How to setup your Google Business Listing
If you're like many consumers you have probably opened a Google Search on your phone, tablet or computer and searched for a specific business or a type of business.
When you execute your search, Google returns a search screen that looks something like this.
Google Listings or Google Business Listings are also shown with a map, which we often refer to as Google Map Listings. Google has designed their search to identify businesses based on your search keywords that are closest geographically to the area you specified in your search or to where you presently are if no geographic area was added to your search.
The first false assumption you can make is that Google will set this up automatically for your business. You just open your doors and Google is waiting to get you on the map!
Instead of assuming that, why don't you simply take the necessary steps to let Google know your there. It's pretty easy and the following steps will guide you through the entire process so let's get started!
Google Listing Setup - Step 1
Open your web browser and navigate to https://google.com
Google Listing Setup - Step 2
When you create or "claim" your Google Listing, it must be associated with an email account that Google will consider the administrator of the Listing. If you have a Google email account already, simply login with that account. If you don't, follow the steps Google provides in creating a new account.
Google Listing Setup - Step 3
After you have successfully logged in with your Google account, enter the search term Google my Business and click the Google Search button.
Google Listing Setup - Step 4
When Google returns the search results, navigate down your page until you find the result titled Google My Business and click on that option.
Google Listing Setup - Step 5
Click the Start Now button.
Google Listing Setup - Step 6
Enter the name of your Law Firm in the Business Name field. If your Law Firm is already listed in Google's Business Directory, you can select it and make any corrections to the information show. If Google doesn't show your business, this is your opportunity to add it to their directory.
Google Listing Setup - Step 7
Enter or verify that all your business information is correct.
Google Listing Setup - Step 8
The Category selection is very important. This is how you let Google and the rest of the world know that you are A) an attorney and B) what particular type of attorney or law that you practice.
Google Listing Setup - Step 9
Google wants to let consumers know if you have a place of business that services consumers or if you go to the consumer. Most attorneys meet their clients in their respective offices so for this setting it is okay to say NO to delivering goods and services at my customers location.
Google Listing Setup - Step 10
Click the Continue button.
Google Listing Setup - Step 11
Now that you have created the Google Listing, Google will take you through a verification process to ensure you are the rightful owner of your listing.
Check the box that says I am authorized to manage this business and I agree to the Terms and Services.
Then Click Continue.
Google Listing Setup - Step 12
Google will ask you to verify the address you entered in your listing and will request one final authorization to mail you an authorization code. This authorization code will be used later to unlock your Google Business Listing.
Click the Mail button.
Google Listing Setup - Step 13
Google would like to know whose attention they should send the authorization code to so enter that name here.
Click the Send Postcard button when ready.
Google Listing Setup - Step 14
Google is now informing you that your listing will appear unverified. This will remain that way until you enter in the authorization code they send you by mail.
Click Continue.
Google Listing Setup - Step 15
Google is now presenting your Business Listing as you entered it previously. You will also see a note at the top of the window letting you know that requested a verification post card.
Google Listing Setup - Step 16
Even though your listing has not been verified yet, this is your opportunity to go through the various sections and add photos and any additional content you want your prospective clients to see about your firm. When you are all through making your edits, you can click the X in your browser to close the business listing window.
Google Listing Setup - Step 17
Now you wait!
Google will send a postcard that looks like this.
Google Listing Setup - Step 18
Navigate to the Google Business Listing Page.
Google Listing Setup - Step 19
Click the Sign In button in the upper right corner of the window and login with the email address you used in step 1 above.
Google Listing Setup - Step 20
Once you have successfully logged in, you will see your Business Listing like this.
Click the Get Verified link.
Google Listing Setup - Step 21
Enter the verification from the postcard here.
Click the Submit button when ready. Your Google Business Listing will now look like this.
Congratulations! You have successfully setup and claimed your Google Business Listing.
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