Google’s latest “search for beginners” video on YouTube is an introduction to using Google My Business.
This is actually the last video in the Search for Beginners series, but Google says it will continue to add new content to the Google Webmasters YouTube channel.
The information in this video series is, as the name suggests, aimed at beginners, so experienced SEOs may already know what is covered.
If you’re new to local SEO, or just want to refresh your knowledge of Google My Business, watch this video for a quick recap.
Google My Business audience
The video begins with a brief introduction to Google My Business, a free tool that helps you manage how your local business appears in search results and Google Maps.
Google My Business is only for businesses that serve customers in physical locations.
As such, businesses that operate strictly online are not eligible to apply for a Google My Business listing.
Service area businesses are also eligible to apply for listing as long as they have some kind of permanent location staffed during business hours.
How can Google My Business help me?
Google My Business helps people find your business through search results and Google Maps.
It can be used to maintain accurate information about your business in search and maps. It can also be used for customer engagement and new customer acquisition.
According to Google, businesses with verified Google My Business listings are twice as likely to be considered reputable.
Edit your Google My Business information
After claiming your listing, you can edit the information that appears on Google My Business.
You can edit the following information in Google My Business:
- trade name
- Industry
- business hours
- telephone number)
- Website URL
- photo for business
- Opening date (applies to new businesses before opening)
- physical address
Important note
This video happened to be published at an awkward time, as the ability to edit your Google My Business details is currently limited.
All edits must go through our review team, which is currently restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
See: Google My Business Temporarily Removes Features Due to COVID-19
Eventually, things should get back to normal when it comes to editing Google My Business listings.
See Google’s full video and full transcript below.
Let’s talk about how to change information on Google Maps in Search.
If you own a store or business with a physical address that has customers, you can apply for a listing on Google My Business.
Google My Business is a free tool that helps you manage how your local business appears on maps and search.
If your business serves customers in a specific location or within a designated service area, Google My Business can help people find it.
Google My Business helps you keep accurate information about your business on Google Search, engage with customers, and attract new customers.
Businesses that are verified on Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered reputable by users.
It is very important to keep your business information up to date so that customers can find you.
To edit your business details, sign in to your Google My Business account. Editing permissions are granted only when you first verify your listing on Google My Business.
The details you can edit in Google My Business are your business name, business category, hours of operation, phone number, website URL, business photo, opening date, and address.
that’s all. This video concludes the search series for beginners. However, more videos will be uploaded on his YouTube channel on Google Webmaster.
