[free] Your business on 1st page of google

No, this tool does not have you paying for advertisements, this is completely FREE. And no, it's not SEO for your website either. A website is not actually necessary to make this tool work, though it does help.

The best way to get your business to show on the first page of google search results is the My Business listing tool from Google. Since it is ran by Google, the most commonly used search engine, it's really an essential for any business, particularly those that are locally dependent. This tool is easy to manage, makes your business look that much more professional, and makes it that much easier to find.

​Sound too good to be true? Let's get into the details.
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What is a Google My Business Listing? 

Have you ever noticed, after running a search on Google, that often times a tile shows at the top of the search results? That tile usually showcases a business with it's photos, business name, and some action buttons like "Directions" or "Call" along with store hours and more. It's a bit hard to imagine up, but you have definitely seen one before!

This is a screenshot of my own My Business listing for Jade Maxx Henna, which has brought me nearly %75 of my walk-in or new business clientele. This is what shows when anyone searches "Jade Maxx" on Google. Give it a try yourself and see how it pops up for you. It does show different on computer vs tablet vs phone.  

The My Business listing tool is powered by Google, and it's FREE. I can't say it enough. This tool is essential to any business, but small start ups can particularly find benefit. Those with little to no investment need only to create a Gmail account, create a listing with this tool, and in 5 days time the business can begin generating revenue! *Mind Blown* To really top it all off, it's also pretty simple to set up, too. Though I will admit it seems to be buried in the confusing world of google. Not to worry, I'll tell you how to get there later. 

Along with being search engine friendly, My Business allows customers to leave you reviews, upload their own photos of your work with them, and so much more. You can set your business hours for all to see, you can plug in your website, phone number, and other contact info with easy action buttons. The options are really limitless! 
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What's the catch? 

Really there is no major catch, just some requirements that are easy to meet. 
First off, you must have a gmail account to open a My Business listing. If you happen to have a gmail for your business email already then you are already at the end of the rainbow. If you haven't opened an email for your business yet, make sure to open a Gmail email to save you any future hassles. 

The other requirement is a verification of your business. This can get a bit tricky to understand depending on your business type, though still easy to complete. There are two types of My Business listings, and each have a few different verification options. 

Store Front Location 

This means you have a location that you operate out of, and typically means you can service clientele here. Having a store front address is the best way to show on Google because you will show on the regular search engine, and also on Google Maps or when one searches  "______ near me". 
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An example for my business is when someone searches "henna near me". What first shows is an option to click into Google Maps and choose a business based on the distance, I'm sure you have done this before. And of course, below this map option are your regular search results. However, the only way you show on top here, with Maps, is if you have an actual address.

[Helpful Hint] even if you don't take clientele at a store front, but you have an address you can use for your My Business listing, use it. This will help you be seen in all situations. 

Getting this type of business verified requires a postcard with a # on the back to be mailed to said address within 5 days of My Business creation. Once you receive your card, you can submit your # into the verification and *magic*. You're set up and ready to receive calls, reviews, and more.
There is an option to be verified via video call if you cannot receive mail, but let. me. tell ya. Just don't go there 🙈I tried this with my second location which was inside a farmers market and therefore didn't have it's own address and way to receive mail. It literally took me 3 months to get verified! Not recommended. Apparently they have a very small team trying this new verification method and I don't suppose it's going well.  

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Online Only or Mobile Services 

This way is a bit easier to verify, though comes with obvious drawbacks of not being included on Maps. All you need to do is verify via phone call or email. Much simpler, and gets your listing up and running in no time. This is also great for businesses who don't require any location or can travel to on site locations. 
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To the left is an example of how a listing like this shows on google search. There is a defined area of service, but no exact address, and therefore no pin on Maps. 
​This is a listing from a mentor of mine, Photography by Keri Cooper  who has been in her business for years. Keri has helped me understand the importance of a professional business setting, achievable with things like a website and Google listing. 

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How to start your own My Business listing

Now that you've read an understand a bit more about this wonderful tool, I'm sure you're ready to get started. After getting your Gmail set up, open it and click on those 6 small grey squares at the top right of the page. From here there are several Google tools, scroll all the way down and choose More From Google at the bottom center. 
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This will take you to another web page that has the many Google tools and explains a bit about each of them. Though these are worth taking a look at, the My Business tool will be at the very bottom of this webpage under the Grow Your Business section. It looks something like this. 

From here you can click on Google My Business and it will prompt you through set up. It will ask you to buy things, it will offer free $ in google ads, and you will get a few solicitation emails to your Gmail. Best practice is to ignore all that BS. They're typically just being sharks. Also, everyone who I have ever talked to about their purchasing of Google Ads says it hasn't helped their business, though these were all small business owners.

[Helpful Hint] if you have a website, that Analytics tool is amazing! It shows you traffic in several different breakdowns, most searched Google words, and your ranking on Google searches.

If you got this far, thank you for reading! I wish you all the best for your business endeavors and I hope this has helped you along your business journey. If you are in any need of help during your My Business set up please don't hesitate to reach out!