What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is the modern version of the Yellow Pages and is the foundation for local businesses SEO. With GMB you are able to add your business information to Google so that people looking locally for your products and services can find you.

It lets your customers share their experience working with your business via reviews. It also enables you to respond to reviews you receive, whether favorable or not, and hence helps with your brand’s reputation management.

Steps to Create Your Google My Business Account

  • Create a Google My Business account
  • Add your business information
  • Verify your business

Creating Your Google My Business Account

Google My Business works similarly to all Google products; if you have an existing Google account, you can use it for your GMB account.

If you already have a Google account that you want to use with your GMB account, go ahead and log in, then go to https://www.google.com/business/, then sign in.

Add Your Local Business Office’s Information

    • Step 1: Search to see if your business is listed on GMB.
      Google My Business company lookup
    • Step 2: If your business isn’t already on Google, you can add it.GMB add your business
    • Step 3: Choose your business category.
      GMB Choose Category
    • Step 4: Select any services you offer from the services list. You can add/modify these later, so do not worry.
      GMB Choose Your Dental Services
    • Step 5: Say yes to adding your local business office’s location.
      GMB Add Dental Office Location
    • Step 6: Add your business address
      GMB Add Dental Practice's Address
    • Step 7: Choose no to serve customers outside your location if you don’t.
      GMB Serve Customers Ouside Location
    • Step 8: Add your business’ contact details
      GMB Add Your Dental Practice's Contact Details
    • Step 9: Finish up the process
      GMB Finsh Adding Listing

Verify Your Business

When verification options are presented, choose the easiest one for you.

Once verified, you will have your own Google My Business listing for your local business.

Google My Business Guidelines

  • Represent your business as it’s consistently represented and recognized in the real world across signage, stationery, and other branding.
  • Make sure your address and service area are accurate and precise.
  • Choose the fewest number of categories it takes to describe your overall core business.

– GMB Support

Of particular importance when creating your Google My Business listing is to adhere to the recommendations above. However, visiting the link describes all the areas you can add information to during your submission, the guidelines for each, and their overall list of dos and don’ts.

Businesses that feel like they don’t need to follow Google’s GMB guidelines have made a Business Redressal Complaint Form publicly available.

Their site states the following:

“If you come across misleading information or fraudulent activity on Google Maps related to a business’s name, phone number, or URL, you may use this form to submit a complaint. Our guidelines will review complaints submitted through this form for representing businesses on Google Maps.”

In Summary, Google My Business allows you to add your business to Google’s local search index for your specific type of local business. While this is free and convenient, following Google’s guidelines is essential to avoid any potential repercussions.