Google Local Business Listings and Google+ Page Setup
Google’s local business map has evolved over the years, and sometimes the frequent changes are enough to make your head spin off. As we write this book, the dust is still settling on the latest change which moved Google Places to Google+ and renamed it Google My Business. Google My Business connects you directly with customers, whether they’re looking for you on Search, Maps, or Google+.
When you add your business using Google My Business, you’ll create a Google+ Page for your business. Just know that this is one of the first steps in “Playing Google’s Game”—and it’s free.
Click here to get started with your Google Local Business Listing
Click here for the Google My Business Help Center
Click Here for Google My Business FAQ’s
Click Here for Google My Business Guidelines
As frustrating as all of these Google local business changes have been over the years, there is no getting around it; if you want to attract local customers then you must continually tweak and work on your Local Search SEO.
It really does not matter how many times Google changes the name, this process remains relatively the same:
- Claim Your Listing.
- Get Verified.
- Provide accurate information that matches other platforms across the web.
- Fill out all that you can: 100% complete on your Google+ Local page.
- Be awesome with your content and interactions.
Claim Your Listing
This is the first step in Google’s verification process and it starts with you! If you are an established local business, then it’s highly likely that Google has already found you. Your job is to go in and claim your business listing as the owner. You do this first by verifying your business listing with Google.
- If you have not already done so, create a Google account and log on.
- Set up your Google+ Page—we’re talking about your business page here. You will automatically have a Google+ personal page once you register for an account with Google.
- Select either “Storefront,” “Service Area,” or “Brand.” A Brand Page is not good for local business.
- Search for your business on the map that pops up.
- Google will give you two choices for verification:
a. Mail you a postcard with a code.
b. Text you a code to the business phone number listed.
Note: These steps often change. Please bookmark this page and we’ll keep you up to date with the latest changes.
