Most small business owners skip claiming their Google My Business listing, missing out on easy ways to boost online presence. Without it, your business won’t show up on Google Maps or search results where customers look first. Claiming your GMB listing lets you share key details like hours and location, helping you improve visibility and increase foot traffic. Here’s a simple guide to claim and optimize your listing for local SEO success.
Why Google My Business Matters for Small Businesses
The Local SEO Advantage
Google My Business (GMB) is completely free and gives you an instant boost in local search results. When people in your area search for products or services you offer, having a claimed and optimized GMB listing makes your business pop up in those valuable local search results and on Google Maps.
Think about your own search habits. When you need a coffee shop or hardware store, you probably type something like “coffee shop near me” or “hardware store downtown.” Businesses with claimed GMB listings appear in these results, while those without them often get lost in the digital shuffle.
How to Claim Your GMB Listing
Step-by-Step Process
- Search for your business – Go to Google Business Profile and type your business name and address.
- Select your business or add it – If your business appears, select it. If not, you’ll need to add it as a new listing.
- Verify ownership – Google needs to confirm you actually own the business. They usually mail a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Other options might include phone or email verification for some businesses.
- Wait for verification – Once you receive your postcard (typically within 5 days), enter the code to verify your listing.
- Complete your profile – Now the fun part begins! Fill in all the details about your business.
Optimization Tips for Small Business Marketing
After claiming your GMB listing, make sure to:
- Add complete business info – Fill out every field possible including phone number, website, hours, and services.
- Upload high-quality photos – Businesses with photos get 35% more clicks to their websites and 42% more requests for directions.
- Write a compelling business description – Use your 750 characters wisely to tell your story and include relevant keywords.
- Choose the right category – This helps Google understand what your business does and show it for relevant searches.
- Collect and respond to reviews – Ask happy customers for reviews and respond to all of them, good or bad.
Making the Most of Your GMB Listing
Going Beyond the Basics to Boost Online Presence
Your GMB listing isn’t just a digital business card; it’s a powerful marketing tool that can help improve visibility for your small business.
- Post updates regularly – Share news, offers, events, or products directly on your GMB profile. These posts show up when people find your business on Google and can drive engagement.
- Use the Q&A feature – Answer common questions before they’re asked or respond quickly to questions from potential customers.
- Add products or services – Showcase what you offer directly on your GMB listing, making it easier for customers to see what you provide.
- Track insights and performance – GMB provides valuable data about how customers find you and what actions they take. Use these insights to refine your local SEO strategy.
Common GMB Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Let These Hold Back Your Local SEO
- Incomplete information – Missing hours, phone numbers, or addresses frustrate potential customers.
- Outdated details – Make sure to update your hours during holidays or if you move locations.
- Ignoring reviews – Not responding to reviews (especially negative ones) can harm your reputation.
- Duplicate listings – These confuse Google and customers alike. Make sure you only have one listing per location.
Ready to Increase Foot Traffic?
Take Action Today
Claiming your GMB listing is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to boost your small business marketing efforts. It takes just a few minutes to start the process, and the benefits for your local SEO and customer connections are huge.
Remember, local customers are searching for businesses like yours right now. Make sure they can find you by claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing today!
Need help with your GMB listing or other aspects of your online presence? We’re always happy to chat about ways to make your business shine online.
We’re here to help. If you want your GMB listing claimed and set-up but you don’t want to do it yourself, give us a call.
