Register your business on Google: step-by-step tutorial

Registering with Google My Business is one of the first steps for local businesses to jump onto the online marketing ladder. It forms an important part of local search engine optimisation because a business profile on Google increases the online visibility of your company so that you can reach a greater number of potential customers. But what is Google My Business anyway and how do you get a Google business listing? We explain how to register your business with Google My Business and dive into the advantages of the search engine’s business tools.

1. Create a Google account or log into an existing account.
2. Sign into Google My Business.
3. Find, confirm, and manage any existing company profile > continue with step 5
4. Register your company with Google My Business.
5. Add company location.
6. Determine catchment area (e.g. delivery area etc.)
7. Add contact details (how can customers reach you?)
8. Select confirmation method (e.g. verification by postcard).

Once confirmed, you can edit and adapt your Google My Business profile and add information such as photos, menus, booking options and so on.

Google My Business is a tool aimed at businesses. The platform is an interface between Google and businesses and acts as a digital business directory. A Google company entry contains the most important information about your business, such as contact details, location, and range of services. By setting up a Google company profile, you can control your business presence on Google Search and Google Maps and address new customers. In return, Google users can rate your business and leave reviews.

The advantages of a Google business registration include:

• Free marketing tool, that lets you influence your company presence on Google.
• Simplified appointment setting and integration of photos, service offerings and other attributes integrated as part of your Google company listing.
• Improved online visibility through better ranking in local search results and integration in Google Maps.
• Trustworthy company appearance through a well-maintained Google business listing and Google verification.
• Improved customer care through direct exchange with customers and easy management of ratings.
• Information management via user-friendly Google My Business dashboard
• Valuable insights for search engine optimisation with access to data on the search behaviour of potential customers.

A Google business registration is free and takes just a few minutes to complete while offering plenty of benefits (especially for small local businesses). If you would like to register your business with Google My Business, follow the steps below.

Once your company profile is successfully confirmed, you can proceed to step 5.

A Google Business registration alone is not enough to take full advantage of the marketing tool. A well-maintained business profile gains attention and ends up in the Local Pack in Google searches. This is a block of information that highlights the top 3 companies in the region that match a user’s search query. To ensure that your business ranks as high as possible and leaves a good impression on Google Maps, follow these tips:

• Complete profile: Ensure that your Google company registration is complete so that potential customers have all the important information on hand. Besides contact details, opening hours, and range of services, you can add attributes such as online appointment scheduling.
• Professional images: Post high-quality photos that appeal to potential customers. It’s worth hiring a photographer to showcase your salesrooms or products perfectly and add a competitive edge.
• Unique Selling Points: The Google business listing is a unique opportunity to showcase your business online. Communicate specific offers or special promotions in the description to set yourself apart from other sellers.
• Consistency: Google compares your details with other online business sites and ranks your company as more trustworthy if all information matches. It’s a good idea to keep company information and spelling of products or services consistent online.
• Customer care: Use the messaging function in the Google My Business management tool to communicate directly with (potential) customers and respond to customer reviews. Active profiles are better placed in the ranking.
• Website optimisation: Local SEO on your website also improves the visibility of your Google business registration. Check all titles, headings, and content for relevant keywords and local focus. You can also take advantage of linking opportunities to other business directories.