to spend endless amounts of time on SEO.
This doesn’t mean that you can do away with SEO altogether, without SEO you won’t rank high on google, but it does mean that while you’re waiting for the SEO to take effect your business can get some exposure on Google.
Google has around 1.2 billion users a month, meaning small businesses have enormous potential to reach a large number of visitors.
If you have a business online or have a website, it is essential to work with Google so that you appear in searches.
When you have a ‘My Google Business’ page you are increasing your chances of being found by potential customers.
Details you need to set up a page:
- Business name
- Country/Region
- Address – you need to put a physical address
- Business category
- Contact number
- Website address if you have one
- Opening hours
- Logo/pictures
You need to sign up with the details above and have Google verify you.
There are fields you need to fill in with the relevant details. You can verify your page whenever you want but we would recommend you do this straight away as verification can take a couple of days for Google to process.
Once your page is verified you can start setting up your page, adding your logo, photos, and videos if you have any.
Building your profile
Once you have set up your page, you need to set some time aside on a regular basis to build up your page.
Ask everyone who has used your services or products to leave feedback and reviews. This helps to encourage others to buy your products or use your services.
Make sure you are active and respond to reviews and feedback whether it is positive or negative.
You can post content and images to your profile as well as post videos and create ads.
Once your page is set up you can access all kinds of useful information such as how customers have searched for your business, what actions any customers have taken and so on.
Conclusion
Setting up a ‘My Google Business’ page couldn’t be easier, plus its a free and simple way to get exposure on google so you can be found quicker and easier by potential customers online
