How To Get Found On Google As A Business

Does your business rely on local customers? If so, it’s important your business can be found by customers with Google Search. 63% of Australians now turn to Google when they need help with shopping decisions (Google, 2020), making it more important than ever for businesses to be found online.

Shoppers are increasingly more likely to visit a business if they can find their information online, meaning that local businesses can no longer purely rely on word-of-mouth in their community.

Here we have included 5 steps to getting your business found on Google here. 

1.  BUILD A WEBSITE THAT IS FOUND ON GOOGLE

We know, this can seem a little overwhelming if you don’t already have a website. It feels like a lot of time, effort and money, but it doesn’t have to be! Getting a website built for your business is a worthwhile investment – it will help you have an edge over competitors and give your customers a place where they can find all the information they need about your business on Google. It doesn’t need to be a huge site, just as long as it includes anything your customers might be looking for when they search online (opening hours, location, contact details, product information).

2. INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION ON YOUR WEBSITE

Ensure your physical address or the areas you service are included on your website.  These locations will act as ‘keywords’ that Google will look for when someone searches for your business in your area. Include the location of your business on your contact page as well as placing the suburb you service or are located in throughout other pages of your site as well.

3. CLAIM YOUR GOOGLE MY BUSINESS LISTING

Google My Business is the small pin icon that appears when you search a service of business.  It is possible that Google has already created a listing for your business if you have a physical space. Search for your business name on Google and hit ‘claim this listing’. Once you have claimed the listing, you can update your opening hours, link your website, add a contact phone number and post images of your store! If there is not one listed, then simply create a new Google Business Profile.

4. BE PRESENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Google will often look to social media pages to find relevant businesses to list in search results. If you have social media pages for your business, they’re likely to show up when someone searches for your business on Google. Another great reason to be present on social media is that customers can find you if they search on those platforms. Not everyone searches on Google to find a local business.  Many turn to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to find a service they need as well as referrals from community groups. With Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, you can upload all your business information and regularly post updates so your customers can always stay up-to-date. Keep in mind which profiles are best for your business.  If you are going to start a social profile, then it is also a good idea to try and keep regularly updating this.

5. ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO LOCAL ONLINE DIRECTORIES

Online directory websites are often highly ranked in Google Search results as they receive a lot of traffic and have lots of information about local businesses. Google will boost your website ranking and visibility if you have lots of directories linking your web address.  Start by Googling what you offer as a service and see if any relevant directories come up. Some suggested directories are included below: 

https://www.startlocal.com.au/

https://hipages.com.au/

https://www.truelocal.com.au/

https://www.yelp.com/ 

All of these local SEO tactics work together to boost your overall ranking on Google. If you spend some time optimising your website and online listings, you’ll be sure to attract more local customers and have an edge over competitors!