Did you know that Google processes 40,000 searches per SECOND? That’s around 3.5 billion searches a day. We head to a bar, we use Google Maps to get us there. Then we Google some reviews, perhaps search Google Images to check out what the place looks like in advance… and a quick look under Google News to double-check there’s no bad press!
Google has become a part of everyday life for millions of people around the world and any good SEO company in New York knows it is business-critical that websites are optimized to Google’s algorithms. Now Google my Business is another essential tool that all businesses should utilize. If you’re looking for a web design company in NYC, Hummingbird Web Design offers web-marketing services to Long Island and the Tri-State. However, the steps detailed below apply to any business, anywhere.
What is Google My Business? And how do you set it up? We’ve got you covered in this quick ‘how to’ guide.
What is it? The basics:
Google my Business allows businesses of all sizes to appear across Google’s range of services – especially in search engine results pages and on Google Maps. In a way, it levels the playing field for smaller businesses and arguably provides “free advertising” of sorts when properly set up. A search for “Shoe shop near me” (or indeed “near work, home or “in Brooklyn”) will return smaller businesses alongside multinational giants – without the massive capital outlay usually required to appear alongside such huge businesses.
It provides your customers with a wealth of easily accessible information on your company which will make them more likely to engage with your brand and furthermore. Google my Business links to your Google Analytics so you can manage your company’s online presence in a single place. Digital bliss!
And the best thing? It’s super simple to set up. Once you’ve verified your business details you are half way there.
Here’s how in 3 easy steps:
- ‘Get on Google’
Head to www.google.com/business and click “Start now”. Make sure you’re signed into your business Google account or email (if you don’t already have one, you will need to set up a gmail account)
- Search
Search for your business name and address
Then get back to basics: Check the address is correct, as well as the name of your business. A pop-up will appear – be sure to click ‘I am authorized to manage this business”
- Verify
Clicking on “Mail me my code” will alert Google to send an authorization code to the business address you confirmed in the previous step (see why It’s so important now?!) Once you receive this code, simply type it in on your Google my Business page and you’re all set! The verification code is sent as a postcard, delivered to you by your postmaster, not email. Therefore it must be a physical address, your business address – and not a P.O. box address.
Good housekeeping
To get the most out of Google my business, it’s useful to follow these tips:
- Add a picture – the logo of your business makes the most sense. You can add images of your headquarters/ store/ office etc. too if you like, to add a little more color and personality to your account
- Take the tour – Once verified, the opportunity to take a virtual tour around Google my Business will pop up. As a species becoming dominated by convenience and speed of service, we have a tendency to ignore such yours – this time, take the opportunity! It’s a quick, informative and worthwhile step that will give you a good grasp of the basics. What’s not to love?
- Download the app – for added convenience and to manage your account on the go, you might find it useful to download the Google my Business app. Available on Apple and Android
- Check regularly – actively update your account and check your analytics – a tool is only as useful as the validity of its information
We hope you found this useful. As a web design and SEO Company in Port Washington, we know that a company is much more than its online presence – but a good website properly shared and optimized for maximum exposure can make a huge difference to the success of a business. Google My Business is a great first step that we strongly recommend every small business to undertake. But remember – it all starts with a strong website. Give us a call today to get started. 516-883-3851
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