Google is one of the most successful and valuable companies in the world. For more than 20 years, people all over the world have been using the tool to search for information on the internet.
For companies, the platform offers a place to get in touch with potential customers and interested parties. In this overview, you will find all the important and relevant information about Google My Business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool for businesses and organisations to manage their online profile in Google Search. Businesses can share important business information and news with their target audience via a Google My Business listing.
Update: In November 2021, Google announced that Google My Business will be officially renamed to Google Business Profile. In the future, verification and Google Business Profile editing will also be simplified.
What does Google My Business cost?
Google My Business is completely free and can be used by any business or organisation. Businesses can register and verify themselves easily and with just a few steps and will appear on Google in the local search results shortly afterwards.
Google My Business vs. Google Maps: What is the difference?
The main difference between Google My Business and Maps is that Google Maps shows the location of your business and provides directions. Google My Business, on the other hand, provides all the information relevant for users to do business with a company. A fully optimised Google My Business listing displays more detailed information about businesses on Google Maps.
With the new Google Business Profile, Google plans to merge the two search results. Under the new name Google Business Profile, Google My Business and Google Maps entries are to be combined. This is intended to simplify processing for businesses.
Do businesses need Google My Business?
In a worldwide comparison with other search engines, Google is in first place by a wide margin measured by page views. Around 3.5 billion search queries are made via Google per day.
According to official figures, around half of these search queries come from mobile devices. So there is a very good chance that your target group also uses Google and probably even several times a day.
Via Google My Business, companies are already there for their target group, right at the moment of the search. An optimised business account provides information about the most important information, contact details and opening hours. Especially for small and local businesses, it is important to make this data transparent and easily accessible to customers.
Create a Google My Business account
Registering with Google My Business takes just a few steps:
- Go to Google My Business page
- Select business name and category
- Add location
- Enter field of application
- Set contact details
- Verify your account
Right at the beginning of the registration process, you will be asked for the most important information such as company name and category. Make sure that the spelling of the company name is consistent and correct here.
When choosing the company category, be as specific and appropriate as possible. The next steps are to determine locations, catchment area and contact details. Here you should also make sure that the data is entered without errors.
How is the Google Business profile verified?
The last step in the registration process is the verification of the business. The method of verification depends on the type of business. If a fixed location has been entered, a postcard with a verification code will be sent. If there is no fixed location, the authentication is done by phone or digitally.
Can any business create a Google My Business profile?
In theory, any business that has a physical location that people can visit can create a business account on Google My Business. However, the Guidelines for Representing Businesses and Refraining from Illegal Activities in connection with a Google My Business account must be noticed. If the guidelines are violated, the account can be blocked.
Can information on Google My Business be changed?
The information displayed in the Google My Business listing should always be correct and up-to-date. Information such as address, contact information, pictures or opening hours can be adjusted without much effort.
In addition to important information, it is also possible to share news and offers with interested parties via the Google Business profile. This area should also be regularly updated.
Google My Business Checklist
What is Google Business Chat?
Via Google Business Messages, users can contact businesses directly via the Google My Business entry. In this way, important questions from customers can be answered directly at the moment of the search. The chat button is currently only available on mobile devices.
For some time now, Google has been expanding the functions in the search with the aim of providing users with relevant information right from the start. In many cases, this results in so-called zero-click searches.
In some cases, users no longer even click on the search results or the link to the website, as the information they are looking for is displayed directly on Google. The Google Business Chat is now also intended to simplify communication for potential customers.
The function can be activated via the company profile. An automatic welcome message for customers can also be stored there.
Reviews on Google My Business
It's no secret that customers compare online reviews before making a decision. Local businesses in particular depend on these reviews.
How important are Google reviews?
Most people have been in this situation at one time or another: you're out and about and looking for a restaurant nearby. You use Google Search or Maps to find suitable options. Besides the location, the ratings are the main focus. After all, you want to eat where it tastes good and where you get good service.
Poor or no Google reviews are convincing for very few prospective customers. This increases the pressure for businesses to generate positive and authentic reviews.
Tip: The lower the effort for customers, the higher the chance of a positive review. Via a Google review link or QR code, customers straight to your Google My Business profile and can leave a review.
Can Google reviews be deleted?
Reviews on Google can be deleted if they violate Google's policies or applicable law. For example, content that violates Google's policies are:
- Advertising and spam
- Illegal content
- Sexual or offensive content
- Insults or harassment
- etc.
If Google reviews violate applicable personal rights, they can also be deleted. This includes, for example, reviews that contain insults, defamation or slander.
Google My Business and SEO
Search engine optimisation is of great importance for large, small and local businesses alike. Most searches start on Google, whether it's online shopping or looking for a local restaurant.
Most users click on links that appear at the top of Google search results. This includes the search results that belong to Google My Business. These are especially important for local searches when it comes to finding a specific business or place in the immediate vicinity or in a specific city.
A well-optimised Google My Business profile accordingly has a positive effect on local SEO.
Improve communication and reviews
Superchat aims to make digital customer communication as easy as possible. With Superchat, businesses have the opportunity to use all relevant communication channels via one platform. You use Google Business Chat together with other channels such as WhatsApp, Email and co. via a universal inbox.
On the one hand, you are directly accessible to your target group at the moment of a Google search. On the other hand, you get an overview of all incoming messages via the bundled inbox.
Our team is at your side right from the start and helps you set up your account and verify it.
All functions of Superchat at a glance
- All communication channels in one inbox
- WhatsApp Business 100 % GDPR-compliant and with multiple users
- Webchat widget for your website
- Create message templates and out of office notes
- Assign incoming messages
- Internally add notes to conversations
- Manage and track online reviews
Would you like to use Superchat? Do you have questions about our product? Contact us easily and without obligation here via WhatsApp, or send us an email at hello@superchat.uk.