If you have a brick-and-mortar location, Google Maps is about to become your new BFF. But first, you need to introduce yourself.
Businesses don’t just appear randomly on Google Maps. There’s a process you need to go through to get your business listed so that you can let people know where you’re located, what hours you’re open, how to contact you, etc.
Let’s talk about the hows and whys of putting your business on Google Maps.
The Benefits of Google Maps for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
For baby boomers and Gen Xers, a trip to an unfamiliar location once meant cumbersome folding maps for wherever you wanted to visit. Millennials had it a bit easier once MapQuest came along … but if you were going more than 20 miles down the road, you’d need a ream of paper and an entire ink cartridge to print out the step-by-step directions.
Today, it only takes a simple “hey, Google” to get turn by turn directions to anywhere you want to go, whether it’s just down the street or across the country. And that’s why Google Maps has over 1 billion monthly users.
Do you want 1 billion people to be able to find you? Of course you do.
Here are some other benefits to listing your business on Google Maps:
- You can help people “see” your business. Have you ever known where something was but struggled to find it? With Google Maps, you can post Street View pics so your customers know they’re looking for a blue building with pink polka dots (or a grey office building with a green awning, as the case may be).
- You can add all of your details. A Google Maps listing doesn’t just show where you’re located — you can also add important details like hours/days of operation and how to get in touch. If you’re a service provider, you can even list your service area radius.
- You’ll show up more often in local search. More than half of the people who search for a local business will visit or book an appointment within 48 hours. A Google Maps listing helps improve your local SEO, ensuring the people who are looking for you can find you with ease.
- You can increase your website traffic. People who want to learn more about your business before visiting can access your website with just one click, giving you one more touchpoint to make a sale.
- You can build online clout. Once you have a Google Maps listing, your customers can begin leaving online reviews and sharing their experiences with others. By regularly reacting and responding to them, you’re showing potential customers that you’re an invested business owner.
Creating Your Google Maps Listing
Have we convinced you that you can’t live another day without a Google Maps listing? It’s simple to get started.
First, you’ll need to create a Google My Business account. It’s free, quick and painless. Once you’ve done that, scroll down to “add new location” and follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to add your business name and address, then verify that you own the business by having a code sent to you via text or phone call.
After you’ve taken care of all the essentials, you can begin adding photos, contact info, hours, delivery information, service areas and a host of other things that will help your customers not only find you, but also get to know you!
Make sure all of your information is correct. Even the slightest mistake or typo can sink your efforts.
Put Your Business on the (Google) Map!
Even the best businesses won’t turn a profit if no one can find them. Google Maps is the best way to introduce your brick-and-mortar biz to the world!
Do you need more tips and tricks to drive people to your doors? Let Mischa Communications be your guide! We’re ready when you are.