What Is Google My Business (GMB) Account?

I have been here for a decade, helping businesses get the best of digital marketing. As soon as the business is launched, I recommend they start a Google business page because Google is the platform on which businesses highly rely to reach their potential customers. GMB, with its utmost importance and features, seems to be a paid platform. 

However, GMB is an absolutely free platform and allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. Essentially, it’s your digital store’s front desk that tells your target audience about your business information to the world. For local businesses, creating a Google business profile is important as it increases your visibility on search results. 

Steps To Create A Google My Business Account

Know that creating a Google business profile is easier than you have anticipated. You simply have to follow the on-page instructions. To make it a lot simpler for you and give you a headstart, here is how you create a Google My Business account. However, if you think you can’t get into the depth of creating and optimizing GMB profiles, you can get help from our local SEO services.

Step 1. Sign Up For A Google Account (If You Don’t Have One)

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a Google Account. This will act as your login for all Google services, including Google My Business. Just go to Gmail and create your account by adding all the details required. 

Step 2. Go to Google My Business

In your web browser, navigate to the Google My Business website (search for “Google My Business” on Google). For newbies, start by clicking on ‘sign in,’ ‘manage now,’ and follow the on-page instructions. Add your business details:

Step 3. Search For Your Business

If your business already has a Google My Business profile, you can claim it by searching for your business name and address. If no listing exists, you’ll create a new one by searching for your business name and address.

Step 4. Enter Your Business Information

The prompts will pop up one by one, asking you about your business information. This information is very important as it will define your business and include your contact details. You must provide accurate and consistent information so that when people search for you, they get the correct contact details. For example, your business name, address, adn phone number. 

Add Appropriate Business Category

For example, select the right category that best describes your business from Google’s list of options. This helps Google understand what your business offers.

Define Service Areas

If you offer services within a specific area, such as delivery or mobile services, define your service area boundaries.

Set your Business Hours

Enter your regular business hours, including any special hours or days of operation. This will help people to know when to contact you and when not to contact you.

Add your Website URL

Link your Google My Business profile to your official website. This will lead your potential customers to your digital store, where they can access your product or services and learn more about your business. 

Step 5. Verification When You Create A Google My Businesses Account

Google requires verification to ensure the legitimacy of your business. Previously, common verification methods included postal mail, where Google would send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Besides postal mail, there used to be a phone call verification method. Google would make a phone call to your business phone number and provide you with a verification code.

Today, Google verifies a business by asking for a video recording. You must record a video of your business and show your location, equipment, and operations as proof. 

Why Verification?

Once your business is verified, you will get a chance to enjoy audience trust and build credibility for your business. As a matter of fact, verified businesses appear to be more trustworthy to potential customers. After verification, you can unlock advanced features like posting photos and videos, running Google My Business Ads, and engaging with customer reviews.

Tips To Optimize Your Google My Business Account

If you really want to make a mark with your Google business profile, then follow the path and optimize your Google My Business Profile (GMB). 

• Write a clear and concise GMB profile, adding keywords, unique selling propositions, and a friendly tone. 
• Visuals matter a lot, so try adding high-quality photos and videos. For example, add professional images of your storefront, team, products, services, etc., or use 360° photos or videos for virtual tours.
• Ask your customers to review your business and respond professionally to both positive and negative reviews.
• Post regular updates on your GMB account, like sharing news, events, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content. 
• Run GMB Ads to explain how to increase visibility with targeted ads briefly. 

Conclusion

When you create a Google My Business account, remember that it is just the first step to being successful in your local community. If you want to maximize your benefits, you need consistent efforts to maintain and optimize your GMB profile. 

So why further wait? Take action today! Start by creating your Google business profile, and if you already have one, take time to review and optimize it. But if you need help? Emerging Software x Emerging Digital Agency specializes in managing Google My Business accounts and improving local SEO rankings.