Nope, those bots are lazy! You have to do the light lifting on this one, but it is only a little bit of work for great returns. Too many people don’t list their businesses on Google, and are missing out on some much needed Search Engine Optimisation uplift and visibility for their business.

We all know Google right (right???). Well just by loading your business information into Google My Business all of the benefits from Google’s services are at your fingertips. Google My Business connects Google search, maps, Google +, as well as Insights, Reviews, and Google Analytics into one application. Not only does it give your business the edge when it comes to customer facing applications, but it also opens up a world of tailored analytics for you to access and track your traffic and interactions. With all this managed from a convenient dashboard!

So how do you do it? Easy. Go to https://www.google.com.au/business/

• Select or create the Google account you want to use and sign in.
  
• Search for your business in the prompted area by name and address.
• Once you have found or created your correct business location and type, click on it.
• Google will now create your Google + page with your address you inputted. Check “I am authorized to manage this business” and click continue.
• Google will need you to verify your business so click on “Mail me my Code”. Your code will be sent to your business location. 

Now you’ll have to set up your profile. Have at your fingertips the information you need so you won’t have to fossick around in your files. What are you going to need? You’ll need all your business info (address, contact details, opening time, description), jpegs or a compatible file of your logo, plus a selection of high quality images that give customers the best view of your business/product/service. Once it’s all in there, when customers search, your business in all its glory will pop up, and they will be able to click to contact directly.

Don’t scrimp on the detail either. Make sure you fully complete all the information, if you are a food business, add in a menu and delivery details, if you are a service or an online business, give a strong and compelling description of what you do – anything that will get the customers to take that next step and click on to your website.

Google My Business is often the first port of call for people looking for you or something like what you do – especially when they are in the area or travelling through. This is where you will clearly see the benefits of getting your business details loaded up, as even if the potential customer doesn’t know your name, if they type bakery and the area into google, and you are a bakery and registered, the geocaching on their phone will link your details to their search and hey presto – a customer you never knew you’d have.