A Google My Business account is a free tool that boosts your business’s visibility across Google Search and Maps. The tool lets you customise the information on your Google listing (called a Google Business Profile), making it easy for customers to find crucial information like opening hours and services provided. Here’s a quick guide to setting it up.
The beginner's guide to Google My Business
Benefits of claiming your business on Google My Business
Claiming your business on Google Maps allows you to display location information, opening hours and contact details; promote your business with high-quality photos and interesting offers; connect with your customers via phone or online message in real time; respond to customer reviews; and create ads to boost your business’s online presence. Having a Google My Business listing can also improve your business's Google Search ranking.
1. Ability to edit attributes that show up in search results
You can select various attributes such as ‘outdoor seating’, ‘delivery’, ‘wheelchair-accessible’ to let your customers know details about your business. These attributes appear on your Business Profile and Google Search and Maps, allowing your business to show up in results when people search for places with those attributes.
2. Google Maps listings rank above organic search results
Searching for businesses with a physical location or businesses that service a geographical area brings up relevant web pages in the search results along with Google Maps displaying relevant businesses. The map appears above the organic search results, therefore it is advantageous to claim your business on Google Maps and be in control of what your listing says about your business.
3. Valuable search performance insights
Google My Business also offers valuable business insights and metrics for data analysis. The tool can be used to gain search performance and user behaviour insights such as how many times your business comes up in search results; the devices used to search (ie. smartphone, tablet, desktop); time of the day; days of the week with the most activity; and if users took any immediate action (ie. called, clicked on a link or used Maps to get directions to your business). Understanding how customers find your business through such data makes it easier to develop a targeted marketing strategy.
Getting started
There are several ways to set up Google My Business to manage your Business Profile. First, you need a Google account. Sign up to Google My Business if you haven’t got one.
Create a Business Profile
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Learn how to add or claim a business on Google My Business
Next, check if your business appears on Google Maps. Type your business address into Google Maps and see if your business name appears. Follow these instructions to add your business or claim it on Google Maps.
Last updated 30 March 2021
