0What is Google My Business (GMB) ?
Google My Business (GMB) is Free tool, provided by Google, to manage location based ( local business) businesses on Google Properties- Google Search & Google Map.
Steps to Use Google My Business
In order to list and manage your business with GMB you need to follow following steps:
-
Create Account on GMB
Go to https://www.google.com/business/ and sign in using Google ID , If Google Email is not available then signup for new account. After Signing in you need to click on add new location.
To add single business location use first option from dropdown.
NOTE: For 10+ Business locations you can use import locations options and you can do this by importing spreadsheet with all related informations of all locations. - Next screen will be similar to following screenshot
Start typing your business name. select one if already created if not then create new location and follow steps to add more details. -
Verify Business Listing
Google verifies business ownership using Mail ( Post Card ) Method, Phone, Email, Search Console verification.
Phone verification and email verification both as reserved for some specific business categories. If your business fall in those categories then you will be able to see phone and email verification options in GMB account.
Search Console Verification method is applicable only for website owners, who has verified their busiensses with Serch console( only same email ID as GMB )
Postcard and Mail method is primary methode for most of the businesses till date. After selecting mail methode google sends postcard to the business address( same location you are trying to verify) within 14-20 days ( depends on working days and other factors) - Edit Business Details
After Verifying your business, you will be able to edit business details such as hours, contact details, category, sub category, and special hours.
Google My Business Tools
There are several tools and features inside GMB app / website.
- Post
You can use post feature to publish your regular offers, events and other promotional content time to time on Google business Listing to showcase in Google Search RESULTS. - Insights
GMB Insight is useful tool to know how customers/visitors/searchers are interacting with your business listing - Reviews
Reviews from customers are visible on your google business listing ( in Local Pack and Knowledge Panel ) You can reply customer's reviews from GMB Dashboard. - Messaging
Recieve direct messages ( Text) from your customers if you use it effectively then this could be great tool to communicate with your customers ( This feature is available in selected countries-In India it's available) - Photos
Upload business related photos to grab google searchers / targeted customer's attention. You can see how many customers viewed your photo inside GMB account to analyse which type of photos working well with your business type. - Website
Don't know how to code website? then dont worry google my business have website tool to create attention grabing and mobile friendly website. Google Uses information provided by you at your business location inside GMB account to create website for your business. As per my findings- If you understand how googles works and SEO works then you can rank your google business website higher in search results for business related queries in your city. - User
You can add multiple ( 3 types of roles ) managers to your location to manage your location effectively and your can assign roles for all manager based on person's skill and job profile in your business.
