How to create and optimize your ‘Google My Business’ account

If you want to reliably be found on the internet, amplifying your presence as a financial advisor or rather any business on Google is an absolute must. For business owners, this means creating a Google My Business account, which acts as a sort of virtual storefront when potential clients search for key terms related to financial advisors or the local business they are looking for.

Using Google My Business is an important tool for directing internet traffic to you. It contains all relevant contact information, and can optimize the process for getting in touch with you. For prospective clients, this means a streamlined sales process. For existing clients, Google My Business offers a reliable way to contact you, with a quick search. It also allows them to review your service, and help establish your credibility.

Here’s what you need to know about setting up and using Google My Business:

What’s Google My Business?

Google My Business is a platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence and stand out. This helps to drive web traffic and increase contacts with potential clients. For example, if a Kelowna, BC, resident searches for “financial advisor,” Google will display financial advisors closest to that location–including yours–if you are set up with Google My Business. 

Also, when prospective clients search for your business, results may be displayed in  Knowledge Graph, Google Maps, and Google Search. Google My Business provides prospects and your clients quick access to your business profile, including the description, contact information, location, social media handles, announcements, and more. 

Additionally, Google My Business helps you to:

  • Collect and respond to reviews
  • Chat directly with prospective clients through Google’s direct messaging feature
  • Publish local events and announcements
  • Include social media handles

How to set up your Google My Business account

  1. Go to https://business.google.com/create
  2. Make sure that you’re logged in to a Google account to create or manage your business listing. If not, you’ll be directed to a screen below, where you’ll need to select an account or create one (a Google account is mandatory).
  3. If you want to select a different Google account to manage this listing, click the logo or initial on the top right and select the account you want. 
  4. Search for your business name. If your business already appears on the list, you’ll need to verify ownership. If it doesn’t appear on the list, select “Create a business with this name.” (Don’t create a duplicate listing if one already exists, as duplication would hurt search engine optimization) Also, if you are a financial advisor, be sure to use your approved trade name signed off by your dealer.
  5. Fill out company details. Follow the step-by-step guide to filling out information for your business, including name, category, address, contact number, and website URL. 
  6. Verify ownership. Select among the verification options that’ll appear. If you select the postcard option, you’ll receive a postcard mailed to the physical address of your business with a personal identification number (PIN) within three to five days. Once you get it, sign in to your Google My Business profile, select “Enter Code,” enter the five-digit PIN, and click “Submit.”
  7. Complete your profile. You may manage your listing page even before verifying ownership, but it won’t be eligible to appear in Google search results until verification has been completed. Manage your account page by selecting each section on the left-hand panel and filling out the information.

Tips for optimizing your profile

  • Write a thoughtful and detailed description; this can be your value proposition and should match what you use on your website
  • Use a local phone number that will be answered if called
  • Create posts for business updates, add videos, and so on, to boost search visibility
  • Add meaningful professional photos such as participation in charity events or local community events, or a team photo
  • Add your LinkedIn profile link

Conclusion

If you’re looking to increase your online presence as a financial advisor or for any business in your area, Google My Business will be an essential tool. By setting up and optimizing your profile, you’ll be able to connect with prospective clients and share local experiences with existing clients.

For more resources on how to make the most of Google My Business, see below for additional resources.

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Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management

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