By Princess Jones
Google is arguably the number one search engine in the world. When you search for a business on it, it returns Google business listings first. There are 1.4 billion active devices using Google’s Android mobile platform. When you search for nearby businesses on an Android device, it uses Google business listings in the results. Google Maps dominates the map market on any mobile device as well as many desktop devices. When you search for something in Google Maps, it relies on Google business listings.
What all of this means is that your Google business listing is a powerful tool to help potential users choose you over your competitors. Here’s how to claim your Google business listing.
Here’s How to Do It
Start by going to Google My Business. Sign into the Google account you’d like to use to manage your page. Choose what type of business it is and type in the name and address. You get a listing of possible matches. Select which one is yours and click “Continue.”
If you can’t find your business listed on Google, it also gives you the option to create a listing. Now if you already know that your business is on Google local listings, you can just click the “Claim this business” link.
Google verifies business listings by mailing a verification code to your business address. When you get the postcard, just input the code into the Google Business dashboard. (Some businesses have the option to be verified by phone but this is far less likely than a verification by mail.)
What If Someone Has Already Claimed Your Business?
If someone else has already claimed your business, you’ll see a dialogue that notes that the someone else already admins this business. Google encourages you to contact the admin of that account directly. If you can’t do that because it was done as a mistake or maliciously, you can click “Request Admin Rights.” This will take you through a series of questions about your business and trigger an email from Google to the person who has verified it. Google will mediate the situation from there.
