Imagine this: you’re excited to check out a local restaurant, so you pull up the company’s info in Google Maps. Once you’ve reached the listed address, however, the building is nowhere to be found. Worse, calling the business’ phone number gets you nowhere.
As a customer, what do you do? If you’re like most, you simply give up and take your money somewhere else.
For small brands, this is a horror story. Unless you enjoy losing business, it’s crucial to have your updated business info visible in Google Search!
If you’re thinking, “I don’t know how to edit my Google Business Listing,” we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know about claiming, verifying, and editing your brand’s listing online.
Google makes claiming a business listing a breeze.
If you haven’t already done so, create a Google account or sign into your existing one. Make sure you’re using an account whose associated email you check often, as Google may send you notifications about your listing.
Next, locate your business on Google. You can do this by searching for your business’s name and city in Google Search or Google Maps. If you’re successful, you should find your business’s name along with any unverified information.
Click the red pin marking your brand’s location on the map. Inside the box that appears, click “Claim this business.”
After you agree to the terms of service, this option should bring you to a page for managing your business information.
Before you go any further, make sure to verify yourself. This authenticates your identity with Google, and it also lets them know you’re a representative of the brand in question. If you don’t verify your account, your Google Business Profile will not show up in the search results!
Keep in mind that Google may take up to 7 business days to review your verification. Even after this, it can take up to a few weeks for your edited business information to show up.
There are a few verification methods to choose from:
If you select the option for a call, Google will call your business’s phone number. During the automated call, you’ll get a unique PIN, so make sure you have a pen and paper to jot the digits down. Enter this number into your profile to verify your account.
With the text option, Google will send a message with the PIN for your account. Enter this number into your profile to verify your account.
Google can also send you a postcard with your PIN. This method can take up to 14 days, so it’s only a good idea if you have trouble verifying your account with the methods above.
As a newer option, video verification asks you to create and submit a short video showing your business. After reviewing the video, Google will verify your account.
If you’re an existing member of Google Search Console, you might not need to use the verification methods above. This is because Search Console has verification methods of its own. In your Google Business Profile, no “Get verified” prompt will show up, and you’ll be able to edit your profile right away.
If you’re a new Search Console member, you may be able to click “Get verified” and enjoy instant verification without the methods above.
Editing a business listing will likely be the most time-consuming part of this task. We recommend adding as much information as possible about your brand. A more complete profile is more helpful to searchers, and Google always rewards helpful content with higher rankings in the search results.
Note that you can edit your Google business listing at any time.
To do this, log in to Google Business Manager and select the listing you want to edit. Locate the section you want to edit, and then click the pencil icon to make changes. When you’re done, click “Apply.”
At a minimum, make sure to verify that your business name is correct. You should also check the address, business phone number, and hours of operation.
From there, add business categories to match your offerings. Link your website’s URL, and add a concise business description that covers the basics of what you do. Wherever you can, try to sprinkle in relevant keywords anywhere that seems natural, as this can help improve your brand’s visibility in the search results.
As you make these in-depth edits, make sure you’re following the guidelines for representing your business on Google.
Depending on the type of business you own, you can also add other relevant information that you think customers might search for. Try adding information about how to make appointments or updating your profile with a restaurant menu. You can even create a Q&A section.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to add photos. Quality photos can help build trust with searchers, and they can also help customers familiarize themselves with what you offer before they show up. Consider adding photos of your storefront, interior, staff, displays, products, menus, and other helpful details.
As you grow your brand, you’ll also want to solicit customer reviews for your listing, if you don’t have any already. This is a crucial part of local reputation marketing, and it can help your brand stand out from the crowd.
Creating a free business listing on Google may seem like a small step in terms of SEO, but it can have huge effects! With a well-managed Google Business Listing, you can make it easy for customers to see and connect with your brand right from the jump. Now that you’ve stopped thinking, “I don’t know how to edit my Google Business Listing!” it’s time to get started!
If you’re hoping to make the most of your online listing, consider growing your business with SMBHub. Our expert services can help you claim, verify, and customize your listing in line with your other off-page SEO efforts. To learn more, get started with our SEO solutions today!
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