How To List Your Business On Google Maps

Introduction

Google My Business is a platform built by Google that allows you to do many things, from adding your business to Google Maps to posting and interacting with people who search for you online. To read more about Google My Business and the features that it gives you, head to the Google My Business homepage.

In this article, we’ll walk you through creating or claiming your Google My Business listing. If you're an established business, there's a chance that your listing is already in Google Maps' database. In that case, all you'll have to do is claim your business. However, if your business is newer, you might need to create your own listing, which we'll show you how to do.

How to List Your Business on Google Maps

Follow these quick and easy steps to add your business to Google Maps.

Step 1. Go to Google My Business

First, you want to navigate to the Google My Business homepage. 

In the top right, click Manage Now.

Step 2. Sign In or Create an Account

If you already have a Google Account, sign in with the account you want to claim your business under. If not, you'll need to create a new account.

Note: This email will not be shown on your Google My Business page, so you can use a personal email if needed.

Step 3. Enter your business name

Begin typing your business’ name in the search field. As you type, you’ll see suggestions for businesses that could be yours. If you see your business, click on it. If not, click the blue Add your business to Google button right under “Can’t find your business?” 

For the purposes of simplicity, we’ll assume that our business does not exist in the database, however the steps for claiming your business are similar to creation.

After you click on Add your business to Google, you’ll see a screen that looks like this:

Enter the name of your business exactly as you want it shown to customers, then click Next.

Step 4. Choose a category that fits your business

On the next screen, begin typing a category that represents your business in the text field. This will be shown on your listing. For example, take a look at this snippet from our listing – our category is “Marketing Agency.”

Once you’ve typed in the category that best represents your business, click Next. 

Step 5. Add your business location

Next, you’ll be asked whether you have a physical location that customers can visit. For most companies, choose Yes, then click Next. If you’re a completely digital agency like us (for now) click No. 

Note: Some categories require you to add a location. In this instance, we’re creating a business for an ice cream shop, which requires a location.

After clicking Next, you’ll be prompted to enter your business address. Make sure to add this exactly as you want it to be seen across the web. Use the same abbreviations, punctuation, and ensure that everything is accurate.

Once you’ve entered everything accurately, click Next.

You’ll then be asked if you serve customers outside your location. 

For instance, if you operate a flooring company, customers should be able to visit your location, but you also visit customers’ locations to install the floors and perform inspections. 

In other words, if you can serve customers outside of your location, click Yes, I also serve them outside my location. If not, click No, I don’t. 

Step 5a: If you serve customers outside of your location, add the areas that you serve. 

After you’ve finished with the location section, click Next. 

Step 6. Enter your contact information

Next, you’ll be able to add your contact information for customers. Enter a phone numbe that customers will be able to call during your operating hours. Next, add your website.

If you need a professionally created website, click here check out our web design services. We discourage using the free website based on the fact that it does not rank well or look very appealing.

Once you’ve entered all of the necessary information, click Next. 

Step 7: Finish up

Finally, you’re at the last screen. Click finish to begin verifying your business.

Step 8. Verify your business

Next, you’ll have to verify that your business actually exists. Enter the address you listed earlier to have a postcard sent to you in the mail. When this postcard arrives in 3-5 business days, it will have a code and instructions to verify. Follow the instructions, and your business will be verified and go live on Google!

You can also click More Options to see more potential options to verify your business. However, there usually aren’t any other ways to verify. You can opt to click Later in order to skip straight to managing your listing, but your access is limited until you’re verified. 

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve added your business to Google! There are still many things you need to do in order to have a full fledged, successful Google My Business page. We’re working on publishing some more content to help you successfully manage your Google My Business page, so be on the lookout. You can Like us on Facebook or Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date. 

In the meantime, if you’re looking for an experienced digital marketing agency in Oklahoma City to partner up with, we can create, manage, update, and optimize your Google My Business listing along with other SEO services. If you’re interested, start a project here or browse our SEO services.

Thank you for reading, please share if you got some value out of this post!

All the best,

Steelman Digital