TIPs GOOGLE MY BUSINESS IS KEY TO NEW CUSTOMERS Of course, people are texting more and more, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still calling businesses directly for information, or to talk to the owner, etc. A real, working phone number and answering message can make the difference between thinking a new customer thinks you’re legit or a dead-end. According to a CallRail’s study, businesses saw a 61% increase in calls coming directly from Google My Business during the pandemic. According to Google, “Google My Business is a free tool that lets you manage how your local business appears across Google products, like Maps and Search. If you run a business that serves customers at a particular location, or you serve customers within a designated service area, Google My Business can help people find you. Verified businesses on Google are twice as likely to be considered reputable by users.” Google offers the following ways your business can benefit from being listed: 1. Maintain accurate information about your business online 3 Tell Google your hours, <strong>web</strong>site, phone number, and location (a street address, service area, or place marker, depending on your business) 3 Use the mobile app to stay up-to-date with your online presence wherever you are 2. Interact with customers 3 Post photos of your business and its products and services 3 Collect and respond to reviews from customers 3. Attract new customers 3 Improve how your business appears online so new customers can find you 3 Point customers to your <strong>web</strong>site 3 When you’re ready, consider using location-based ads with Smart campaigns in Google Ads to reach an even larger audience ■ How to Get on the List The following are the steps to take according to Google: Important: When you register a new business, there might be a Business Profile for an old business at the same location. Do not try to claim it. Instead, suggest an edit to have it marked as closed. Then, you can create a new profile on Google My Business for your business. 1. On your computer, sign in to Google My Business. 2. Sign in to your Google Account, or create one. Then, click Next. 3 Sign up with your business email domain since this account will be for your chain. Enter the name of your business or chain. If you have a chain, you can also select it from the suggestions that display as you type. 3. Enter your business’ or chain’s address. Then, click Next. 3 You may also be asked to position a marker on the location of your business or chain’s branch on a map. If your business doesn’t have a physical location but operates within a service area, you can list the area instead. Then, click Next. 4. Choose how your business will display on Google Maps. 3 If you serve customers at your business address: 1. Enter your business address. 2. Click Next. If you also serve customers outside your business address, you’ll have the option to list your service areas as well. 3 If you don’t serve customers at your business address: 3. Enter your business address. 4. At the bottom, click I deliver goods and services to my customers Next. 5. List your service areas, then click Next. 5. Search for and select a business category. Then, click Next. 6. Enter a phone number or <strong>web</strong>site URL, then click Finish. 3 You’ll also have the option to create a free <strong>web</strong>site based on your information. It’s recommended that you provide the individual phone number or store page for each location, rather than a single centralized call center. 7. Select a verification option. It’s recommended that you review your information before you request verification. 3 To verify now, at the top, find the red banner and click Verify now. 3 To verify later, click Verify later Later. 3 If you’re not authorized to manage the Business Profile for the chain, find the person in your organization who’s authorized and continue the process. If you sign up for Google My Business and continue directly to verification: 1. If your business information is correct, at the top of the page, click Mail. 3 Do not click Verify later. 2. Enter the name of the person the verification postcard should be mailed to, or you can leave it blank. We’ll send it to the address you provided for your business. 3. Click Send postcard. If you signed up for Google My Business but didn’t start the verification process: 1. Sign in to google.com/business. 2. In your Google My Business dashboard, at the top right, click Verify now. 3. If your business information is correct, at the top of the page, click Mail. 3 Do not click Verify later. 4. Enter the name of the person the verification postcard should be mailed to, or you can leave it blank. We’ll send it to the address you provided for your business. 5. Click Send postcard. ■ Wait for your postcard Important: Due to COVID-19, you may experience delays in getting your postcard. Most postcards arrive within 14 days. The postcard includes a unique verification code that you must enter in Google My Business to confirm that your business is located at the listed address. While you wait, you can prepare for online success: 3 Visit your business <strong>web</strong>site as if you’re a customer who found it through Google Search or Maps. Take time to enhance your site and update any incorrect information. 3 Take pictures of your business and the products and services it provides. These photos make great additions to your Google My Business profile. You can even take customers inside your space with Street View. ■ Complete verification After you get your verification postcard: 1. Sign in to google.com/business. 2. Verify your business in one of the following ways: 3 Under “Verification needed,” click Verify now. 3 Or, in the left menu, click Verify location. 3. Follow the instructions to enter the verification code from your postcard. 38 • FALL 2020
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