How To List Your Business On Google? 

Introduction 

Are potential customers unable to find your business online? With over 5.9 billion Google searches happening daily, not being visible can cost you countless opportunities. In fact, businesses that aren’t listed on Google often struggle with credibility, and visibility, and miss out on local customers searching for their products or services.

Having a website alone doesn’t guarantee customer engagement or visibility. Your business needs to appear where potential customers are actively searching—and that’s on Google. A Google listing allows your business to show up in local searches, Google Maps, and mobile searches, making it easier for customers to find important details like your location, business hours, and reviews. It also enables potential customers to quickly engage with your business, whether it’s through direct calls, reading reviews, checking products, or booking appointments. 

But how do you ensure your business stands out? Knowing how to list your business on Google is key to boosting visibility, attracting more customers, and securing your spot in local searches. Let’s dive into the blog and explore solutions to get your business listed and thriving online!

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business (GMB), is a free tool that allows businesses to manage how they appear in Google Search and Maps. It enables you to provide important information like your location, contact details, business hours, and customer reviews directly on Google’s search platform. A well-optimized profile boosts your local visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find and engage with your business. By creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile, you ensure that your business is accessible and credible in the eyes of your audience.

What Happens When You Don’t List Your Business on Google?

Before diving into the steps for listing your business on Google, let’s discuss why this is so important. Not listing your business comes with several consequences, ranging from missed sales opportunities to a lack of credibility. Here are some key issues businesses face when they don’t have a Google listing:

Missed Opportunities

If your business isn’t listed on Google, potential customers can’t find you when they search for services or products you offer. Google is the most popular search engine globally, and many people rely on it to discover local businesses. Without a listing, you’re essentially invisible in these searches. Whether customers are searching for nearby restaurants, salons, or repair services, they rely on Google’s local search feature to help them make decisions. A missing Google listing means a competitor with a complete profile could win the customer by default.

Loss of Credibility

When a business isn’t listed on Google, it may appear less legitimate to potential customers. Many customers perform quick searches to verify a business’s existence and credibility before making a purchase or visiting a location. A business without a Google presence might be perceived as untrustworthy or small-scale, causing customers to hesitate or look elsewhere. Being visible on Google is no longer optional; it’s essential. Customers need to feel assured that they’re engaging with a credible business, and a complete, well-maintained Google profile is a crucial part of that perception,” advises Gidon Sadovski, founder of Overnight Glasses. “In today’s digital-first world, a lack of online presence equates to a loss of potential customer trust.

Negative Impact on SEO

Google uses local search rankings to determine which businesses appear in its Maps and general search results. If your business isn’t listed, you’re missing out on critical SEO benefits. Without a listing, your website or services won’t show up in local search results or on Google Maps, significantly reducing your online visibility. This affects not only foot traffic to your physical location but also the number of website visits you receive.

As you can see, the consequences of not listing your business on Google are substantial. Let’s move on to how you can ensure your business is visible and easy to find on Google.

Also read: How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business

Step-by-Step Guide to Listing Your Business on Google

Now that you understand the importance of being listed on Google, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to list your business on Google. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your business appears in search results, and maps, and has an optimized profile that can attract more customers.

Step 1: Create or Log into a Google Account

The first step in getting your business listed on Google is to create or log into an existing Google account. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to set one up. Here’s how:

Go to Google Accounts and create a new account.

It’s recommended to use a business email address (e.g., [email protected]) for professional consistency.

Follow the prompts to set up your account by entering basic details like your business name, email, and password.

If you already have a Google account, simply log in. This Google account will serve as the access point for your business listing, so ensure it’s one you check regularly.

Step 2: Go to Google My Business

Once you have a Google account, you’ll need to navigate to Google My Business (GMB), the platform that manages business listings. You can visit Google My Business at Google My Business.

Click the “Manage Now” button to start the process of creating your business profile.

Google My Business is the tool that allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Search and on Google Maps. It’s an essential part of your online presence, so take your time with this process.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Information

After accessing Google My Business, you’ll be prompted to fill in your business information. This is one of the most critical steps, as the accuracy of your business details will directly impact how customers find you.

Business Name: Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your signage, branding, or website.

Address: Include the exact address of your business. Make sure to avoid any discrepancies between how your address is listed here and how it appears on other websites or directories.

Phone Number and Website: Add your primary business phone number and website URL. This is essential for customers who want to call you or learn more about your services online.

Business Hours: Make sure to include your working hours, as Google will display this information to users searching for your business.

Consistency is key here. Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) should be identical across all platforms to avoid confusion for customers and Google’s algorithm.

Step 4: Choose a Business Category

Google requires you to choose a primary business category to help them match your business with relevant searches. This step is crucial as it directly impacts which search queries your business will appear in.

Select the category that best describes your business. For example, if you run a bakery, “Bakery” should be your primary category.

You can also add additional categories if your business offers multiple services. For instance, if your bakery also serves coffee, you could add “Coffee Shop” as a secondary category.

Do some competitor research if you’re unsure which categories to choose. Look at businesses in your industry and see how they’ve categorized themselves.

Step 5: Verify Your Business

Before your business listing can go live, you’ll need to verify your business with Google. This step ensures that only authorized individuals can manage business listings and that the information provided is accurate.

Postcard by Mail: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once received, log into your Google My Business account and enter the code.

Phone Verification: Some businesses are eligible to verify their listing by phone. Google will call you with a verification code that you can enter on the GMB platform.

Email Verification: In rare cases, Google will allow businesses to verify via email. They will send a verification code to the business email associated with the listing.

Verification is essential. Without it, your business listing won’t appear in search results or on Google Maps.

Step 6: Optimize Your Profile

Now that your business is verified, it’s time to optimize your profile to attract more customers. This step is often overlooked but is critical for improving your ranking in search results.

Business Description: Write a detailed and engaging description of your business, including keywords relevant to your industry. This helps customers understand what your business offers and improves SEO.

Photos: Upload high-quality images of your business, including the exterior, interior, products, and services. According to Google, businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their websites.

Services and Products: If applicable, list the services or products you offer. You can add descriptions and prices, which helps potential customers get a full understanding of what you provide.

Special Attributes: Take advantage of special features offered in GMB, such as setting health and safety protocols or adding wheelchair accessibility options if applicable.

Step 7: Manage and Update Your Listing Regularly

Once your profile is live, the work doesn’t stop. To maintain your business’s visibility, it’s crucial to manage and update your Google My Business listing regularly.

Update Business Hours: If your hours change due to holidays or special events, be sure to update them on Google. This keeps customers informed and helps avoid missed opportunities.

Respond to Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, and always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Engaging with customers in this way boosts your credibility and ranking.

Add New Photos and Posts: Keep your profile fresh by uploading new images and adding Google Posts. These can highlight promotions, events, or special offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

How can customers find your business if you’re not visible where they’re searching? Knowing how to list your business on Google is crucial for boosting visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. A properly optimized Google listing ensures that potential customers can easily find your business, read reviews, and contact you—whether they need directions or want to book a service. Following the steps in this guide will position your business to capture more local traffic and stand out from competitors.

But listing your business is only the beginning. To truly benefit, you need to manage and update your profile regularly. You maintain a strong connection with your customers by keeping your listing current and engaging. If you’re looking for efficient ways to optimize your Google presence, Emitrr offers the tools and expertise to help. Contact us today and let us guide you through maximizing your online visibility with Google My Business!