SMEs: How to get customers for free on Google

Whenever I’m starting a new business, one of the things I quickly do is to setup the new business on Google My Business platform. This is a free marketing platform that puts your business in front on Google Search and Google Map free of charge without spending a dime for marketing

You run an SME or Small Business in Nigeria right? In this guide, I will show you how to get customers for free on Google using Google My Business (GMB), optimize your profile for local SEO, and grow your business in Nigeria.

The good news is that any legit business can be listed on Google My Business. Sweet right?

Come back and read: 6 Key financial skills to grow SMEs in Nigeria

What is Google My Business and why is it Important for small businesses and SMEs in Nigeria?

Google My Business is a free platform that allows business owners to create an online presence and attract local customers. When someone searches for your business or related services, your Google My Business profile appears in search results, showing key details like:

✅ Business name
✅ Address & phone number
✅ Operating hours
✅ Customer reviews
✅ Photos and videos

Example below:

Or something like this

or something like this

Why Small Businesses should be on Google My Business

• Show your business on Google Search & Maps for free
• Attract local customers near you
• Increase trust with customer reviews
• Boost SEO without a website
• Engage with customers via posts and updates

Step by step on how to setup your business on Google My Business for Free

Follow these steps to create and optimize your Google My Business listing:

1. First, Create Your Google My Business Account

• Go to Google My Business
• Click on “Manage Now”
• Sign in with a Gmail account (if you don’t have a Gmail account, you can open one right away)

2. Enter Your Business Details

• Business Name – Use your official business name. Example: Ibadan Fashion Hub
• Category – Choose a relevant category like Restaurant, Fashion Store, Barber Shop, Bakery, etc.
• Location – Add your physical address if you have a shop. Your location will be previewed on the map
• Contact Information – Add a working phone number and website (if available).

3. Verify Your Business

Google will send a verification code to your business address via your business email or ask you to record a video or via your phone number. Enter the code to confirm ownership.

In my case, I provided my business email and they sent the verification code to it.

4. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile for More Customers

Once your business is verified, it will start showing on Google search just like the examples above. Now it is time to setup for local SEP. Follow these SEO tips to rank higher on Google:

✔️ Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

• Upload pictures of your shop, products, or services.
• Post at least 5–10 images to build credibility.

✔️ Write a Compelling Business Description

Example for a Fashion Store in Lagos:
“At Ibadan Fashion Hub, we provide high-quality Ankara, ready-to-wear, and bespoke fashion for men and women. Visit our store in Ikeja or order online with fast delivery anywhere in Nigeria.”

✔️ List Your Services and Products

• If you run a restaurant, list popular dishes.
• If you sell electronics, list brands and products.
• Use relevant keywords like best tailor in Lagos, affordable shoes in Abuja, top bakery in Port Harcourt.

✔️ Get Customer Reviews

• Ask satisfied customers to leave 5-star reviews.
• More positive reviews = higher ranking on Google.
• Respond to reviews to boost engagement.

✔️ Post Regular Updates

• Share promotions, new arrivals, or business updates.
• Example: “New stock alert! Check out our latest office wear collection. Visit us today!”

How to Rank Higher on Google Using Google My Business

Want to appear at the top of Google search results in Nigeria? Follow these SEO tips:

✅ Use Local Keywords – Include words like best furniture store in Ibadan, cake shop in Surulere, plumber in Lekki
✅ Encourage Reviews – Businesses with more positive reviews rank higher
✅ Update Your Profile Regularly – Add new posts, promotions, and pictures
✅ Respond to Customer Queries Quickly – Engage with users asking for details
✅ Use Google Posts – Promote sales, offers, and new services

Final Thoughts

If you own an SME in Nigeria, setting up Google My Business is a game-changer. It’s free marketing that helps customers find you easily on Google Search and Google Maps.

🔹 Sign up today and start attracting more customers!