Before going thru the process of Google My Business verification, let’s start with the basics. We’re all familiar with Google, the search engine. But how does it link to your business? And can it be the gamechanger for your business?
Let’s answer them in due time. GMB, the abbreviation of Google My Business, is precisely what the name suggests. It is a technique that allows you to create a listing for your business on Google.
With the growing digitalization trends, it is clear to everyone that search engines play an essential role in business marketing. It is a common perception that Google has the answer to everything.
A lot of people prefer search engines over word of mouth. And that is how businesses generate their profit; by ranking on search results.
For instance, if you’re a company selling headphones. Your Google My Business listing will direct all the headphone results to your business. Thus, your marketing is precisely based on demand and need.
What is a Google My Business Verification?
GMB is a listing account that allows you to create a business profile. It is a free tool that generates leads and allows your brand to rank higher on related search results.
Creating a profile is simple. However, you will need a Google My Business verification to manage and update its information.
This verification confirms that Google will have your location and also authorizations. And only after that will you be able to make any changes.
How to Get a GMB Verification?
Following are the steps you need to get your GMB verified business profile:
1. Sign in to a Google Account
First of all, start with simple steps. Create a standard Google account. Chances are, you’ll already have one. Make sure that you do not log in with your account.
This will hurt your organization in the future. You’ll mix all-important emails with your emails. Also, it’ll be a headache later on when you try to share the profile with different executives inside the organization.
Long story short, make a separate account “to manage my business.” If you already have one (other than your personal), log in to it.
2. Look Out for Your Business
Search for your business on Google Maps. Chances are, someone would’ve already entered it. But if you’re new to the market or haven’t done any brand marketing, you’ll have to create the Business Profile yourself.
This step includes giving your business a name and address. You’ll also be asked to point out the exact location on the map.
3. Create a GMB Account
You can’t list or verify your GMB profile unless you have a Google My Business account. Please don’t confuse it with your standard account.
Just go to Google Business and select “Manage now.” You’ll be asked to enter some information about your business. Fill in the details. Your Google My Business’s Google account will be created.
4. Request to Claim Your Business
Once you’re done making a business profile and GMB account, the next step is to link both of them. Search for your business on Google.
Select the business profile and click on “Own this Business?” or “Claim this Business.” A specific screen will pop up. Select “Manage now.”
5. Verify Your Ownership
Finally, to the last and most crucial step. Many people leave their patience in this move, thereby making their business suffer in the long run. After selecting the “Manage now” in the last step, you’ll be asked to fill in some more details.
It will confirm that you’re the rightful owner of the business. This Google My Business verification can be done on the spot or take some days.
Depending on the security requirements, you may be asked for verifying the business via mail or text.
The amount of information and steps may tire you. But do know that this small listing will be influential in reaching your audience through local SEO.
If your competitors are on it, why shouldn’t you? It attracts customers to your business. Builds your brand. And on top of it, it’s completely free.
Benefits of Google My Business Verification
Here are some of the top benefits of having Google My Business Verification:
Get to Know the Customers’ Behavior of Your Business:
Google My Business account gives you detailed information about your business, from how well your site is performing to what you can improve to rank in a better position. The insights section displays the keywords your target audience is searching for, what searching method they are opting for, their geographical information, the leads via which customers reach your business profile, etc.
In a nutshell, the Google My Business account takes responsibility for providing you with all the data about the behavior of your target audience.
Using the information, you can improve your profile, add what is lacking and remove unnecessary content. For example, if your business listing does not include the most common keywords, your customers’ search, re-write your content and upload more relevant pictures.
Let Your Business Account Reach Customers Directly:
There is no such thing as mindless scrolling when searching business accounts for particular products. For example, most people searching the best kitchen appliances in my city are willing to buy. The Google My Business Verification profile will optimize your business’ performance and help it rank better in the search results, ads, or maps.
This profile connects you directly to your potential customers and speaks for your credibility on the Google Business Listing. Yes, people trust Google for its business ranking and are ready to buy from the top-ranking sites.
