How to Secure Your Google My Business Listing

Getting the basics right, however, is essential. At the cornerstone of a successful local SEO campaign is a fully-optimized GMB so that you appear in Maps, as well as the local pack listings. Securing your position, though, requires time and effort.

The following guide will explain how to secure and verify your Google My Business listing, as well as how to elevate it.

Creating an Account and Claiming Your Space

Creating an account is incredibly easy. Follow the subsequent steps:

Step 1: If you have an existing Google account, log into the one you want associated with your business. Otherwise, create a new account.

Step 2: Once your account is created, head to google.com/business and click "Manage Now."

Step 3: Enter your business name and business address. If your business is not a store, check the box "Hide my address (it’s not a store)," and if your business delivers goods or services, select "I deliver goods and services to my customers."

Step 4: For businesses that deliver goods and services, you will then need to fill in the "Delivery area" section.

Step 5: Choose your business category, and make sure to select the most accurate category as possible – Google will feed off this information so that it can match up your business category with the people who you want to see your business listing.

Step 6: Add your business website and phone number.

Step 7: Choose a verification option. If you are not ready to verify your business just yet, select "Try a different method" then "Later."

Verifying Your Business on Google

There are numerous ways to verify your Google My Business. You can usually choose to do this by:

• Postcard
• Email
• Phone

Postcard

Log into your Google My Business and make sure your business address is correct. Once the information is accurate, click "Mail" and wait around five days for the postcard to reach your location. Once the postcard has arrived, log into Google My Business and select "Verify now." Your postcard will have a five-digital verification code for you to use. You must be able to receive mail at your official business address in order to select this option. The postcard cannot be mailed to a P.O. Box or alternate address.

Email

Select the "Verify by email" option when you start the verification process, then head to your email inbox, and find the verification button within.

Phone

Ensure your business phone number is correct and choose "Verify by phone." Your phone will receive a call or text with the verification code; enter in the code to finish verifying your business.

Optimizing Your GMB Listing

Once you have secured your GMB listing, it is time to flesh out your profile. By doing so, you can elevate your search ranking and increase your online visibility – both of which are vital when building a successful local listing.

You can optimize your GMB listing yourself or, if reviewing and auditing your local listing is too time-consuming, digital marketing professionals at companies such as DMG will offer this service. Optimizing your GMB listing can ensure accuracy and consistency across your digital platforms so that your future customers can find you.

Add as Much Information as Possible

Head to the Google My Business dashboard and leave no field unanswered. Include a business profile photo, the area you serve, opening hours and any attributes you offer, such as wheelchair access.

Remember that anyone can suggest an edit to your business. Changes to your business information can happen without notification, so log in intermittently and amend any data that is incorrect or outdated.

GMB Photos and Videos

According to Google, businesses with photos see 35% more click-through rates to their websites, as well as 42% more requests for directions in Google Maps. Be sure to upload high-quality photos that are at least 720 pixels wide by 720 pixels high. The files must also be PNG or JPG. You should also have a cover photo, profile photo, and a video if you wish to add variety.

Conclusion

Targeting a local market means breaking into a highly competitive field. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you create, verify, and optimize a GMB listing for a more vibrant online presence. If you are unsure on how to raise your digital visibility, many professionals are willing to offer a helping hand.