Article by Emma Gosper, Digital Advisor, Western Sydney Business Centre
Google My Business is a free and easy online marketing tool that allows businesses to list their details online through Google, to appear in search results and Google Maps.
When searching for a business name, or a business type and location, businesses can appear on the first page of results on the right hand side of the page. They will also appear correctly in Google Maps, allowing customers to search based on location, and to find the addresses and directions of businesses. The best news is, Google My Business is absolutely free to use, with absolutely no catch or hidden advertising fee’s.
Google My Business showcases contact details, photos, trading hours and virtual tours, plus maps, with specific directions. If you operate a home based business, you can still use Google My Business without a physical address listed.
To register for Google My Business, all you need to do is type it into Google and sign in with an active Gmail account. Complete your business details to register your business. Google will then send you a postcard with your nominated address with a unique verification code to verify your listing.
Your customers also have the opportunity to review your business on Google which will appear on your profile. This allows potential customers to see the quality of your business easily, similar to Facebook Reviews.
Insights allow users to see where their customers come from and how they’re interacting with your business. You can track the number of clicks on your phone number, website visits, see the number of views and see how many people click to get directions to your business. The Insights also give you an insight into how your business ranks compared to other businesses like yours, so you can ensure your listing is as effective as possible. Keep an eye on your Insight information to help with your overall marketing plan including Facebook and Instagram advertising.
You can also link your Google My Business account to your Google AdWords and Google Analytics account to manage all Google promotion in the one spot.