If you don’t have a Google Business Listing, you could be missing out on the best FREE digital advertising you can get.
Our recent article about the importance of asking your clients to write a Google Review went down a treat, with FIVE-star reviews appearing on business listings all over Australia. But that got us to thinking. We may have put the cart before the horse by assuming that your business already had a Google Business Listing that’s up to scratch.
If you haven’t yet put it together, Google is a bit like that ‘knee bone is connected to the thigh bone’ song. Google searches are connected to Google Business Listings, which are connected to Google Reviews, which are connected to Google Maps. And these are ALL connected to Google search rankings.
There’s a wealth of information on a Google Business Listing – who you are, what you do, your location, contact details, opening hours, social media and more – which all adds up to free advertising aimed at attracting new business.
If your goal is to appear on page one of a Google search and, even better, make it to the prime real estate that is the Map Pack at the very top of the first search page, you need to pay attention to your Google Business Listing.
Importantly, the details on your Google Business Listing need to be EXACTLY the same as those on your website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and so on.
Consistency enables Google to cross match everything, which enhances the likelihood of you appearing high in a search. For example, if someone searches Google Maps for directions to your business or for the closest business that provides what they need, the address on your Business Listing needs to be identical to what’s on your website and, of course, your actual street address.
Google Business Listing Step by Step:
#1 Claim your Google Business Listing
Do this by creating a Gmail (Google email) account if you don’t already have one, and then a Google Account.
#2 Set up your Google Business Listing
When you next log in to your Google Account, follow the prompts to set up your Google Business Listing.
Be thorough! Your Google Business Listing is like the old White Pages but supercharged!
Here are some suggestions for what you should include:
- Business street address
- Opening hours
- Phone number
- Services provided
- Information about the business (we call this your Quick Pitch)
- Logos and branding
- Team photos
- Services offered
- Social media and website posts
If your business has a number of branches, you should claim a Business Listing for each location – you’ll need to nominate the suburb rather than just the city.
Your Google Business Listing also indicates any Google Business Reviews by your clients and associates. Google rewards you for positive reviews by increasing your ranking, and of course prospective clients read them too! (If you missed our earlier article about How to Ask for Google Business Reviews click here).
#3 Activate your Google Business Listing
Once you’ve completed your Business Listing, you need to REQUEST A VERIFICATION. (We’ve put this in capitals because it’s important!)
With the click of a button, you ask Google to send you a verification code that will make your Business Listing active.
Google has a few methods for this:
- You may receive a verification card by snail mail to your business street address. It looks like a post card (many business owners have thrown it out thinking it’s junk mail) you’ll need the code on it to finalise your Business Listing.
- You may receive the verification code by Gmail or by phone using the number on your Google Business Listing. (If you’re a business with multiple phone lines, this verification method may not work for you.)
We know this is a lot to take in. Google provides step by step instructions too, but if it’s all too much or you simply don’t have time, give us a call and for a small fee we’ll do it for you.
For more information about Bold! Marketing Communication and our Do-Able Marketing model which is underpinned by our 7-Step Do It For Me Marketing (DIFM Framework) please contact us.
