At times, nothing could be as frustrating as losing your way. Years back, this was prevented by landmarks. It was even worse if you tried finding your way past a land with no markers. However, the invention of Google Maps has ushered in a new era when you can hardly lose your way.
Why does your business location need to be put on the map? For starters, here is a little insight into Google Maps. In this article, you will also come to understand the relevance of Google Maps to your business. And of course, this article will guide you through setting your business location up on the map.
Google Maps
Although this C++ desktop program was created by Jens and Lars Rasmussen, Google acquired it in 2004. With several improvements, this new web-based mapping platform was released by Google in February 2005.
Setting your business up on this platform is free of any cost. All you require to get started is a business profile on Google. Why should you give Google's web-mapping platform a shot?
How Relevant are Google Maps
With Google Maps, your business has chances of having a part of the 76% of people searching for “local stores around me” every 24-hours as customers. Following these statistics from Think With Google, your sales face a potential increase as 7 out of 19 people would make a purchase.
By incorporating Google Maps in your business, you are open to ways to boost your business’ online presence. With your business on the map, you can employ the services of Local Pack, another of Google's tools that aid local SEO. The Local Pack crawls your business up among the top three searches for stores near me on the search engine result page. It includes your business details like location, rating, and working hours. However, this extra local SEO boost is only possible once you have your business on Google map.
Setting Your Business Up On The Map
Setting up your business location on Google Maps is possible in two ways. You can do it directly on Google Maps, or you can use Google Business instead. Both methods, however, require business verification by Google. Now, let us consider both methods stepwise.
Using Google Maps
Launch Google Maps on your device and input your business/brand name in the search box. Your business might come up in the results as relatively anyone can add a location. However, there is a high probability that your business does not come up on the map. When this happens, click on the option “add a missing place”.
Add your business. Clicking on the option to add a missing place leads you to a page where you can fill in the details of your business. By sending in the details, you have now set your location on the map. However, you do not get to enjoy the benefits of ranking high on the map or local Pack.
Claim your brand's listing. The next window carries the “claim this business” option. Next, click on “I manage/own this business”. Choosing the means of verification and following the on-screen instructions completes this step. Means of verification could be by email containing a PIN generated for you. Completing the verification makes Google recognize you as the business owner. Now, you can add your contact details, official website, and operating hours among others.
In a couple of weeks, your business is visible on the map while reflecting those details customers want to know.
Using Google Business
Google My Business also known as Google Business Profile lets you dictate how your site would appear anywhere it is searched for. Although an official website is not necessary, you might want to consider getting one if you currently have none. A business website would create more room for details, interaction, and so on while getting you a better SERP ranking.
To set your location on the map using Google Business;
Log into your Google account. Using your Google account, visit the official website Google My Business. If you do not already have a business profile, do well to create an account.
Search for your business. Like in the case of using the map, your business’ exact name and location might come up. If it does, you can go on to verify ownership of the business. If not, click on Create a business with this name option. Here, you need to input the name of your business however you want it to appear on search engines.
Choose your business category. From the available drop-down menu, you can select your business category. If it does not appear, you can type it in the provided space. Doing this lets Google know what local searches your business should come up for.
Make your business visible on the map. You will be asked if you would like to add a location for customers to visit. Clicking on yes ensures that customers know that your store is available for business and can quickly detect it. Next, you have to include your business’ address details. You also need to inform Google if your services are open to those beyond your locality. If yes, feel free to click on the “yes, I also serve them outside my current location” option. You now have to include areas you serve outside your locality. And of course, be sure to add contact details for your business. As a business like yours from a different owner might formerly exist, you have to search for potential businesses that match yours. If you are not the owner of these businesses, immediately select the option that says “this does not match”.
Finalize the process. When you are satisfied with the details provided, click on finish. Lastly, select a business verification option you find suitable. It could be mail, email, a phone call, an instant notification if you have an account on Google search console or the bulk option. The bulk option comes in handy if your business has over ten locations. After verification, set up your working hours and permissions for messaging and video uploads.
Bottom Line
The advent of Google Maps has given room for clients and potential customers to locate your business with such ease it is almost too easy to believe. Setting your business up on Google’s mapping platform creates much-needed visibility. Putting the benefits and ease of setup into consideration, getting your business on Google's web-based map is one sure way to boost your business in 2023.