Google My Business (GMB) is a free and very useful tool that allows you
to manage how your business is getting listed on Google. This lists on Google Search and Maps. Google hols currently the 78 percent majority in the search
engine market and it offers a massive platform to gain potential leads with a number of benefits. You can use GMB to manage the details such as your
business name, address, contact details, hours and location, as well as
monitor reviews, add photos and gain insight on how people are searching
for your business. You can also post on your GMB page and even download the app to
manage your listing wherever you are. You can also set up messaging so
that your customers can always stay in touch with your business.
Generate Leads With GMB
Once you create your business listing on GMB, you will increase your
business’ exposure online. Please consider the below steps to ensure you get more qualified leads-
- Connect your GMB with Google Analytics
- Track your leads through GMB Insights
- Optimize a listing for lead capture
When you use Google Analytics, you can accurately track how many
leads you receive from your GMB listing. You can also use Insights to
track customer actions, like reservation requests, directions, and more.
You can keep an eye on the trends and see how customers reach your
website by looking at how they interact with a listing.
GMB is a great platform to promote your blog content, product
specials, webinars and more; you can also add specials and coupons for
customers to benefit from. This is why you should think of your GMB
listing as a ‘mini-website’ of sorts, that will need regular content and
updates to stay relevant and be published in front of potential
customers.
Always make sure to make regular updates to your listing to allow your
business to stand out as much as possible and to show on search engine
results.
How to Set Up Google My Business
If you are ready to list your business on GMB, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Log into your Google Account (or the one you want to
associate with your business). If you don’t already have a Google
Account, create one.
Step 2: Go to google.com/business and click on ‘Start now’ in the top right corner.
Step 3: Enter your business name.
Step 4: Enter your business address.
Step 5: If you deliver to your customers instead of them
coming to you, check the box “I deliver goods and services to my
customers”. You can also choose ‘Hide my address (it’s not a store) if
you are working from home and don’t want your address shown. Finally,
select your delivery area.
Step 6: Choose a suitable category for your business. Try to
be as accurate as possible as you are basically telling Google which
type of customers you want your business listing displayed to.
Step 7: Add your business website or phone number.
Step 8: Select the type of verification option you want to
use. You can also choose to do this later by clicking “Try a different
method" - "Later”.