Since 2009 • Sterling Heights, Michigan
It always surprises me how many businesses neglect to take control of their own Google business listing. Or worse, never bother to create one if none already exists. The Google map listings are extremely popular with consumers who are looking for local goods and services. So if your business or organization serves a local audience, you could really be missing out if you are not listed, or if your listing is wrong or incomplete.
If your company or organization has had a website for any length of time, there probably is an existing Google business listing. However, it may not be correct if the information is outdated, or no longer relevant. If you simply type in your company name, your listing should appear if you have one. You should also see a link asking if you “Own this business?” or some other invitation to claim the listing. From there, it will verify you through your phone number, or address through snail mail. Once verified, you will be able to edit it at any time thereafter.
In the event you do not already have a Google business listing, you should go to Google Business Profile. From there, it is a simple matter of creating a new listing with your business information. Now, your listing may not start appearing right away, but give it some time. By the way, that is the case when you make changes to your listing. Google has a review process that has to complete before you will see any of your changes.
Once you have claimed or established your Google business listing, you can use it to get customer reviews. This listing will provide you a link you can email your customers, which will allow them to leave a review of your products or services. Obviously, you will want to invite the customers that view your business most favorably.
Prospective customers doing research will see the number of reviews you have right away. So it is a good idea to build up the number of reviews over time. This will help you stand out from the competition as potential customers scan the other listings.
Hopefully, you will get some organic reviews as well. These are simply unsolicited reviews that people can leave on your listing at any time, on their own. Organic positive reviews are obviously a lot tougher to get, and are usually achieved by dedicated customer service, a large customer base, or both.
Another nice thing about Google reviews, is that they can be used on your website as well. It behooves any business to add positive customer feedback to their website — Google makes it that much easier.
So, if you haven’t claimed your Google business listing, don’t wait any longer. It’s free, and it’s also pretty quick and painless. Google may want to entice into some paid products as well, but there is definitely no charge to create or claim a listing.
