With the recent launch of Google Latitude I believe that the future of much of Google’s emphasis will be on local search. Afterall, they will be able to target plenty of targeted advertising that way as well. Therefore, it is important that your business is listed in Google Maps and the local business listings. Your business mat actually already be contained in the local listings and you may only need to ‘authorise’ that it is your business. If it is not then you can follow these simple steps to get it included to get more exposure for your products and services.
With the Local Business Center you can add the following information about your business to Google Maps:
- Business name
- Business address
- Business phone number
- Business descriptions
- Photos
If you have never set up a Google Local Business listing then this is how to:
- Go to Google Maps http://maps.google.co.uk
- Click “put your business on Google Maps”
- Sign in or Create an Account
- Click “Add New Business”
- Enter your business information
- Click “Next”
- If it shows your business is already on there, click
“claim listing” - If it’s not there, click “add listing”
- Then you can enter additional details such as business
category, opening hours, photos, payment options, etc. - Click submit
- At this point, you will need to verify you business by phone
or postcard (it is an automated phone call so is very quick). After you are verified, your info will appear on Google Maps. - Later on, you can go back to Local Business Center to edit
your information, see how many people went to your listing, o
r create coupons.
There we go! Not a whole lot of work for
potentially a great deal of exposure and added convenience for
your potential and existing customers looking for what you offer.
Well? What are you waiting for?