Today, we want to show you how to claim your Google Business Listing and get a jump start on making your business noticeable across multiple channels including Google Search, Google Maps and Google+.

How many times has a person told you that they couldn’t find you on the Internet, your hours were outdated or your phone number didn’t work after they finally located you online? As soon as you have a Google Business Listing, you can correct all of this!

Who Should Take Advantage of This?

Every Business!

Disclaimer

This is not a replacement for full Organic SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This listing will help to increase your visibility through Local Google Search and Google Maps (Desktop, Tablet and Mobile).

Getting Started

The official website for Google Business is: https://www.google.com/business

If you already have a Google Account (for Gmail, Google Analytics, Google Webmaster Tools, Google+, etc) sign in to it. If you don’t have a Google Account, now’s the time to create one.

Once You’re Logged In

As soon as you login to your Google Business Account, you’ll see the main dashboard. In the lower right corner, there is a Pink circle with a + icon. Click this and then choose the icon at the top that says ‘Add a Location’.

Find Your Location

Google has done it’s best to list every business it can find and provide as much detail as they can regardless of whether you’ve claimed the listing or not. Once you click ‘Add a Location’, you’ll see the following screen where you will search for your business. Google will display the closest match and you can now select it. You will be asked to confirm that you’re authorized to claim and manage this business listing.

Verifying Ownership

At this point, Google wants to verify that you are the right person to manage this listing. There are 2 ways they’ll do this:

1. They mail a postcard to the business address with a verification PIN
2. In rare cases, they will send you an automated phone call with the PIN number for immediate verification

As soon as you receive the Postcard or receive the call, login to your Google Business Account and enter the PIN. Your listing will be live immediately. If your verification process is the postcard method, you can edit your listing details in the meantime so they are ready to go as soon as you receive your PIN and enter it.

Where Your Information Will Appear

Once you have claimed your listing, your information will appear in the following locations:

1. Google Search
2. Google Maps
3. Google+

Additional Features to Take Advantage of

Once your listing is under your control, you’ll have access to many great resources to spread the word about your business. Here is a brief overview:

1. Contact Information: You can make sure your address, phone number, hours, website address, target market and categories are all correct
2. Photos: You can make sure your logo is correct and add pictures of your business and/or staff members
3. Insights: View performance reports to see how many people are viewing your Business listing, requesting directions, calling you and more after they view your listing on Google Maps. If you have a YouTube page or you’re using Google Analytics or Google Adwords, you can also see a snapshot of these accounts here
4. Reviews: Manage your reviews and respond to your customers directly

Samples of Search Results After Claiming Your Listing

How Your Business Can Appear in a Regular Search Listing

This image shows an example of a Local Search someone might request. Our sample search was ‘website designer near arvada, co’. The results always show Google Ads First, Google Maps Results (where you could easily appear) followed by Organic Search Results.

Google Maps Listing

This is how your business will appear on the Google Maps page (maps.google.com).

A Search For Your Business Name

When someone searches for your business name, you will notice the additional information off to the right which increases your exposure.

What to do Now

Now that you have this information, it’s time to start the process for yourself and claim your business listing. If you’re pressed for time or you don’t want to attempt this yourself, contact us today and we’ll help you out.

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