How to setup your solar company's Google My Business.
Getting the most out of Google My Business
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business, or Google Business Profile, is a great way to help businesses manage their online presence across Google Search or Google Maps. It provides a way to claim your business listing on Google and ensure that information displayed is accurate and up-to-date.
Why set one up?
Increase visibility:
Although this is only the first step for improved SEO (Search Engine Optimization), a well-optimized profile can help your business appear higher in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Take a look at how far SEO has taken some of the valued clients at Hyperion.
Gain credibility:
Positive reviews and customer ratings on your Google My Business profile can build trust and attract new customers to choose you.
Connect with customers:
You can use your profile to share updates about your business, respond to reviews, and answer customer questions directly.
Provide insights:
Google Business Profile offers analytics that can help you understand how customers are finding your business online.
How do I set up Google My Business?
- Visit Google My Business.
- Sign in with your Gmail account
Our experts at Hyperion suggest that you create a Google account dedicated for your business. This will help streamline Google insight updates sent to your Gmail.
- Identify your business.
Start typing your business name into the search bar. They may already have a profile available— if so, click ‘Request Access’ and follow the prompts on the screen to claim ownership.
- Specify business type
On this screen, you will be asked to specify whether your business type is any of the following:
- Online Retail:
- Local Store: Businesses that operate from a physical location that customers can visit you at
- Service Business: Businesses that visit customers at their homes
- Specify business category
Start typing what you think the best business category would be— Google will suggest the best match.
- Business Details
Add:
- Your business address and service areas, if applicable, that you operate within. Google will allow up to 20 service areas, as long as they are within 2 hours of your business address.
- The phone number you would like customers to reach you at
- If you have a website, add the website link to the prompt on the screen. Don’t have a website? Get a quote today.
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Agree to terms & conditions
- Google Business Profile Verification
There are many ways to verify your profile. Google will decide which one you will use. These include:
Phone Number:
Enter your business phone number. You will receive a code to this number that you will be asked to enter in on your screen.
Video verification:
Click ‘verify later’. You will need a mobile device with a camera. You will be asked to produce a video in one continuous recording that includes your current location, equipment, and proof of management.
Verification postcard:
Google will send your address a postcard that includes a 5-digit code to enter into your profile.
If Google asks that you use another method not listed here, visit their help page here.
- Add Services provided
Google might suggest a range of common services provided. Vet these suggestions, and add more services provided if applicable.
- Add Business hours
You must display accurate hours. Keep this information up-to-date and edited, especially during holidays. Google’s guidelines mandate that information must be accurate to your business’ real open hours.
- Add Messaging
Customers will have an option to message you directly from the profile Google makes for you. This option will be turned on by default. It can drive additional leads to your business, but should be answered in a timely manner, or Google will automatically turn off the feature. Ensure you can commit to quick answers.
- Add business description
Think of your description as the equivalent of the About Us page of a website. What you offer, what makes you different from your competition, the history of your business, and other useful info.
- Add photos to your listing
Help your listing stand out and attract leads. Display photos of your goods/services. Don’t use stock photos, as the algorithm will immediately detect this as a lack of genuinity. Update regularly.
- Free Advertising Credit
Google will offer you free advertising credit. Be advised, this will be very surface-level advertising.
For advertising solutions tailored to your business needs, check out our advertising solutions here.
