Google My Business is a free service that allows you to create an online business profile on Google. When searchers look for you, they’re presented with details of your business, including store hours, location, contact information, and other important details. This makes it easier for them to connect with you and avail of your services.

Google My Business also boosts your online visibility, which is crucial for getting new leads and traffic for your website. When prospective customers look for a service, such as “video agency Orange County” or nail art design Chicago”, they find you and include you in their considerations.

　　　　　　　

How Do I Create Google My Business?

Getting your Google My Business is simple. You either create one yourself or claim an existing one.

Start by signing up for a Google account or logging in. Considering it’s the #1 website in the world, we’d be surprised if you didn’t already have an account.

Then, navigate to Google Maps and search for your business in the search bar. If you can’t find it, add your business to the map, following the instructions on the screen. If you can find it but you didn’t make it yourself (which sometimes happens when Google or somebody else makes it for you), you can claim it and take ownership.

You’ll be required to verify and submit proof either way. Verification methods include phone calls, emails, video recording, live video calls, and postcards.

　　　　　　　　

Why is Google My Business Good for Business?

Setting up a Google Business Profile might be a hassle, but it’s well worth it. As we discussed earlier, having one significantly boosts your online presence which is especially helpful now that many shopping transactions are done online.

While your business could technically survive without one, you lose out on so many opportunities—customers wouldn’t be able to find your address, contact you, read your reviews, browse through your products and services, or know about your existence in general. It’s a huge disadvantage and just doesn’t make sense from a business standpoint, especially considering that it’s free.

Additionally, you get a wealth of customer data from Google’s analytic tools. For example, you can see what customers usually do after finding your profile (e.g., visit your website, shoot an email), what pictures and videos get the most attention, what time your profile usually gets pulled up, and more. You can then use this data to optimize your Google Business Profile even more.

　　　　　　　

How Can I Use Google My Business to Its Fullest Potential?

Google My Business has a ton of features for everybody to use. Don’t just fill out the basics—fill out every nook and cranny you can find. Write in business information (e.g., store hours, address), add contact details, upload media files, and post updates now and then. Most importantly, keep all your information updated and accurate—we cannot stress this enough!

You should also respond to your Google reviews. Responses to both positive and negative feedback are a marker of a good and trustworthy business. Thank those who took the time to leave a positive review and apologize to those who left negative ones.

Lastly, optimize your website for local SEO. You need to be visible to those who live and work in your area since they’ll be your likeliest customers. Besides adding in your address, you should emphasize your location in your website content and adjust things as necessary (e.g., using a different language, using a different currency).

　　　　　　　

What Other Digital Marketing Strategies Should I Use?

Of course, getting a Google Business Profile is only one step of many in a successful digital marketing strategy. In fact, it’s likely your first step—you’ve still got a long way to go before you’re an established online presence.

Firstly, you need to have regular updates. High-quality and informative content like blogs and videos will help your business stay relevant—nobody wants to see a website that hasn’t been updated since 2010!

Secondly, utilize social media. You can be sure that the customers you don’t find on Google will be on websites like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. Post updates on these platforms, making sure to direct readers to your website.

Thirdly, don’t underestimate the power of a good email! While it seems old-fashioned, emails can still get the leads coming because you’re interacting with the customers directly in their inbox. You can also touch base with existing customers and encourage them to buy more with reminders and awesome deals.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg! If you’re really looking to delve into digital marketing, what better way to do so than hire a company that’s trained specifically in digital marketing? Drive Traffic Media is a digital marketing agency in Orange County that can help you set up your Google Business Profile and improve your visibility online. Besides that, we also offer website design and photo/video services. Contact us today for a free consultation at (949) 800-6990 or info@drivetrafficmedia.com to get started. We look forward to working with you.