Do you want to grow your business? Are you interested in learning how Google Maps can grow your business and help customers find you, leave reviews, and interact with your business? You are in the right place.

This blog will break down the best practices for Google Maps, recent improvements, and everything else you may need to be successful with Google maps. While Google Maps can seem daunting at first, you'll feel comfortable and ready to use it to its full potential after going through our google maps marketing demo.

What is Google Maps for Business?

Google Maps is a free resource that allows users to search for businesses, landmarks, and areas of interest as well as get directions to them.  Businesses can claim their Google Maps' listing at no cost and start appearing in search results from individuals interested in what they offer.

Googles Switch from Google My Business to Google Business Profile

Previously, if you were a business owner looking to grow your business with Google, you'd use Google My Business and Google Maps. However, in Google's 2021 update, they announced a switch to a more Google Maps-focused approach.

Now users can claim and edit their information using Google Business Profile. Larger and multi-location businesses will use something called Google Profile Manager while most businesses will use Google Maps to manage their profiles.

How Can Google Maps Benefit My Business?

Now that businesses can claim and manage their business listing directly in Google Maps, you may be wondering how Google Maps can benefit your business.

Google Maps can help your business in a few ways:

Build your online presence

Through local google maps listings, you can add photos and videos of your business and help customers get to know you before they arrive at your location.

Grow customer loyalty

With Google Reviews, you can build trust with potential customers by having past customers leave reviews. Not only will reviews help educate newcomers on the best aspects of your business, but they may also make the difference between a potential customer choosing you over the competition.

Gain Exposure

Google prioritizes Google Business Profile and Google Map listings in search results. By claiming and keeping your profile up to date, you'll gain valuable impressions and clicks to your business profile and website. A Google Maps listing will allow you to show up when people in your area are searching for your services.

Why Doesn't My Business Show Up on Google Maps?

The most common reason why a business isn't showing up on Google Maps is that it hasn't been claimed.

If you're not able to see your business on Google Maps, the first step is to verify that you have verified your business. If your business has a lot of traffic or has been around for a long time, Google may have already created a profile on your behalf. However, if this isn't the case, you'll have to manually create a Google Business Profile.

To add or claim your business in Google Maps, skip to the next section of this article for in-depth directions.

Your Business May Not Be Getting Enough Searches or Visitors

Even though you have claimed your Google Business Profile, it may not be showing up on Google search results yet. This may be because of a lack of online and in-person traffic.

If you're a new business, you may just need to be patient and wait for the traffic to come. However, if your business has been around for a while and you're still not getting results, you may want to make sure your profile is optimized. If any information on your Google Business Profile doesn't match your website or other business listings, Google may think it's incorrect information.

Things to Double Check:

How To Add Your Business To Google Maps

Things you'll need:

Adding Your Business To Google Maps

Add your business through Google Maps

        1.On your computer, sign in to Google Maps.

        2.You can add your business in three ways:

            a. Enter your address in the search bar. On the left, in the Business Profile, click "Add your business."

            b. Right-click anywhere on the map. Then, click "Add your business."

            c. In the top left, click "Menu" and “Add your business.”

       3.Then, follow the on-screen instructions to finish signing up for Google My Business.

If your business is already listed and you'd like to claim the business, you can:

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. In the search bar, enter the business name.
  3. Click the business name and choose the correct one.
  4. Click "Claim this business" and "Manage now."
  5. To choose a different business, click "I own or manage another business."

Select a verification option, and follow the on-screen steps.

After you register your business with Google Business Profile, you'll have to wait a few weeks for a postcard to come in the mail. This postcard will have a verification code that you'll use to prove to Google that you're a real business with a real address.

Get More Reviews for Your Business With

Having more reviews on your Google Business Profile can help you build recognition and trust with customers. Having consistent, positive reviews will propel your google business to the top of google results in a faster period of time than it would take without them.

After all, if you're looking for a service, you're more likely to choose the one business with more positive reviews.

Ask for them

The easiest way to get more reviews is to ask your customers directly.  If your business is local, you can hand out a paper card with a QR code to leave you a review.

You could also send them an email or leave a comment on social media for more potential customers to see. You should ask whether they're satisfied with their experience and would be willing to recommend your business to others who may need help.

Sometimes business owners can feel hesitant to ask for a review, but it's common practice in today's digital world. Reviews can make or break your business and taking a few minutes to ask for them can make a huge impact.

Provide Great Service

As a business owner, you know that staying in business means building great relationships. You also probably know that people are vocal about your business for two reasons. Either the service was fantastic, or the service was terrible.

Negative reviews can turn your potential customers away faster than anything else. The more you focus on building an incredible customer experience, the more positive relationships and reviews you'll receive.

How to Use Google Maps Advertising

Google Maps allows businesses to advertise their business in a number of different ways on Google Maps. These advertisements are a good way to reach google users that are searching for your type of business.

Create an Ad Campaign on Google Maps Ads Manager

To start, you'll need a google account and go to google maps ads manager. Once there, create an ad campaign with the appropriate keywords or categories for your company's industry. You can also customize the location setting by country, state, or city you choose.

You'll be able to set your daily budget and monthly spend limits for google ads manager campaigns. You can also easily monitor the performance of these ad campaigns by clicking on the "Stats" tab in google maps ads manager at any time.

Posting Updates From Your Business

Another way to keep your customers up-to-date and informed is by posting updates to your Google Business Profile.  

When they visit google maps and click on the "notifications" tab under your business profile, it displays all of the recent activity from your business like new hours or special offers. Whether you're running a sale or have a new product or service, the updates feature is a great way to show your customers you're on top of things.

Tracking Metrics

Using Google Business Profile, you'll also be able to track certain metrics like the number of searches you appeared in, impressions, clicks, and more.  

It's a good idea to regularly check google maps and google analytics for more information on your location. Just go into google business profile, click the "activity" tab, then choose which metrics you want to view.

Conclusion

By understanding how Google Maps works, you can take advantage of google's features and build up more positive reviews with the Google Map app. If you want help increasing your google profile or get guidance on which strategies will work best for your company, contact Small Business Mentor today.