Make the Most of Google Places
In a few easy steps you can take advantage of the search goliath Google to help customers find you locally. Literally, put yourself on the Map, Google Maps that is.
photo by Kaysee via Flickr
Let’s take a look at how people search for things like dentists or mechanics. Since you have to physically bring your car to your mechanic, you are going to look for one of these essential services locally. Enter Google and local search made easy. Customers can find you (and more about your business) on google maps even if you don’t have a website. The trick here is to….
Claim Your Google Listing
Add yourself to the Local Business Directory here: http://www.google.com/local/add.
Simply click on “List your Business” and if by chance your business address is already listed simply claim your listing or just continue on to add your listing.
Fill out as much information as you possibly can about your business; including hours of operation, method of payment, and geographical areas served.
Choose your Categories
You will be given an opportunity to choose which categories your business belongs to. Make sure you use the maximum amount of categories you possibly can. You will only reap rewards when you use relevant categories and search terms.
Use Photos and Videos
If you have them, use them. Don’t get held up if you don’t. You can always add them later. I’ve heard rumors that google rewards listings with more content, like photos and video. So keep that in mind.
Verify Your Listing
In this step, Google wants to ensure you are legit. If you choose to verify by phone, the goolebots will call the business number you listed. Be by the phone and when you get the call, take note of the PIN so that you can enter it into the appropriate box. You can also verify by SMS or by postcard.
Sit Back and Relax
Ok, it is going to take a few days for google to work it’s magic. So in a few days or a week, have a look at the traffic your listing is generating. You can see how many impressions (number of times your google places listing was clicked on) and how many actions were taken (number of times someone clicked through to your website). You will even get a list of top search queries which will tell you what words people are using when they were searching and found you. Continue to optimize your listing with as much information and key words as possible to get the best search engine results. Google will kindly send you a monthly performance report.
What, Google Got Something Wrong?
If by chance Google has an error in your listing, even if the map marker in the wrong place, you can report it. Google Maps will review your suggestion and let you know if they think you are right and will eventually fix it.
Take advantage of this free service today.