How Do I Add My Business to Google
Maps?
The
Google Maps function, formerly known as Google Places, is now part
of the Google
My Business dashboard – Google’s dashboard for managing and tracking
your online presence across Google’s various platforms including Google Local
(Google Maps), Google+, Google Analytics and Adwords.
As you’re
preparing to set up your listing, just a reminder – although Google will, in
some situations, display businesses from surrounding communities in the “Local”
search results (Maps), you are only allowed to register your business in the
town or city in which you have a physical address.
Adding
or Claiming Your Business on Google My Business
If you’re an
established business, chances are your business already exists in the Google My
Business directory and you’ll just need to claim it. New businesses or new
locations will probably have to be added.
1. Go to Google My
Business.
- Click “Get on Google”
2. Enter Your Business Name and
Address in the Search Box.
Click on your business listing if it appears among the suggested matches. If not select “Add your Business”, and provide the necessary information.
TIP: Determine how you want your business Name-Address-Phone
Number (NAP) to appear across the web and use that NAP here (i.e. Will you
spell out S-t-r-e-e-t, or use St.?) The address that you use here should become
your default address across the web. Consistency is important.
As
you answer questions, remember that the more specific and accurate the
information Google has about your business, the better it will be able to
correctly classify and display your business listing.
Category Selection
Near the bottom
of the form, you will be asked to choose a Category that describes your
business.
The
category selection is very important as it is essentially the way Google will
classify your business, and the type of search query it will display your listing
for.
Google has
preset Categories, or keywords, for each industry. Start typing your keyword in
to see if Google produces a match, then select the best one. You will get a
chance to add more categories later on (up to 5).
4. Verify Your Business
Google will
want to verify that your business is located where you say that it is. This
usually means waiting 1-2 weeks for a postcard with a verification PIN.
Occasionally you’ll be
given the option to receive your PIN by text message or or automated phone call
– take it – it’s much faster and easier!
TIP: If you do have to
wait on a postcard, remind anyone that handles the mail to be on the lookout
for it, then try to verify it as soon as you get it
(you have 30 days). You’d be surprised how often businesses have to go through
the verification process 2 or 3 times because someone threw the postcard away
or forgot to use it once they received it.
5. Confirm your Business. Set up a Google+ Page.