What is Google Local Listing or Google My Business?

When it comes to different business profiles for local listings, Google Local Listings are most popular and easily accessible on Google search and Maps. Known for striving for the best matching results for user intent, this service gives local business information, usually with contact and location details.

Before Google Local Listing profiles, the process for customers to find the information they were looking for would include typing in the search engine a query and clicking on each link to find the information they required. While an option for those who need or want to know more about your business, those who want to get in touch faster Google My Business Listing are a faster option for users.

Benefits of Google Local Listings

How does the average user search for local business listings? If they search for ‘electricians near me,’ it’s likely they not only want to know electricians that are near their location, but they are likely to need their services in the near if not immediate future.

The benefit of these local listings is that the user gets all the information needed to decide whether or not to use a small business without visiting a website. Information customarily contained on a Google local listing includes:

• Business hours
• Service area
• Phone and other contact information
• Photos
• Reviews
• Further business information pertinent to your business, e.g. a reservation link.

With all of this helpful information on hand, the potential client can make the decision quickly. Google will provide listings in a local pack format and each listing with a preview.

For example, they can see when your business is open without having to make a call. They can see whether you accept walk-ins or whether they need to make a reservation. Everything is clearly set out for them.

These listings also have an impact on your SEO efforts. You have a better chance of being included in this local search option if Google has plenty of information regarding your business. You’re probably wondering why you’re probably wondering because the more information Google has, they will know that you are a legitimate business and include you in their search results.

With a business profile, you will also be found on Google Maps. Some people use Maps to find services within their area, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location. When the pin is clicked on, all your business information is on hand.

Setting Up a Listing – All the Details

There’s no doubt that a business profile can go a long way toward helping a local business. If you have used a business prior, you will likely see an unofficial listing with unverified information. This takes place because Google allows users to add information. After all, it helps keep services updated. The only drawback is that the information cannot always be verified.

Essentially, this indicates that while a business can have a listing, it may not always be accurate. For this reason, it’s best to take a hands-on approach so that your business can be found by consumers and you know that it’s accurate. Fortunately, setting up a profile is relatively straightforward:

Create a Profile

• Sign into your Google Account or create one if you don’t have one.
• Go to Google My Business site.
• Click on ‘Get Started.’
• Provide information on your business, including the services you offer and contact information.

Claim a Profile

• Once signed in, select ‘Add your business.’
• Search for an existing profile and claim it as your own.
• It will need to be verified via phone, email or postcard – you make a choice under the ‘verify now’ tab.

What’s next?

While it is part of an SEO strategy to generate results and convert users, having a Google My Business Listing is only a tiny part.

If you are in the dental industry, you can read this article to know benefits of Google My Business to your business.

Our SEO agency can work with business owners across Australia with their SEO efforts. With our unique ideas and personalise strategies, we can help you move forward in your local search ranking and tap into the local audience.

Get in touch with us so we can start working with you to make a difference.