Guide to Setting Up Your Google My Business Page

Why Google My Business Matters for Your Small Business or Nonprofit

Setting up a Google My Business (GMB) page is essential for small businesses and nonprofits looking to improve their visibility in local search results. With a GMB listing, your organization can appear in Google Search and Google Maps, giving potential clients or supporters an easy way to find, contact, and learn more about your services.

A Google My Business page also allows you to collect Google Reviews, a significant factor in search engine optimization (SEO). Positive reviews can boost your credibility, helping you rank higher in local searches. Google reviews also give valuable insights into client satisfaction and build trust with future customers.

Step 1: Claim Your Business if It’s Already Listed on Google

If your business is already showing up on Google Search or Google Maps, you’ll want to claim it so that you have control over the information displayed. Here’s how to do it:

1. Search for Your Business on Google
2. Go to https://www.google.com and search for your business name and location.
3. Look for the ‘Own this business?’ link
4. If a listing appears for your business, you should see a link that says, “Own this business?” Click on this link to start the verification process.
5. Sign In or Create a Google Account
6. To manage your GMB listing, you’ll need a Google account. If you don’t already have one, go to https://accounts.google.com/signup to create a free one.
7. Complete the Verification Process
8. Google will send you a verification code to confirm that you are the rightful owner. This code is typically sent via postcard to your business address, but you may also have the option to verify via phone or email. Choose your preferred method, follow the instructions, and enter the code when prompted.
9. Update and Optimize Your Listing
10. Once you have verified ownership, you can update your business information, including hours, services, contact details, and photos. This will help your business stand out and provide potential clients with accurate information.

Step 2: Set Up a Google My Business Page if You Don’t Have One

If you’re setting up a GMB page for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Go to Google My Business: Visit https://www.google.com/business and click “Manage now” to start the setup process.
2. Sign In with Your Google Account: Use your Google account to sign in. If you don’t have one, create one at https://accounts.google.com/signup.
3. Enter Your Business Name and Address: Type in your business name and complete the address details. For service-based businesses working from a home office, select the “I deliver goods and services to my customers” option. This will allow you to hide your home address from the public and instead list a service area.
4. Choose Your Business Category: Selecting an accurate category helps Google show your business to the right audience. Be as specific as possible. For instance, if you’re a nonprofit, you might choose “Nonprofit Organization,” or if you’re a plumber, select “Plumber.”
5. Add Contact Details: Provide a phone number and website URL (if applicable) so potential clients can contact you easily.
6. Verify Your Business: Google will prompt you to verify your business. You’ll typically receive a postcard with a verification code, which you must enter to confirm your listing. Sometimes, you may be able to verify by phone or email. A video recording might also be required.
7. Complete Your Business Profile: Once verified, complete your profile with hours of operation, service descriptions, photos, and other relevant details to help clients find and connect with your business.

Special Instructions for Service-Based Businesses with a Home Office

If you operate a service-based business from a home office, you might not want to display your home address publicly. Here’s how to set up your GMB listing accordingly:

• During Setup: When asked for your business location, choose “I deliver goods and services to my customers.”
• Select a Service Area: After choosing the delivery option, you can enter a service area instead of an address. Depending on where you operate, this could be by city, county, or zip code.
• Hide Your Address: This option keeps your home address private while allowing potential clients to see the area you serve.

This setup ensures your business is visible to local clients without compromising privacy. Remember, you can’t use your P.O. Box mailing address. After having this set up for over a decade, I recently had to change this setting myself!

Collecting Google Reviews to Boost Your SEO

Once your Google My Business listing is live, start collecting reviews from satisfied clients or customers. Reviews not only build trust but also positively impact your Google ranking. Here’s how to encourage reviews:

1. Send Clients Your Review Link
2. Go to your GMB dashboard, click “Get more reviews,” and copy the link. Share this link with clients in follow-up emails, on invoices, or even on social media to make it easy for them to leave a review.
3. Request Reviews from Your Loyal Customers
4. Politely ask happy clients or supporters to leave a review. Explain that their feedback helps others find your business and supports your continued growth.
5. Respond to Reviews
6. Respond to each positive or constructive review from your customers to engage with them and show potential clients that you value feedback and are actively involved in your business’s reputation.

Useful Links for Google My Business Setup

• Create a Google Account: https://accounts.google.com/signup
• Google My Business Setup: https://www.google.com/business
• Google’s Guide on Service-Area Businesses: https://support.google.com/business/answer/9157481

Setting up a Google My Business page is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your visibility on Google, attract more local clients, and build credibility through reviews. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to leveraging the power of Google to grow your small business or nonprofit.

If you are a client and have any questions, please reach out!