Not getting enough phone calls? Google My Business and WHY you need it

May 11, 2020

Perhaps it’s time to look at how your business info is displayed on google. Each day millions of users are looking for products and services on the search engine, but Google also provides a tool to help its users find local results.

Next time you search for a bike shop or a restaurant you may notice that Google will likely put forth a nearby shop as opposed to a shop across the country.

Why is that? Because Google wants to ensure people trust Google for relevant results, thus ensuring the use of their service more and more.

And that’s where Google My Business comes in for small business.

Google My Business a free tool provided by the company that gives local business info at a glance. This information includes address, phone number, store hours, menu items, setting up appointments or anything relevant to an industry.

Think of it like a digital storefront. It’s not a website, it’s not an advertisement. Rather, it’s a quick introduction to your business for web searches. It’s similar to having basic business info on the yellow pages for everyone to find when they need it. Odds are that you are not an expert on everything local. So when users are in need, they may ask Google, “__(tire shop)__ near me.” That’s a phone call your competitors will get if you’re not listed.

The information provided on the site can be inserted by everyday users or business owners. Perhaps your business already shows up on a side panel when you search your business. It’s likely that it was inserted by dedicated volunteers or your competitors answering questions about your business on your behalf.

However you can claim your business and make sure your customers see the official information from an official source. It’s free, but like any service it’s time consuming and requires regular maintenance.

Doing so is very easy. Try it. If you do not have access to your Google My Business or this is the first time you hear of it, insert your business name in the search bar. Does your business info show up? Do your hours show up? Are they accurate? Notice there are two buttons at the bottom. One says “suggest an edit” while the other says, “Own this business?”

Before we go forward on claiming your business, click on the “suggest an edit” button. You’ll notice that you can change business name, hours, or even delete the listing altogether. Because the response was user based, the listing will not go away immediately, but it will begin a review process to take it down if no one else verifies or disputes the false information. Claiming your business on Google My Business essentially locks users from suggesting edits and gives you the power to place only info/images that you approve.

Clicking on the “Own this business?” button will begin the process to claim and verify that you are indeed the owner of the business claimed.

It’s simple and easy to register. There are best practices Google asks of you as a business owner that can help you stand out from your competitors or a similar business. You want customers looking for “___ near me.” to find you first.

Claiming your Google My Business account is the first step in doing just that.

Google asks that you do regular maintenance such as updated information and weekly posts to show that you are indeed an active business. Sometimes they’ll add new features depending on user needs. With COVID-19, we saw the introduction of “Carry-Out,” “Dine-In,” and “Delivery” info. If your customers see an “X” next to your name on any of these criteria, could mean the difference between a phone call or not. Keeping on top of the latest trends and making regular updates is a commitment you must make once you claim your business.

Full disclosure, Top Hat Central LLC. provides Google My Business Management. The Google My Business account is free, the information on this site on how to use it and why it’s important is free. However, we offer our dedicated attention and content creation to make sure your account stays active. Our management service is meant for business owners who are comprised of a small team that can’t spend much time on this, or simply want someone else to do so for them. We get it, you wear many hats as a small business. We give you one less to worry about. Focus on your business.

That being said, whether you consider Top Hat Central or not for your Google My Business Management, get out there and claim your business. It’s your hard work. Don’t let your competitors or everyday users take control of your account on your behalf.