Your Unclaimed Google My Business Page Could Be Costing You Customers
What is a Google My Business Page?
A Google My Business page is your business’s online profile that appears in Google search results, Maps, and Google’s local business listings. It’s a free tool that allows you to manage your business information, interact with customers, and showcase what you offer. This includes your hours of operation, phone number, website, photos, customer reviews, and more.
Think of it as your business’s online storefront. Without it, customers might struggle to find the information they need to visit or contact you.
Why is it Important to Claim Your Google My Business Page?
Not claiming your Google My Business page leaves your business open to inaccuracies. Worse, it can be claimed by someone else, leading to potential reputation and data issues. By claiming your listing, you:
Improve Local Search Visibility: When people search for services or products near them, Google prioritizes businesses with fully completed Google My Business profiles. If yours is unclaimed or incomplete, you won’t rank as high, or in bigger cities with higher competition, not at all.
Control Your Information: Make sure your business hours, contact details, and location are accurate. An unclaimed listing can contain incorrect data, causing potential customers to lose trust in your business.
Engage with Customers: Reply to reviews, share updates, and post offers. Customers often check reviews before making decisions—claiming your Google My Business lets you take control of how your business is portrayed online.
Track Performance: With a claimed Google My Business profile, you can access insights that show how customers interact with your listing, such as how many clicked for directions, called your business, or visited your website.
Protect Your Business: Although Google typically sends a verification code, issues arise when your contact details or physical address are outdated, allowing someone else to receive the code. Whether a competitor, youth troll or bounty seekers, the last thing you want is someone controlling part of your business presence online.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
How to Claim Your Google My Business Page
Sign In to Google: Go to the Google My Business website, press “Manage now” and sign in with your Google account.
Find Your Business: Enter your business name and location to search for your existing listing. If your business isn’t listed, you can create a new one.
Verify Your Business: Google will send you a verification code, usually by email or phone, to confirm that you are the rightful owner of the business. Once verified, you can manage and update your profile.
Complete Your Profile: Add high-quality images, business hours, a description of your services, and any other relevant information that will help potential customers.
How to Use Google My Business for Local Marketing
Your Google My Business page isn’t just a directory—it’s a powerful local marketing tool. Here’s how to use it:
Post Regular Updates: Announce events, promotions, or new products directly on your Google My Business page. These posts show up in search results, keeping customers engaged.
Highlight Customer Reviews: Positive reviews help build credibility. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and respond promptly to any feedback—whether positive or negative.
Add Photos and Videos: High-quality images and videos of your products, services, or business premises can grab attention and make a strong impression on potential customers.
Use Messaging: Activate the messaging feature so potential customers can contact you directly through your Google My Business profile. This provides an easy and direct communication channel.
How to Use Google My Business for SEO
Google My Business is a key player in your local SEO strategy. Here’s how it helps boost your search rankings:
Optimize Your Listing: Make sure your Google My Business profile is fully complete with all relevant keywords, categories, and services. Google prefers complete listings, and this can directly impact your search visibility.
Encourage Customer Reviews: The more reviews you have, the higher you can rank in local search results. Customer reviews also signal trust and reliability to both Google and potential clients.
Geotagged Posts: Regularly posting with your location tagged can improve your chances of showing up in local search results when customers are looking for businesses near them.
Consistent NAP Information: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) is consistent across all platforms—especially on your website and Google My Business page. This consistency helps with your SEO rankings.
By taking control of your Google My Business page, you can ensure your business is easily found by local customers, build trust with potential clients, and improve your overall online visibility.
Claim your Google My Business page today and start connecting with more local customers. Do you want a more in depth guide, walking through every step in creating or claiming a Google my business page? Then I advise you to checkout Semrush’s detailed guide, covering every step.
