In the digital age, visibility is key. For businesses, there’s no better place to start than Google. Claiming your business on Google isn’t just a smart move; it’s essential. It’s a simple step that can significantly boost your online presence and help potential customers find you effortlessly.
But what does it mean to claim your business on Google? How does it work? These are just a few of the questions that we’ll explore in this article. We’ll take you through the process, step by step, so you can maximize your business’s online potential.
Claim Business On Google
Claiming your business on Google involves three critical steps. Let’s walk you through them: locating your business on Google Maps, verifying the business account, and understanding Google business profile settings.
Locating Your Business on Google Maps
The first step in claiming your business on Google is to locate your business on Google Maps. Go to Google Maps via your web browser or smartphone app, enter the exact name of your business, and check if it appears on the map. If it’s not visible, click on “Add a Missing Place” to enter your business details. By adding your business to Google Maps, its visibility becomes instant, and customers can easily find it.
Verification Process for Google Business Account
After locating your business on Google Maps, the next step involves the verification process for the Google Business Account. The verification process is crucial as it proves your business authenticity to Google, ensuring that only you, the business owner, can update the business details. To verify, head over to Google My Business, sign in with your Gmail account, find your business listing, and click on “Verify Now.” You’ll receive a code by postcard, email, or phone, depending on the verification method eligible for your business. Once you receive the code, enter it in your Google My Business profile to complete the verification process.
Understanding Google Business Profile Settings
In the final step, understanding Google Business Profile settings is essential. With a Google Business Profile, you control what people see when they search for your business. You can update your business hours, add photos of your business, respond to evaluation, and even post updates or offers. Spend some time exploring your profile settings to ensure you maximize your business’s online presence and potential reach to virtual customers. Remember, a well-maintained profile encourages customer interaction and enhances visibility in Google search results and Google Maps.
Benefits of Claiming Your Business on Google
Claiming a business on Google offers immense value beyond simple online visibility, paving the way for optimum customer engagement and a boost in local SEO ranking. Detailed below are key benefits that might pique a business owner’s interest.
Enhanced Online Presence
Attaining a robust online presence, it allows businesses to cast a wider net in the digital world. Google, having an impressive market share of 86.6% in global search in 2020, becomes a pivotal platform for businesses to remain ahead of the curve. For instances, Verified Google Business Profiles often get priority in search results, presenting an opportunity for a prominent exposure on a global scale.
Increased Customer Interaction
A claimed business profile on Google doesn’t only ensure information accuracy, it also shows the business cares about its customers. Customers enjoy the option of directly interacting with the company, be it through Google evaluation or Q&As. For example, businesses can respond to evaluation, address queries, or even publish Google posts on their profile, creating a two-way communication channel that enriches customer experience.
Better Local SEO Ranking
Moreover, Google places high relevance on local search outcomes. A claimed and optimized business profile on Google is likely to rank higher in local search results. This can beneficially influence the business’s local SEO. For instance, Google uses the relevance, distance, and prominence (RDP) framework to rank local businesses. Therefore, a well-maintained Google business profile enhances relevance and prominence, effectively enhancing local SEO ranking.
Claiming your business on Google isn’t just a good idea, it’s a game changer. It’s a strategic move that can significantly boost your visibility, customer engagement, and online reputation. Remember, the power to shape your business’s online narrative is in your hands. Don’t let it slip away.