Local Business Guide to Google My Business

Is it possible to reach the top of Google Search for free within a few days?

Can a listing appear in Google Maps at no extra cost? Can small business owners view statistics on how customers interacted with their listing?

The answer is yes!

By using the free Google My Business (GMB) service store owners can claim their local business listing today. With 49% of companies receiving 1,000 views per month through GMB, it's essential to act now.

This article offers a full guide to Google My Business for non-tech-minded store owners and local service providers.

Discover how Google My Business works and how to create an account. Learn how to build the perfect listing and view how many customers interact with it.

Read on to see how to market your local business more effectively online by partnering with a professional team.

What Is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool that enables businesses to manage their online presence within Google Search and Maps.

Once verified, owners and managers can claim their GMB listing which acts as a profile within Google's network. Customers will see the listing when they search for queries that relate to the business or local area.

For example, searching for the business name will display a profile card on the right of the page on a large screen.

5 Local Search Queries

A local search query contains keywords relating to where and not just what the person wants. For example, a search phrase 'pizza in Stockton' will list pizzerias in Stockton, CA.

Results appear alongside an interactive map near the top of the page. These three listings are known as the Google Local Pack. The Pack sits above the paid adverts and organic listings making those results the first a customer sees.

Clicking on the map will open up all the GMB results and customers can view directions, etc. directly from the page.

Google My Business Listing

The main GMB listing contains a wealth of information for the customer to view and interact with including:

• Telephone number and website address with action buttons
• Address details with a link to an interactive map
• Opening hours and popular/busy hours of service
• FAQs, reviews, and blog posts
• Pictures of the store and products
• Mobile users can simply tap on a button to phone the company or visit their Facebook page. For further information, they can visit the website by tapping the link.

Benefits of a Google My Business Account

GMB should be the first port of call for companies wishing to market themselves online because they can:

• Reach new customers who use Google Search
• Move to the top of the rankings at no additional cost
• Appear on other Google services and Android apps
• Have full control over their listing

Most importantly, Google My Business offers full performance statistics for their listings.

GMB Listing Performance Statistics

Businesses can log into their GMB dashboard to view a wealth of statistical data relating to their listings.

Google also sends performance emails that include how many people asked for directions. They share how many clicks the website gathered and how many people phoned from the listing.

Customer reviews and the total number of people who saw the listing provide further insights for analysis.

How to Claim a Google My Business Listing

The first step is to visit the Google My Business 'Create' page.

Google reviews are more important than local hygiene ratings in the restaurant industry. Customers actively read a Google review and are less inclined to visit the store with a low star rating.

The GMB Dashboard offers a dedicated section for reviews.

Here you can read all of the reviews regarding your business listing on one screen. You also have the opportunity to reply to reviews, both good and bad.

Customers automatically get notified when you send them a reply. A timely and well-constructed response to a negative review will help in the long run.

One Eleven Web Design firmly believes in the power of reviews. That's why we actively encourage our clients to seek out new reviews for their listing and website.

Market Your Business Online With One Eleven Web Design

Google My Business offers an effective way to promote your local business on Google for free.

Your listing appears for relevant local search queries. Customers can contact you directly from their phones. You can even upload product photos, opening hours, and essential information. Yet, not everyone has the time or ability to create a Google My Business account. And most small business owners don't have the resources to update their listings.

One Eleven Web Design not only creates Google-friendly websites but we manage our clients' marketing on their behalf.

We can create and maintain your GMB account along with offline promotions like brochure design. Our social media service caters to your core audience with custom content designed specifically for them.

Contact us today to discover how we can help your business grow.