Google Maps is a very good way to reach your potential customers, partners and even job applicants, and gain more traffic. If you place your business on Google Maps, higher chances that you will be spotted by people who will be searching for similar services.
To add your business through Google Maps, you need to have a Google Business profile and claim your business. And having a Google Business profile allows you to manage how your organization appears on Google Search and on Google Maps.
Creating Google Business Profile
1. Log in to your Google account.
If you don't have an account, it's high time to create one as it's required for the Business Profile.
2. Head to Google Business Profile page and click Manage now
3. Submit your business name.
Enter your business name and see if it has already been taken:
- if it's already listed (someone else might have have already listed your business), select it, click Request access and following the steps to Submit the form.
- if it's not listed, choose Create a business with name and click Continue
4. Select your business type.
Identify what type of business you manage:
- Online retail: A business where customers can purchase products through a website
- Local store: A business where customers can visit the business in person
- Service business: A business that makes visits to customers
5. List your business.
Next, you will be prompted to list all the details of your business, including name, address, and category. The exact details change based on the business type that you identified during step 4.
6. Choose a category.
To make your business easier to find, you can list it under a certain category. You will be able to update it later when your business grows. And to start with, make sure to pick up a category that best describes what you're doing.
Click Next.
7. Agree to the Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy.
8. Verify your business.
Google will need to verify that you're the one to manage this business. You'll be offered several options, e.g. getting a code to your phone via text or voice call.
Select a verification method and click Next. Or, click Verify Later if you're not ready to do it right now.
9. Add business hours, if relevant.
If your business is only open during certain hours, you can select them here.
If your business doesn't have set hours, you can select Skip instead.
10. Add messaging (optional).
You can opt to let your customers message your business on Google (free feature). Good way to have an easy way to contact you right from the Google Map.
Toggle this option on or off, then click Next.
11. Describe your business.
You ca mention what you offer, the history of your business, and what sets the business apart from its competitors. This description should not exceed 750 characters.
12. Add photos.
Show off your products or services to your potential customers by adding images. These could show up on Google Search and Maps, so make sure they're photos you own the rights to and are comfortable displaying publicly.
Adding your business on Google Maps
To have your organisation appear on Google Maps, you should claim the business:
- On your computer, open Google Maps.
- In the search bar, enter the business name.
- Click the business name and choose the correct one.
- Click Claim this business and then Manage now.
- To choose a different business, click I own or manage another business.
- Select a verification option, and follow the on-screen steps.
Adding your Inita site to Google Maps
Once you've created your Business Profile and have been verified, you will be able to edit your profile and add more details:
1. Go to your Business Profile.
2. To edit your business profile:
- With Google Search, select Edit profile.
- With Google Maps, select Edit profile and then Business information.
3. After each change you make, select Save.