Purpose & Benefits of Google My Business

How It Works

Google has attempted to create a comprehensive list of every business in existence, and they have done a very good job. The listings on Google Maps is very thorough. Businesses on the list can be “claimed” by anyone with a Google account and the ability to validate ownership of the business. Google uses some old-school and some sophisticated ways of verifying businesses. If your business is not on the list, you can easily add it. Once you create your profile, you can update the listing as often as you need to. Hours of operation are things that often change. GMB is a great way to let people know of your special hours around the holidays or when inclement weather affects your operations. Update your dates and hours, and visitors to your business through Google Maps will know when, or if, you are open when they need you.

Keep in mind that the mystic Google Algorithm is always at work here. Google is not what Google is because they give stuff away for free. They are in business to make money, which is why Google prioritizes listings for paying customers. Way back in the day of Yellow Pages, the largest ads were always listed first because they generated the most revenue. This is the same thing. In highly competitive markets, this can be an issue, but it can be managed. Google will show your listing if it matches a searcher’s specific search. You just might not show up in search results for a neighboring town without a little ad spend or promotion. Keep in mind that Google Maps is highly localized, and understanding this will help you put things into perspective.

The Data

Again, the data that Google finds on the Internet about your business is typically their starting point, but this may not always be accurate. This is why it is important to claim your listing and update the data in the listing. You want to make sure your address, hours, website, and phone number are accurate. These are the most critical items. Pictures, reviews, descriptions, and promotions are good to pay attention to, but you will notice that not all of these features will work for every business.

Where to Start

To add your business to Google Maps (thus creating a Google My Business Listing) go to business.google.com and walk through the instructions. The steps vary depending on your business and your situation, but surprisingly Google makes the process very easy. It can be a little time consuming, however, so do not expect to have your listing live instantly. Be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Once your Google My Business listing is live, you can also add your business to other listing services (there are a lot of them). Some are free. Some are not. It is good to have your business listed on various lists such as GMB but you do not need to be on all of them. Pick the top favorites that you feel will resonate the most with your customers.

Listing sites other than GMB that you might want to consider include:

• Bing Places
• Yelp
• Yahoo
• Tripadvisor
• Angi’s List
• Yellow Pages
• Better Business Bureau.

Conclusion

Free advertising is hard to come by, and GMB is very much free advertising. Take advantage of it, and do not forget to claim or add your business to Google Maps. Be sure the information posted is accurate, and do not forget to change it when it needs to be updated.

Contractor Excellence Consulting & Coaching helps home service businesses like yours achieve profitable growth by focusing on seven key areas proven to drive success. With over 50 years of combined experience owning and operating home service businesses, our partners understand the challenges you face. We offer expert business coaching and creative design services to help you boost profits, streamline operations, and attract more customers.

Ready to transform your business? Schedule a free consultation today and discover how we can help you reach your full potential. Or, for ongoing support and exclusive resources, explore our subscription plans, which include one-on-one coaching and discounts on creative design.