Google My Business Guide: from set-up to optimisation

How do I claim my Google Business listing?

Claiming your business profile forms your foundation for most other local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) activities, so don’t miss this preliminary step. You will need to request ownership of a Business Profile in order to verify your business on Google.

There will be a waiting period of 3-7 days, and you’ll be notified by Google via email. Should your request be rejected, don’t panic! You may be able to appeal the decision or suggest an edit to the existing profile.

How do I set up Google My Business?

If you find that Google hasn’t already recognised your business; you can set up a company profile for a new business. It’s important to first check if you qualify.

Would you like to be walked through the process of setting up a business profile? Google gives detailed instructions. If you have been wondering “how do I get my business on Google for free”, this should go a long way to answer your query!

How to optimise your Google My Business listing

Keep all your details up to date with GMB. It’s nothing short of critical for the success of your business.

Always make sure your open and close times are accurate. Should you own a bricks-and-mortar business, just think about how disappointed your customers will be if they are incorrectly informed about your opening hours and arrive at your shop front –– only to find it closed!

Even if you run things remote or freelance (as an artist, musician or even a website designer) you’ll still need to let people know your on-duty hours and when you’re off-the-clock.

Make sure the information you provide matches what is displayed across all forms of local search (and any other platforms on which your business appears). If and when things change, you can easily edit your business listing on Google, at any time.

How to improve Google My Business ranking

It’s great to be on GMB and all, but let’s not pretend that ‘finishing first’ in search listings doesn’t matter.

After all, the name of the game is improving your local ranking on Google. There’s a strong connection between the relevance and prominence of the information you provide, and the position your business ends up ranking for.

Fill in as many appropriate fields as you can on your business profile. But be precise and discerning; really think about what your customers need to know and skip any irrelevant ‘fluff’.

Want to take things to the next level in boosting visibility? You might consider implementing purpose-made software in the form of Online Reputation Management (ORM) Tools.

Take your GMB profile even further

• Get even more out of your listing by paying attention to all the aspects that are linked to GMB.
• Once your listing is created, a Google Maps location is automatically generated and is synchronised with Google Search. If you’ve spent the time and effort to get the basics right, things should flow naturally from here.
• Download the Google My Business App to make it even easier to edit your listing on the go. That way, when anything changes for your business, you’ve got the process of notifying your customers covered –– and quickly!
• This also allows you to get a handle on Google Reviews (including managing negative and even bogus posts).

Bonus Google My Business tips

Did you know that by being proactive you can score extra ‘brownie points’ with Google? Here’s just a taste of our top bonus tips.

• Virtually anyone can suggest a change or make an ‘edit’ to your listing (even your competitors)! Don’t let the public answer questions on your behalf. Get in first by telling your business story and make it an appealing and positive read.
• Need to boost results, especially in Google’s Local Pack? Develop an SEO strategy and use it in your listing.
• Want to learn the ways in which customers are interacting with your Business Profile? Use GMB Insights to get invaluable data and analytics.