Increase Your Visibility on Google Search Engine Results:
Search Engine Optimization is the procedure to rank websites on the search engine results. It shows the response to whatever keyword a customer searches for and then brings traffic to the sites, thus helping searchers find the most relevant answers.
GMB Profile will increase the visibility of your business account significantly on SEO. Since SEO has a criterion to rank sites.
It will get maximum traffic to your site if you make it easy for the search engine to understand who you are, what you sell, why customers choose you, and what value you bring. Google My Business helps you give clear information to SEO.
GMB Lets You Interact with Your Customers Better:
Google My Business enables you to do content marketing about your business and market it. Also, it is proven that customers are more inclined to Google Business Listings with pictures and videos uploaded. They do not like reading long paragraphs and understanding complex graphics; a simple image or a video explaining who you are is what they prefer.
Remember, your visitors do not have much time to get to know you so, Googly My Business helps you save their time with the cover photo, profile photo, and video clips. Increase engagement and update the pictures section in your business listing.
Increase Your Visibility by Google My Business Verification:
Appearing on Google Maps can take your business to the heights of success. Near Me, searches are increasing with each passing year. According to a study, people who search Near Me locations of some particular categories, such as a restaurant or a postcard, visit the place the same day.
GMB helps you be not only appearing on Google Maps but also be more visible. Thus, your business will be set apart from your competitors. Moreover, you will get a ranking for more than one keyword. If you have a verified profile, the number of leads directing customers to you will increase.
Google My Business Keeps Your Business Account Safe from Spamming:
As mentioned above, you can upload pictures and videos to increase engagement. If you have a profile with Google My Business Verification, you can take complete control over all the photos, even those posted by the users on your business listing.
This feature is crucial because users’ irrelevant or false uploaded can ruin the impression. Moreover, spamming is also prevalent these days. To avoid all these problems, you should verify your GMB profile.
Also, you can categorize the pictures posted by users into the interior, exterior, and staff. Therefore, anyone visiting Google Business Listing can get a clear idea.
Let Your Customers Book Appointments Online by GMB Verified Profile:
One of the best perks of verifying your Google My Business profile is getting bookings, appointments, reservations, etc., online. Yes, you can connect to a third-party service provider, hire them monthly free, and get your customers to book your product/service online. It is helpful for local businesses, such as a postcard that aim for Near Me searches.
In the age of technology, people love ease. They would prefer to buy from home instead of taking time and making efforts. So, you can easily stand out by verified GMB profile.
Make Your Space in Google Business Listing through reviews:
Reviews are crucial for online businesses these days, for they speak for your product’s credibility. Star ratings and whatever your customers say about you attract new customers.
Moreover, the exciting thing is that Google prefers business listing with a mix of positive and negative reviews over a business that has only glowing reviews.
Why is it essential to Verify Your GMB Profile?
Though you have known about all the benefits, GMB Profile Verification can bring to your business, here is a little idea about what your business would look like without this profile.
Anyone can upload false information about your product, and you can do nothing about it. Your services are top-notch, but Google Maps does not recognize you. Your competitors that are not even honest with their jobs rank higher on search engine results. So, do not let your business stay behind and verify your Google My Business Profile.
Rebranding of Google My Business
It started as Google Local Business Center, currently known as Google My Business had been given different names, and now, it will be called Googly Business Profile. Though the new name has not been launched, Google is planning on this for the sake of ease.
With the name changing, there will be other changes happening as well. The most important one is that the users with single listings will manage directly on Google Maps, or Google Search, without having to access the console. Google My Business App may also get retired soon in 2022.
However, we will know what other features it brings when launched.
Conclusion: Google My Business Verification
The importance of GMB cannot be stressed enough. Nowadays, search results and SERPs are a man’s best friend. People tend to discover businesses on the internet. So, if you have a digital presence on the web, why not use it to build some local SEO?
Your business listing will appear in related search results. This way, people around you will feel easy to reach your business. Such organic traffic will help your sales and conversion rates. And will build you, customers, along the way.
Not only that, but a Google My Business verification also allows you to gain insights into your customer patterns. It highlights your business and helps you engage the audience better.
