If you haven’t already taken ownership of your business listing on Google, it is imperative that you do so. The process is actually quite easy and the benefits can’t be overvalued as the impact on your performance in search results can be dramatic. Here’s why:

Google is increasingly trying to show users search results that are local to them – after all, most business is done locally. In the old days we used to go to the yellow pages to find local stores, products and service providers. Today, with a quick search on our smartphone we can find local providers, learn about their business, read reviews, and more.

So let’s say you’re the owner of a plumbing service. When a potential customer with a leaky faucet searches for plumbers in their area, it is likely they will see a list of local plumbers on the top of the Google search results with an accompanying map showing locations. To your business, these leads are as qualified as they can get, and not being listed here will cost you.

In many cases, Google may have already attempted to create a listing for your business. This is a great feature, unless they do so with incorrect information about your contact information, hours, services, and so on.

The first step is always to see if you are already listed. If so, claim ownership of the listing, if not, add your business. Whichever the case may be, make sure to add as much information about your business as possible and verify your listing.

To help you get started check out this video created by Google: