How to Manage your Google My Business Listings?
Are you looking for a guide to help you manage your Google My Business Listings? If so, you have come to the right place.
As many small business find, managing your Google My Business listings can be a real pain. Maybe you’ve created one in the past that isn’t getting traction, or worse maybe someone else created on for you and you can’t access it. Duplicate listings are a common problem that can keep your business from showing up.
In this article, we will go over the process of creating and merging your Google My Business accounts so that you too can start reaping its benefits.
For the uninitiated, with the help of Google My Business, you can promote your business profile and website on all the platforms owned by Google. It is a free tool that helps your business make its presence across Google’s search engine and all its utilities. When it comes to forming a Search Engine Optimization strategy, a Google My Business listing provides a huge locational advantage compared to other businesses. If your company is looking for exposure, putting it up as a listing on this platform will help you out.
Since Google is the absolute king among the search engines with over 90% of the market share, it is evident that having a business listed onto its platform is the ultimate move for any growing brand.
Google My Business is a tool to help you boost your digital marketing strategy. Setting up a profile on it can be a troubling task. The bigger the city, more difficult the search landscape. Sure, you hire the best SEO Company in New York to set up your listing for you, or you can also do it on your own by following the simple procedure explained below:
How to Create your New Google My Business Listing?
The process of creating your Google My Business account is free and very easy to do. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Go to https://www.google.com/business
- Click on “Manage Now”
- Enter the name of your company
If the name of your company location appears while typing in your company name, select it. This way, click on ‘Claim this business’ in order to claim and verify your rights over that particular business. Otherwise, create a new business name.
1. Enter your business’ address
Type in the full address of your business. If you provide delivery services for goods to your customers, check its box.
2. Drop the pin to the location of your business
The location should match exactly to your company’s business.
3. Enter your business category
4. Enter your contact information
5. Perform Verification
Before your Google My Business listing appears on all Google platforms, you will need to perform verification for it.
This verification procedure can be performed via the following methods;
- Requesting a postcard at your business address
- Requesting a phone call or text at your business contact number
- Requesting an email at your business email ID
- Instant verification – Get instantly verified using Google Search Console
- Video verification – Get verified by having a video call with a Google My Business specialist
Congratulations! At this point, you have now officially created/claimed your Google My Business account. You can now enjoy the various benefits of having your business name appear on Google Maps and Search.
How to Merge Duplicate Google My Business Listings?
Google My Business does not allow you to keep duplicate business listings on their platform. This means that you cannot have multiple listings with the same company credentials and address. Any violation of this rule may result in a penalty issued against you.
Unless you create multi-department listings, you will have to merge your company’s listings together.
If the addresses of all your listings match, you can contact Google to request the merge. This can be done via the forms available on the same platform.
If the addresses do not match, you will have to indicate to Google that the error of location does not exist by using the ‘Suggest an edit’ button under your business on Google Maps.
How to Remove Duplicate Google My Business Listings?
If the locations of your business entries are the same and you wish to remove the duplicates, follow the following steps;
- Sign in to your Google My Business account
- Go to the duplicate locations section
- Click on the location that you wish to remove
- Click the ‘Remove Location’ button under the drop-down menu for ‘Actions’
All Done!
At this point, you have successfully managed your Google My Business account. It will now appear in the directory websites and your customers/users can effectively give your business ratings and write reviews for it. This can further boost your business. After all, a good Search Engine Optimization strategy for your business can lead to more people learning about your business, remain updated with its news, and get directions to it. So, if you are hiring a local SEO firm, make sure that they can help you obtain the benefits of “My Business Listings” features.
