If your customer hears about your business, or they’re looking for a business like yours in their area, odds are the first place that they’ll go is Google. Fortunately, Google provides a number of services to make your business easy to locate, including Google Maps and Google My Business. The first step to getting found on Google is knowing how to set up or claim a business on Google. We’ll explain both.

How to Claim a Business on Google

Unless you’ve just opened, do a search and you’ll probably find that your business already exists on Google. Or, you might find that a business already exists in your location, but it isn’t your business. We’ll explain how to claim a business on Google in both scenarios.

How to Claim Your Business on Google

how to claim your business on google

If your business is already listed, but you can’t make edits or manage it, here’s how to claim your business on Google:

  • First, log in to your Google profile, or make one for your business.
  • On your computer or smartphone, search for your business and find the existing listing in Google Maps.
  • Scroll down and you’ll see an option under your business’s description called “Claim this business.” Click it!
  • You’ll need to verify that you really own this business. Choose from text, email, or mail to get your confirmation code.
  • Enter this code when you receive it, and the listing is yours!

Get Reviews on Google

Use the Google Review Link Generator to Send Customers to Your Google Listing.

How to Claim a Business on Google When a Different One Already Exists

Though it isn’t common, you might find that a business that previously used the location is still listed. In this case, you’ll have to request that the first listing be removed, then move on to setting up a new listing, which we’ll cover later in the post.

  • Locate the existing business in your location on Google Maps. Make sure this is your address, not a nearby one, or another business sharing your building.
  • Scroll down past the business’s description and address, and find the button “Suggest an Edit.”
  • Click the option “Remove this place”
  • Provide a reason and, if you can, a picture proving that the business is closed.
  • Google administrators will review the change and they will email you when the information has been updated. Until then, hang tight!
  • Once the old business is removed, add yours (see the next paragraph).

How to Get Your New Business on Google

If your business has newly opened and you don’t see it listed yet, it’s a good idea to add it as soon as you can. By listing your business on Google, you can make sure that your address, hours, and contact information are correct, and you can also post pictures, showcase deals, get reviews, and take advantage of other features.

  • First, go to the Google My Business homepage, google.com/business/, and make an account, or log in.
  • Then, search for your business’s address. Once you find it, place the red marker where your business is. Make sure this is correct! This is how customers will find you if they’re driving or walking and using Google Maps.
  • Fill in your business information, including what type of business you have, your contact information, website etc.
  • Similar to the first point, you’ll need to verify that you really have a business here in order to continue.
  • Once you verify, you’re all set!

With your business listed, make sure that you keep up-to-date with the information. Post pictures regularly so you can present a good first impression. Make sure to edit your hours of operation and contact information if they change. Google will send you updates about holidays, so you can change your hours just for certain days if you need to. Once you have your business set up, encourage customers to come by getting reviews. Use the Google Review Link Generator to send happy customers to the right place to leave a review.

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