Google is the leading search engine in the world. But did you know that it is also an effective platform for businesses of all sizes to increase visibility, spread brand awareness, and generate more revenue?
In order to get started with setting up your Google Business Profile, you must first claim your business. Every day that your business remains unclaimed is a day you’ll be missing out on Google’s wonderful benefits.
Step #1: Claim Your Listing (if unclaimed)
If your business is not yet claimed on Google, you will want to do so as soon as possible. This is because claiming your Google Profile gives you access to a number of features that can help your business grow.
To get started with Google My Business, you’ll need to create a Google account if you don’t already have one. Once you’re logged in, visit google.com/business and click “Start now.”
Enter your business name and address, then click “Continue.” If your business is already listed on Google Maps or Google Search, you’ll be able to claim it using the verification methods described above. If not, you can add it yourself by providing accurate information about your company.
Next, select the category that best describes your business. This will help potential customers find your company when they search online.
Step #2: Verify Your Listing
In order to complete the verification process and officially claim your profile, Google will send a postcard with a unique PIN to the physical address associated with your company’s listing.
Once you receive the postcard, enter the PIN into Google and click “Verify.” Congratulations – you’ve now claimed your business!
Those who have existing claimed businesses are offered alternative ways to verify their listing such as verifying by phone, email, instant verification, and bulk verification.
Step #3: Add All Relevant Details to your Listing
Make sure to upload a profile photo and add some introductory text about your company. For higher ratings and engagement, we suggest you add the following:
Effective Business Description
Including a brief yet effective description of your business, what products or services you offer, your company history, and any awards you may have received will be extremely helpful. You can also highlight what makes your company unique and why customers should choose you over the competition.
Website
Having a good website is a valuable marketing tool that can help you reach new customers and grow your business.- it’s where customers can learn more about you, and what you do, and is a good way to showcase your brand identity and existing customer feedback through testimonials.
If you don’t have the time or resources to create a website on your own, there are plenty of free or affordable web design services available that can help you get up and running quickly.
Additional Categories
In addition to the category you initially selected, Google offers a number of other categories that may be relevant to your business. You can add up to 9 additional categories aside from your primary category. Just click on the pencil box beside your primary category and select the rest that you would like to add.
For example, if you own a restaurant, you might also want to list it as a “Local Business” or “Food & Beverage”. The more specific your business listing is, the easier it will be for potential customers to find you online. So be sure to select all of the relevant categories that apply to your company.
Business Hours
Business hours are an important part of your Google Business Profile. Customers want to know when they can come by and what days you’re closed. To add your business hours, go to Google My Business and click “Edit.” Then, scroll down to the “Business hours” section and enter the following information: days open, hours of operation, and days closed.
Don’t forget to update these hours when there are upcoming holidays. Being open on Holidays increases your chances of attracting new potential customers.
Attributes
Add other details that will make your business appear more legitimate to potential customers such as images, menus for food and beverage, rate cards for service businesses, and booking providers for hotels, accommodations, and restaurants.
Here are some examples of these attributes: pet-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, free WiFi, al fresco seating, free delivery for orders over $50.
Step #4: Engage With Customers In Real Time
It’s no secret that businesses need to engage with customers in order to create a successful relationship. What may be less well known, however, is the importance of engaging with customers in real-time.
When it comes to customer engagement, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to make yourself available and responsive. This means being present on online platforms and answering customer queries as quickly as possible.
The key element of customer engagement is feedback. Listening to what customers have to say – both good and bad – gives you valuable insight into how you can improve your business operations and better serve your customers’ needs.
Step #5: Publish Announcements
One of the best ways to engage with customers is by publishing announcements on Google. This will help notify customers of any changes or events happening at your business.
To publish an announcement, go to Google My Business and click
“Announcements.” Then, enter the following information: title, description, link (optional), and expiration date (optional).
Be sure to write a catchy title and descriptive paragraph that will make customers want to read more. And don’t forget to include a link to your website or any other relevant pages if you have them.
Step #6: Gather, Track And Publish Reviews
Doing this task on your own can be quite challenging, especially if you are busy working on other parts of the business, or if you are already on several review platforms. Examples of businesses where this can be especially difficult are tourism and hospitality, restaurants and cafes, and to those running multiple branches in different locations.
This is where Complete Reviews comes in. We will be sure to guide you through all the stages of the review lifecycle and provide you with efficient and cutting-edge tools to see all your reviews in one place, request reviews from new customers, and engage with personalised, professional responses and improve your online reputation in real time.
Want to know if Complete Reviews is right for you? Subscribe to our free trial to get started.
