Google My Business

Google My Business is a service offered by Google, functioning as a digital business directory. It's a free tool that allows business owners and freelancers to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. This feature is available for various types of businesses, from retail stores to law firms. To ensure visibility of your profile in search results, certain criteria must be met.

The predecessors of Google My Business

Google My Business has its roots in the Google Places service, which allowed businesses to make free listings displayed in Google search results. Following the launch of Google+, Google Places evolved into Google+ Local, where businesses also had a profile similar to social media platforms. However, as Google+ struggled to gain traction, Google+ Local transitioned to the standalone service known today as Google My Business. This platform consolidates all business-relevant data and services under a single Google account, enabling users to manage their company information and location details, as well as access promotional data through Google Ads. Google My Business facilitates local advertising via Google Ads.

Where do the Google My Business entries appear?

Business entries created through Google My Business appear in organic search results and on Google Maps. When a local intent is detected in a search query, Google's algorithms prioritize relevant Google My Business profiles, displaying them prominently with a map. If a direct search is conducted via Google Maps, the profiles' data is also utilized.

Uses for local SEO

Google My Business is particularly valuable for locally-focused SEO. Businesses, even those without a website, can use a free entry to achieve high rankings in local searches. Given the growing importance of local search, businesses must aim for high visibility in geographically-relevant searches, making Google My Business a crucial tool.

How to create a Google My Business entry:

To set up a Google My Business profile, you need a Google account. Here's how:

1. Log into your Google account.
2. Visit the Google My Business homepage.
3. Click “Start now.”
4. Enter your company's name, address, and phone number. Choose a main category that best describes your business and define your service area if applicable.
5. Google may already have some data; verify and correct it as needed.
6. Confirm registration and agree to terms.
7. Verify your business by entering the approval code Google sends to your address.
8. Once verified, you can fully edit your business profile.

What a Google My Business account includes:

• Contact details: Add email, fax, phone numbers, and social media contact options.
• Address details: Central to your profile, you can enter multiple locations.
• Photos: Showcase your business with categorized photos of the premises and team.
• Logos: Add logos to enhance brand recognition in search results.
• Keywords (category): Use Google's suggested categories to improve search visibility.

Optimizing your Google My Business account for SEO

The more comprehensive your Google My Business information, the better. You can maintain a Google+ page and offer additional contact options like chats or hangouts.

• Images: Use high-quality images and consider Google Street View for your premises.
• Categories: Choose categories wisely to align with relevant keywords.
• Consistent descriptions and contact details: Ensure all information matches your website.

Tip: Linking Google My Business with a Google Ads account allows for localized ads displaying your address, making it easy for users to navigate to your location via Google Maps.

Further links:

• Google My Business homepage: https://www.google.com/business/
• Google My Business help: https://support.google.com/business/?hl=en