In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, every click is a doorway to potential customers, and each online search is an opportunity for growth. Mastering Google My Business (GMB) is more than just a smart move—it becomes your secret ingredient for online success!
Imagine turning your small or home-based business into a local superstar. 🌟 GMB is your digital megaphone, amplifying your voice in the online marketplace. It’s not just about being visible; it’s about being vibrantly visible and irresistibly clickable!
Special Note to Mailbox Shipping Business Owners: We have some crucial information for you, so keep reading! Ensuring the proper use of your business address on GMB profiles is vital to maintain your business’s integrity and adhere to Google’s guidelines.
So, are you ready to give your business the spotlight it deserves? Let’s dive into the easy yet impactful steps to set up your GMB listing. Together, we’ll explore how to fine-tune your online presence, making it as welcoming and engaging as your services!
Understanding the Impact: Key Statistics on Online Searches for Local Businesses
- 46% of Google Searches: A significant 46% of all Google searches are aimed at finding local information, highlighting the importance of local SEO for businesses.
- 97% Search for Local Businesses Online: An overwhelming 97% of search engine users have used online searches to find a local business, indicating the crucial role search engines play in connecting businesses with customers.
- 86% Rely on the Internet for Local Business Discovery: The Internet is the go-to source for 86% of consumers to find local businesses, underscoring the importance of a solid online presence.
- 72% Turn to Search Engines for Local Merchant Info: For 72% of consumers, search engines are the preferred method to discover information on local merchants, emphasizing the need for businesses to be visible and easily discoverable online.
These statistics from Hubspot underscore the immense value of a Google My Business account. It’s not just a tool; it’s a crucial part of enhancing your business’s visibility in local searches.
1. Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile
Create or Access Your Google Account:
- It’s free and the gateway to your GMB profile. Head over to Google My Business and click “Manage Now.” It serves as your gateway to increased visibility.
Search Your Business Name:
- Start by typing your business name in the Google My Business setup. The autocomplete feature helps check if your business already exists in Google’s database. If you’re adding a new branch, it’s easy to link it to your main profile. Don’t worry about seeing competitors’ names in the suggestions; you can still establish your unique listing to highlight your business in the local digital space.
Filling Out Your Profile:
- Enter your business name and choose a category that best represents your services. This step is crucial for SEO – it helps Google show your business for the right searches. You can change this later, but it’s a bit of a hassle, so choose wisely.
Tailoring Your Profile to Your Business Type
- Storefront Businesses: If you operate from a physical location where customers can visit, ensure it’s listed with clear signage. This helps customers locate you easily and enhances your local presence on Google Maps.
- Service-Area Businesses: For businesses that offer services by traveling to customers, such as home repairs or consultancy services, you can set up a GMB profile tailored to service areas. This ensures your business appears in search results for the specific regions you serve, adhering to Google’s guidelines for service-area businesses.
- Online Retail Businesses: If your primary business model is online retail, you can leverage GMB to showcase your e-commerce platform. While you might not have a physical location for customers to visit, your GMB profile can highlight your online presence, display customer reviews, and provide easy access to your website or online store.
Address Accuracy:
- Got a physical location? Say ‘Yes’ and add it. If you’re a home-based or service-area business (like many companies that use Ship Orlando!), select ‘No.’ This way, you can specify the areas you serve.
- Use a precise, actual address or service area. P.O. boxes or remote mailboxes aren’t valid. Include suite numbers or floors if applicable. Remember, locations like virtual offices or the Ship Orlando store, where you don’t operate physically, aren’t eligible for a Business Profile address.
Specifying Service Areas:
- This helps Google show your profile in relevant local searches. You can choose by distance or specify towns and cities. For service-based businesses, like many that use Ship Orlando virtual and private mailbox services, define your service boundaries. However, ensure they only extend up to 2 hours of driving from your base.
Contact Info:
- Let’s Talk. Add your phone number and website URL. Don’t have a website yet? Ship Orlando’s team can guide you in setting one up, helping your business stand out.
Mailing Address Verification:
- When setting up your Google My Business profile, you’ll be asked to enter a mailing address for verification. It’s important to note that the address you provide here will be kept private and won’t be visible to the public. This step is crucial for Google to confirm the legitimacy of your business. If you use Ship Orlando as your address for virtual or private mailboxes, you can put that address. Don’t forget your PMB#.
2. Verification and Compliance
- Verification Options: Choose from postcard, phone, or email verification methods as guided by Google.
- Compliance with Google’s Guidelines: Ensure adherence to Google’s guidelines, such as having permanent signage if listing an address and avoiding multiple pages for the same location.
3. Beyond the Setup: Enhancing Your GMB Profile
- Encourage Customer Reviews: Genuine reviews can significantly boost your profile’s appeal.
- Add Photos and Videos: Visuals showcasing your work, team, and transformations can be highly engaging.
- Craft a Compelling Business Description: Detail your services, experience, and unique selling points.
Your digital presence today is as critical as your physical presence. Setting up and optimizing your Google My Business profile is critical to ensuring your home services business is visible and accessible. It’s more than just a listing; it’s a vital tool for connecting with your local community and beyond.
Side Note for Other Mailbox Shipping Businesses:
For fellow mailbox shipping businesses, it’s essential to periodically check that your address isn’t being incorrectly used as the physical location for other businesses on GMB. Regularly search your address on Google and educate your customers about accurately representing their business location. If you discover misuse, take steps to rectify it. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your business and adhering to Google’s guidelines.
