Is your business listed on Google Maps yet? If you’ve ever searched for information on Google, chances are you have seen local business results appearing in the listings. Your business could appear there too if you take the time to add your business to Google My Business. It’s free and it gives you an opportunity to present your business in a professional manner.
What does a Google Maps listing look like?
No doubt you’ve seen these listings. They have three main sections:
- Overview
- Posts
- Reviews
Underneath those are several useful links people can click on:
- Call
- Directions
- Share
- Website
This enables them to get in touch with you directly, visit your location, or look at your website. Not only is your business listed on Google, you’ll get a spot on the map too, showing people exactly where they can find you.
Since lots of people use the internet on their phones nowadays, it also means you can benefit from passing trade. This could be particularly powerful if you are in a popular holiday location. It makes you far more visible than you would otherwise be.
What are the main benefits of appearing on Google Maps?
Firstly, it’s a great asset for local SEO. Yes, search engine optimisation is still important. Local SEO helps you rank among competing local businesses. People searching for a florist in X or a supermarket in Y will find your business among the listings if you have added it via Google My Business.
It’s not just a basic listing, either. You can input plenty of key data using this tool. Better still, if you need to update it – perhaps you move to larger premises or get a new email address – it takes seconds to do via Google My Business. The changes will then take effect, on Google Maps, in the Google search results, and across all other Google channels you might be involved with. A time-saving advantage, for sure.
And the best advantage of all?
It qualifies as free advertising. Not just on any search engine, but the biggest one in the world. Even if your business doesn’t have a physical address people can visit, i.e. you might run a window company in Dorset with a warehouse but no showroom, you can still gain leads and exposure by getting listed on Google. Make this your priority – you never know how profitable it could be.