Google Maps is considered as the “world’s most popular map”. Since its inception in 2005, it has been well-known all over the globe as a navigation tool. But did you know that you can leverage its functionality to make your business easier to find and ultimately be visible on the web?
Yes, you read it right!
About 86% of web users look up the location of a business on Google Maps. “Near me” searches on Google have also doubled in the past year and 72% of these consumers are likely to visit a store within 8 km from their current location. Google Maps, indeed, has a huge business impact especially to startups and small enterprises. More so, during these recent years, that it has become one of the indispensable digital marketing tools.
Get discovered, stand out amongst your business competitors and increase your reach without having to spend a dime with Google Maps. Listing your business online through this tool is in fact one of the easiest and cheapest way to place your business online and at the fingertips of potential customers that are looking for your products and/or services.
Google Maps vs. Google My Business
Google Maps is primarily a free online map from Google that people often use to plan a detailed commute, check for driving directions or traffic conditions, and look up locations with Street View. Nowadays, people also use this app to explore and find information about nearby local businesses.
However, to take its full advantage, you need to set up Google My Business which is an online directory where you can add more business information as well as manage and optimize your business listing. Google Maps and Google My Business, therefore, go hand-in hand to capture market share as a local business.
Let’s take a quick look at how you can add your business to Google Maps.
1. Simply sign in to Google Maps.
2. Choose among these options to add your business.
a. Enter your address in the search bar. In the Business Profile, on the left, click “Add your business”
b. Using the online map, place your cursor on your location then right-click and select “Add your business”
c. Select “Add your business” using the Menu bar in the top left.
3. Follow the subsequent on-screen instructions if you chose to finish signing up for Google My Business. Set up and optimize your business profile by adding accurate contact details, description, reviews and other related information.
Give your business a leg up by using Google Maps. With over 154 million users, it is truly a crucial part of any local SEO strategy to increase leads, conversion and ultimately, business revenue. This tool is simple, effective and definitely a necessity for businesses these days. Get started today!
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