If you’ve been in business for any time at all, you should have a Google listing called Google My Business, the business-oriented adaptation of Google+. This free marketing tool is one of the first things seen when someone searches for your business on Google, yet most small business owners have neglected to use this free marketing tool. You should have many additional credibility pieces in your online presence, but that’s another story. Here are three reasons why most small business owners haven’t updated their listing.

1. You didn’t know you had a Google listing.

Some business owners and their staff may not be in the habit of googling their business regularly. Maybe they’ve never done it. Do it now, before you read the rest of this post. Back? Let’s hope you didn’t find any outdated or incorrect information, but unfortunately, this happens often. Many directory listings automatically load small business information, and that can create many errors. The most common error is for the business to be listed in an incorrect category.

We recently saw a nursing home facility listed as an apartment complex and a diner listed as a barbershop.

Although you may not think these are major issues, an incorrect category removes you as an option automatically, and an incorrect address or number can prevent potential customers from reaching you.

2. You don’t know how to claim your Google listing.

Many social media professionals and digital marketers seem to place a veil of secrecy over updating and managing these types of social sites. The truth is – it’s not that difficult. The hard part is actually finding or taking the time to do it. Fortunately, Google offers step-by-step instructions that are relatively easy to follow. However, if you have limited experience in the digital realm, the process may still be a bit confusing. That being said, if you’re not going to claim your listing or don’t know how, paying someone else to may be one of the best investments you ever make.

3. You don’t know what to write.

It can be difficult to figure out what information to include on your Google listing, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with factual information first. Fill out your contact details, address, hours of operation, and so on. Think of it as a digital business card for your business. From here you can provide a simple, brief description of your business. Make your brand more memorable with photos and videos. And the top feature to stand out in a Google search? Customer reviews.

Why your “Google My Business” listing is such an importance piece to small business marketing

Whether you’re in a smaller community like Evansville, Indiana or in the concrete jungle of New York City, not having a “Google My Business” listing will immediately count you out of sales. You’ve likely heard of search engine optimization (SEO). You don’t need to know everything about SEO, but know that having an accurate listing on Google is a great place to start to improve your SEO rating. For more, read our blog Why Your Business Needs An Online Presence.