What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is a free tool from Google that allows small businesses to manage how they appear on Google Search and Google Maps.
When someone searches for your business name or services in your area — for example, “coffee shop near me” or “auto repair Olympia WA” — your profile can show up with:
- Business name, address, phone number
- Website link
- Photos of your business, products, or services
- Hours of operation
- Customer reviews
- Location on Google Maps
👉 Think of it as your digital storefront on Google.
Why Should You Use It?
A properly set up Google Business Profile can:
- Attract local customers searching for your products or services.
- Improve your SEO by showing in the local “map pack” (top 3 local listings in Google).
- Build trust through reviews and photos.
- Drive calls and website visits directly from Google Search.
For businesses in Lacey, Olympia, Yelm, and Tumwater (and anywhere else), this is one of the most powerful — and free — tools to get more visibility.
How to Set Up Google My Business (Step-by-Step)
1. Sign In
- Go to google.com/business.
- Sign in with your Google account (create one if you don’t already have one for your business).
2. Enter Your Business Name
- Type your official business name.
- If it matches an existing listing, claim it instead of creating a new one.
3. Choose a Business Category
- Select the category that best matches your business (e.g., Auto Repair Shop, Marketing Agency, Coffee Shop).
- You can add more categories later, but your primary one matters most for search.
4. Add Your Location
- If customers visit your location (storefront, office, restaurant), enter your address.
- If you serve customers at their location (e.g., plumber, cleaning service), choose Service Area Business and list the cities/regions you cover.
5. Enter Contact Information
- Phone number
- Website URL
- (Optional) Appointment booking link if you use tools like Calendly or Square.
6. Verify Your Business
Google needs to confirm you own the business. Options include:
- Postcard by mail (most common)
- Phone call or text (if available)
- Email (rare but sometimes offered)
Verification usually takes a few days.
7. Complete Your Profile
After verification, add as much information as possible:
- Business hours
- Photos (interior, exterior, products, staff)
- Services or menu items
- Business description (include local keywords like “Olympia WA auto repair”)
8. Start Posting Updates
Google lets you post updates just like a mini social media feed.
- Announce sales or promotions
- Share new products
- Post photos of recent work
These posts appear directly in your profile on Google Search & Maps.
9. Collect and Respond to Reviews
- Ask happy customers to leave you a review.
- Reply to all reviews (positive or negative) to show engagement.
Tips for Using Google My Business Effectively
- Keep your hours updated (especially for holidays).
- Add at least 5–10 high-quality photos.
- Use keywords in your description: “We are a small business marketing agency in Lacey, WA serving Olympia, Yelm, and Tumwater.”
- Post at least once per week to stay active.
- Track insights → Google gives you data on how customers found you, what keywords they used, and how many clicked your phone/website.
✅ By setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile, you give your small business the best chance to rank in local searches, attract more customers, and build credibility — all for free.