Last month we suggested that you create an account on Google (or find out if you have an existing account).  If you did not do it then, click here to do it now.

You need an account on Google in order to list your business on Google My Business –free, of course!

Let's look on Google to see what information it has on your business.  In your favourite browser (Google Chrome works well, and is free), call up www.google.co.za

In the search box, type in the name of your business, for example “Megaplex” (without the quotes) and press Enter or click [Google Search].  Despite the .co.za domain, it searches worldwide, so you might want to add “south africa” or your town, to narrow the search.

If Google has information on your company, it should appear in a box on the right of the screen.  There should be contact details, opening hours, a link to your website, directions, and more.

There should also be a link “Are You the Business Owner?” (if no-one has claimed the business) or “Edit your business information” (if you have already claimed it).  Choose the appropriate link, and update any details that need changing (there is a verification process to follow if you are claiming a business that Google has added on its own.

What if your business does not appear in a box on the right?  We’ll look at this next time.