The Unseen Hero of Small Business Marketing

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering why your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps or why customers are struggling to find accurate information about your shop online?

It’s a common frustration that can leave you feeling invisible to potential customers.

But here’s the good news: there’s a straightforward solution to boosting your online presence and ensuring that your business information is spot on.

That solution is verifying your business on Google.

Why Google Verification Matters

Enhanced Visibility in Google Searches and Maps

Verifying your business on Google is vital for increasing your visibility in both Google searches and maps. When your business is verified, it appears in Google Maps and local search results.

This makes it significantly easier for customers to find you, whether they are searching for your business by name or looking for the services you offer. Verification ensures that your business shows up at the right time and in the right place, making it a must-have for any local business.

Increased Trust and Credibility

Trust and credibility are crucial elements in building customer relationships. Customers are more likely to trust businesses that are verified by Google. A Google Business Profile communicates legitimacy and professionalism.

It tells customers that Google has confirmed your business is operational and located where you say it is. This can be a deciding factor for customers choosing between you and a competitor.

Control Over Your Business Information

Verification gives you the ability to manage and update your business information on Google. This means you can ensure that your business hours, contact information, and other critical details are always accurate and up-to-date.

Incorrect information can lead to poor customer experiences and lost business opportunities.

Access to Valuable Insights and Analytics

Once verified, you gain access to insights through your Google Business Profile. Google provides data on how customers found your listing, what actions they took, and even how many people called your business directly from the listing.

This information is invaluable for understanding your audience and refining your marketing strategies.

Ability to Respond to Reviews

Verification allows you to respond to customer reviews directly on Google. This is a powerful tool for reputation management, enabling you to thank customers for positive reviews and address any negative feedback promptly.

Engaging with your customers in this way can significantly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Utilize Google Posts

Verified businesses can use Google posts to communicate directly with their customers. You can post updates, offers, events, and news directly to Google search and maps, helping you engage with your customers and keep them informed about what’s happening with your business.

Competitive Advantage

Having a verified business on Google can give you a competitive edge. It enhances your online presence, improves your local SEO, and makes it easier for customers to engage with your business.

If your competitors are not taking full advantage of Google’s offerings, this can be a significant differentiator.

How to Verify Your Business on Google

Choosing Your Verification Method

Google offers several methods to verify your business, including phone, text, email, video recording, live video call, and mail. The method available to you may depend on your business category, public information, region, and more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Each verification method has its own set of steps:

– Phone or Text: Ensure your business phone number can receive calls or texts, then follow the instructions to enter the verification code.

– Email: Make sure you can access the email address listed, and follow the steps in the verification email.

– Video Recording: Record an unedited video showing your business location, existence, and your proof of management.

– Live Video Call: Schedule a live call with a Google representative to show your business location and proof of management.

– Mail: Request a postcard with a verification code. Make sure not to edit your business info while waiting.

Troubleshooting

If you run into problems, you can either drop comments here, visit the Google Help Community, or contact Google Support. These resources can provide solutions for common issues and help guide you through the verification process.

Next Steps: Boost Your Reviews

After you verify your business, it’s time to get reviews. Join our **free review-boosting bootcamp** to get step-by-step instructions on how to set up for reviews, get more reviews, and handle negative feedback.

You’ll receive templates, scripts, tools to automate the process, and a professionally designed review landing page that can help you garner more reviews today. Join the bootcamp for free.

But Google verification is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a smart marketing strategy. Do you know how your marketing stacks up?

Find out by taking the SMART Marketing quiz. Get customized results on how to get smarter with your marketing – you’ll learn exactly what YOUR business should focus on, get customized recommendations on how to get the best bang for your marketing buck, and unleash your business’s true potential. It’s like having a personal marketing coach by your side!

And remember, you don’t need crazy tech skills, buckets of cash, or a dedicated staff to market your business.

In fact, you don’t even need a lot of time. What you need is to be smart, and Google verification is smart for your business.

If you're ready to grow your business with smart marketing you can:

1. Sign up for weekly FREE Business Bytes with CEO, Torie Mathis

2. Get a SMART Funnel and begin to automate your marketing

3. Learn Digital Marketing with a Smart Marketing Course

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TORIE MATHIS

Torie Mathis helps entrepreneurs grow their business with Smart Marketing.  She is a best-selling author, Army veteran, international speaker + trainer, and the CEO + Creative Director at Lake Shark Media. She also teaches entrepreneurs how to get smart with digital marketing at toriemathis.com