Are You on Google My Business? You Better Be!

Google My Business is a powerful and free way to bring more attention to your business. Here's why you can't afford not to be on it!

Are You on Google My Business? You Better Be!

Date: September 26, 2019
By: Shaun Pingitore

Google My Business is a powerful and free way to bring more attention to your business. Here’s why you can’t afford not to be on it!

Some brands are so good at penetrating our culture that their very name becomes a common word in our vocabulary. If you ask for a Kleenex, you’ll receive a tissue. Want a Q-Tip? What you’re really getting is a cotton swab. If you cut yourself, you’ll likely want to put on a Band-Aid, or more accurately—a bandage.

Now, think about where you turn when you need to look something up–Just Google it! Google has effectively embedded itself as a regular part of our everyday lives, in many parts of the world. So what does this mean for your business?

Not having your business on Google is worse than having a bright neon “closed” sign in front of your office or shop in the middle of the afternoon. Yet surprisingly, so many businesses are unaware of the powerful (and free!) tools available to help promote themselves online.

What Is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a listing that you, as a business owner, can set up for free that will greatly increase your business’ online visibility. It allows you to display your website, hours, location & many key bits of information that help you reach potential clients. It also adds your location to Google Maps, further increasing the chance of your target customers finding you. Talk about putting your business on the map!

Why Does This Matter to Me?

Creating a Google My Business listing is a great (and again—FREE!) way to greatly increase the chances of your business showing up on the first page of Google. Even when searching a business’ exact name, without this listing, you still may not show up in a search. There could be people actively looking for you that are unable to find you. What’s more, even if they do find you, lack of operating hours & contact info may be deterring paying customers from contacting you.

Another great reason to create a Google My Business listing is for reviews. This listing allows clients & customers to leave reviews on your business. They can consist of a star-rating (out of 5), and optionally a written review.

In today’s increasingly connected & un-trusting world, social proof is huge. Potential customers want to see that others have dealt with your business & had a positive experience.

Beyond the social proof, positive Google Reviews will cause your website & business to rank higher in relevant searches.

How Do I Set It Up?

All you have to do is visit the Google My Business page (Click Here), and fill out a few easy questions. Once you sign up, you’re almost set! You will have a Google listing; however, you won’t be able to finish setting it up until you input the verification code. It’s a little ironic coming from one of the biggest tech companies in the world, but you’ll receive your verification code on a postcard in the mail. A word of warning: We’ve had a few experiences with very long wait times for the postcard, so don’t fret if you don’t receive yours right away!