One of the best resources a small business can utilize is Google My Business. Google is hands down the number one site for consumer searches. When you create a Google My Business Account, you get more than a business listing; Google My Business lets you easily connect with customers across Google Search and Maps with tools that are both free and easy.

The first step when you establish a business is to claim your Google Local listing which literally puts you on the Google map. This process is completely free.

Claiming your Google Listing

To add or claim your Business Profile from a computer, follow these steps:

1. Open Google My Business.
2. In the top-right corner, click Sign in.
3. Sign in to your Google Account, or create one if you don’t already use Google services.
4. Enter the name of your business, and click Next.
5. Enter your business location, then click Next.
6. Choose if you want your business location to appear on Google Maps.
   • If you serve customers at your business address:
     1. Enter your business address, then click Next.
        Note: If you also serve customers outside your business address, you’ll have the option to list your service areas as well.
   • If you don’t serve customers at your business address:
     1. Enter your business address.
     2. At the bottom, click I deliver goods and services to my customers  Next.
     3. List your service areas, then click Next.
7. Use the search field to select a business category, then click Next.
8. Enter a phone number or website URL for your business, then click Next.
   Note: You’ll also have the option to create a free website based on your information.
9. To complete sign-up and verify your connection to this business, click Finish.
10. Select a verification option.
    • To verify at another time, click More options  Later. If you’re not authorized to manage the business, find the person in your organization who’s authorized and continue the process.

Note: If you see a page that says “This listing has already been claimed,” click Request access and follow the directions to claim your business. Learn more about how to request ownership.

From a Mobile Device the steps are slightly different:

Mobile

1. On your phone or tablet, open the My Business app .
2. Sign in with the Google Account you’d like to use to manage your business.
   • If this is your first time adding a business to Google, sign in with the Google Account you’d like to use to manage your business and tap Continue.
   • If you’ve added a business before, tap More, then tap the name of your business to reveal a list of all listings in your account. Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose Add a new business.
3. If you see a dialog letting you know that someone else has verified the business, follow these steps.
4. Enter your business name and information and agree to the Terms of Service. Tap Continue when you’re ready to create a listing for your business.

Use Google Maps to claim your business

To claim your business on Google Maps, follow these steps:

1. On your phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
2. Search for your business.
3. Open the business information panel, then scroll down and tap Claim this business.

Sharing updates directly on your Google Listing

Another great way to utilize Google is a new feature that allows you to post directly to your listing.

Log in to Google My Business. Click on Create Post and enter your photo, text and call to action link. It as easy as that! Now your post will appear with your listing when people search for you. You will also receive insights on views and clicks. Google will remind you to update your post once a week.

Other Great Tools within the Google My Business Dashboard:

• View and respond to reviews
• Update address and hours info
• View insights into who is searching and interacting with your business info.

The tools on Google My Business are free and easy to use. They are also extremely relevant in helping you stand out from the competition online. If you’re not yet using them, start today!