Let’s face it, if your business isn’t on Google, you don’t exist. Did you know that over 90% of all search engine traffic is Google? Nowadays, people don’t bother to memorize a lot, and really why should they? Everything is on Google. True.

How many times have you Googled a business? On the right is a chart with a map of the business’s location, phone number, hours of operation, image, and even a link to their website. It’s as if Google wants to offer all businesses a free ad. Well actually Google wants to make it as easy as possible for the user to find exactly what they are looking for in 0.000048763 seconds, so we all keep coming back.

Mobile search traffic has increased

You see, Google knows that it will remain the number one search engine as long as it makes the user experience simple and smooth. Did you know that currently in 2019 more than 65% of all Google search traffic is mobile? Wow, right? What could be easier for a mobile user than “ALL” relevant information “front and center”?

How do I get a “Google My Business” listing for my business?

Okay, now you’re wondering: “How do I make sure my business has a list of boxes at the top of the Google page when someone searches for my business?” Well, this is the easy part. In fact, it is so easy that you are going to wonder; “Why didn’t I do this earlier?”

Let’s look at the simple steps. But first you have to Google your business name on Google Maps and see if it appears. If it appears, it is because Google’s search engine algorithms have found information from other sources and put it there for you and your customers (the user).

Claim my “Google My Business” listing

If you find your business already listed, click the button that says “Claim this business” and the Google Tutorial will guide you through the process. Remember: it is very easy! Oh, and make sure you claim your business before someone else tries – a good incentive to do so ASAP.

My business is not listed yet, but I really want to

My free “Google My Business listing” now!

If it is not there, you need to go to the Google My Business page and click the “Manage” button and it will take you through all the necessary steps. Your system sends you a verification code, just wait until the verification code arrives before you begin and follow the totally simple steps – seriously, a third grader can do this, yes, and probably better than any of us ?

Once you have your listing, you will also have a business profile page when you log in. Just edit the information you want to appear on Google when people search for your business. You can customize your “Google My Business” list and add your:

• Web page link

• Phone number

• Hours of operation

• Logo and / or images of your business

Okay, that’s it, simple, right? Well, some of us aren’t as smart as a third grader when it comes to all this high-tech stuff. So if you’re like me, you might want to see a YouTube video on how to claim and verify your “Google My Business” listing first.

Then you can follow the simple instructions above and click until you do. Seriously, this is really easy. And you have to love the price! Ever wonder why FREE is a 4 letter word? That’s the only thing on this “Google My Business” list that doesn’t earn pennies.