What is Google My Business (GMB) and Where to Find It?

Google My Business (GMB) is a free and powerful tool designed to help businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. You know when you search for a business and see that info card pop up on the right-hand side of your screen, showing the business’s location, hours, and reviews? Yep, that’s Google My Business in action.

GMB ensures you’re easily found when customers are searching for your services. And the best part? It’s totally free to set up and gives you the power to keep your business visible, trusted, and growing.

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Why Google My Business is your MVP (Most Valuable Profile)

For Small Businesses

Picture this: a customer is Googling for a local service, and you don’t show up. Yikes. With GMB, you’ll pop up right where you need to be, on Google Search and Maps. It’s like having a digital storefront that works 24/7. Plus, it boosts your local SEO, so customers in your area can find you faster than they can say "open tab."

For Designers

Listen up, fellow creatives: your GMB profile is more than just another search listing. It’s a chance to showcase your portfolio, collect those shiny five-star reviews, and give potential clients a sneak peek into the magic you create. And for designers who work remotely or freelance? GMB helps you shine in local searches without needing a physical office.

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Why you shouldn't just set it and forget it

Consistency is key! Google rewards fresh content, so keeping your GMB profile up-to-date is a major part of staying relevant in searches. Here’s why you should stay on top of it:

1. Google loves fresh content

Think of Google as that friend who always wants to know the latest news. Regularly updating your GMB with new posts, offers, or photos keeps you at the top of the search food chain. The more active your profile, the more likely Google will show you some love.

2. Social proof = instant credibility

Those gold-star reviews? They’re not just for show. Reviews build trust and boost your business’s ranking. For designers, glowing reviews from clients are like your personal badge of honour. The more you collect, the more you’ll attract.

3. It's a free marketing machine

Yep, you read that right. It's for free!! GMB is basically a mini-website that showcases your business info, hours, services, and visuals!. If you don’t have the budget for a full-blown website yet, or you want to add an extra touchpoint, GMB has your back.

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How to Set Up Your Own GMB Profile (If You Haven’t Already)

Alright, time to practice what we preach. Here’s how to get your own GMB profile up and running in no time:

1. Sign In to Google: Use your business Gmail account (or create one). – Google My Business
2. Enter Your Business Info: Name, address (or service area for designers), contact details, and website, get it all in there.
3. Verify Your Business: Google will send you a verification method, usually via postcard. It takes a few days, but it’s an essential step.
4. Complete Your Profile: Don’t skip this! Add business hours, categories, services, and a killer description.
5. Upload High-Quality Images: Show off your brand with polished visuals, whether it's product shots or a designer portfolio.
6. Encourage Reviews: Ask clients or customers to leave reviews to boost your profile.
7. Post Regular Updates: Keep things fresh with new posts, updates, or portfolio pieces. It’ll help you stay relevant and visible.

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Designers: How you can level up your clients' GMB game

Let’s not gatekeep this knowledge. As designers, we’re the go-to experts for all things visual and strategic. Helping your clients set up and optimise their GMB profile is just one more way to show them you’ve got their best interests at heart. Here’s how to guide them through it:

1. Walk them through the setup

Get your clients to log into Google (or better yet, offer to do it for them) and walk them through the setup process. Use their brand assets, like their logo and photos to make their profile pop.

2. Explain the verification process

Google will need to verify their business through a postcard, phone call, or email. Make sure they know this is a must before they’ll start appearing in search results.

3. Fill in all the details

Add business hours, services, and most importantly, a killer description that shows off what they do. This is your client’s chance to stand out, so help them make every word count.

4. Encourage them to collect reviews

Reviews are gold. Coach your clients to ask their happy customers to leave feedback, it not only boosts their SEO but also adds major trustworthiness to their business.

5. Keep it fresh

Remind them that GMB isn’t a one-and-done deal. Offer to help them create a content calendar or even manage their updates so their profile stays active and engaging.

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GMB is a No-Brainer

If you’re a small business or designer, Google My Business isn’t optional. It’s a non-negotiable must-have for boosting visibility, building trust, and attracting new clients. And designers, this is your chance to add even more value to your client offerings. Helping clients set up and optimise their GMB profile is a game-changer, and trust me, they’ll thank you for it.

Ready to level up your GMB game?
At Helm, we’re all about making sure your business shines in all the right places. Need help setting up your profile or want tips on how to keep it fresh? Drop us a line, we’ve got you covered.

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