How to Add Your Business to Google Maps: A Comprehensive Guide for Success
Simply adding your business to Google Maps alone can help improve the visibility and accessibility as potential clients will be able to see you. Because of the power of local searches, millions of businesses are already listed in Google Maps.
In this article, we will provide a detailed approach on how to extend the reach of your firm by seamlessly adding your business to Google Maps to manage your Google Business Profile.
How Google Maps Can Transform Your Business
Google Maps is not only used for navigation purposes but rather millions of users use it just to browse for businesses such as the one you may have.
When a potential client sees your business, google maps alongside having a dedicated Google profile for your business, allows you to build your online presence, trust, and reputation by even raising your SEO ranking. The location, contact details, reviews, and other services you offer to your potential clients make it easier for them to contact you as well.
Step by Step Guide to Add Your Business to Google Maps.
The following is a step by step instruction on how to add your business to Google Maps.
Step 1: Check For Google Account
First, before adding a business listing on Google Maps, establish whether you own a Google account. If not, you may create one. Having one is imperative since a Google account gives you access to your Google Business Profile, and guarantees that all your business information is linked to the right address.
Creating a Google account is simple.
1. Head to the sign up page on Google.
2. Lastly, follow the instructions and create your account by letting them know which email address you currently own, not limited to Gmail alone.
Step 2: Go to Google Business Profile
Open the site Google Business Profile where you patiently wait and hop on over to www.google.com/business.
Press the button labeled ‘Manage now’ and you will be ready to start uploading your business to the platform.
Step 3: Sign In To Your Google Account
If your Google account is not currently signed in, then you need to do that first. Use the email address that is connected to your business while signing in.
Step 4: Type Your Business Name In The Built In Search Bar
Once you have signed into your account, there will be a search bar opened up. Here, simply input your business name. Ensure that you write the name as is, and don’t attach any unnecessary keywords unless it is part of your business name.
Step 5: Set up your Business Profile
If your business doesn’t exist on Google Maps, you can click on “Create a business with this name” option. If your business is already listed, but not claimed yet, just click on your business name, and you can claim it.
Creating Your Business Profile
Step 6: Confirm Verify Business
You will have to verify the listed information such as business name and category as soon as your business is listed. From the given list, please choose the category that best fits your business.
Step 7: Location of Business and Service Areas
If you have a real business address, please click on “Yes” to add your address.
Choose “No” if your business does not have a real address like service based business, and then type the addresses of the areas that you serve.
Step 8: Contact Information
In the next step, please provide us with your business phone number and website. If a website is missing, then feel free to leave this section empty, but it is highly suggested that you create one to enhance credibility.
Step 9: Get Verified
To confirm that you are the owner of the business, Google requires verification. The fastest method is to get a code through a phone call or a text message. Then, simply enter the code into the verification prompt.
Editing and Managing Your Business Profile
Once your business is placed on Google Maps, you need to ensure that the information is regularly checked and updated to keep it accurate.
Step 10: Edit Business Information
To change the details of your profile, click ‘Edit Profile’ located on the top left side. Here, you will be able to edit the name of the business, phones, business hours, and more. Don’t forget to press ‘Save’ once you are done.
Step 11: Manage Reviews
Review by clients provides the trust audience are looking for. They can be checked and responded to from the ‘Reviews’ part of your profile.
Step 12: Upload Photos
Clicking on the “Add Photo” button will allow you to upload images that represent your business, products or services and help you stand out visually. Images will increase engagement with your business and aid in creating a visual identity.
Do you want to review the progress of a business?
Google Business Profile allows you to know the level of engagement customers have with your listing. All in all, it is possible to measure calls, clicks and directions by going to the ‘Performance’’ part.
How Can You Improve Google Maps Information;
You are encouraged to keep customers posted about recent developments. You can do that by using the Google Business Profile, which allows you to Add news, offers, events or even promotions by simply clicking ‘Add Update’.
For businesses that deal with selling or providing certain services, Google allows them to add such details to the profile without having to go through the business’s website. This is an effective way of marketing and showcasing the business to potential customers.
The Google listing will automatically allow potential customers to send messages directly to the core business. Simply navigate to profile settings and enable the chat by clicking ‘Messages’.
These are some of the optimization tips for your Google Maps.
- Businesses should always check on the following: Have all the sections been completed? Are the necessary services added as well as business location and hours?
- Do not forget to change your business hours in accordance to the holidays and other special occasions.
- Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews can ensure that your business is easier to find when customers are searching locally. If there are customers that are likely to leave a review, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
- Use High-Quality Photos: Photos help increase your base as they see what you are doing and therefore know what you offer.
- Leverage Google Ads: If you want more people to see your business use Google Ads to advertise your business on Google Maps and on the search results page.
Conclusion: Why Google Maps Matters
Whether you’re a entrepreneur, learning how to add a business on google maps, or a small business readily available to offer services, adding your business on google maps is very easy and as a result, increases your chances of being seen, especially when potential clients are looking for someone in your field. You’ve also improved your brand image.
You can never go wrong by being proactive about your business and leveraging the benefits of Google. It doesn’t matter if you have an onsite shop or you provide services online. It’s very helpful for the business in this digital era to be on google maps.
Google maps will give your business the chance to expand and grow into a super business. By keeping track of your profile and responding to reviews and comments from customers, your business will always be on the top of local searches.