Google Maps for Local Business
As you have probably noticed as a regular “Googler” like myself the Google Local maps have changed recently from the 10 pack of clutter to a clean, more concise 7 pack of businesses. Not only has the look changed but the way that they rank those top 7 positions have changed as well. Below are a few helpful factors to make sure you take into account when listing your business in the Google Local listings.1. Make sure your business is included in the index. The easiest way to do this is searching your business name on Google and if it doesn’t automatically appear as a map result click on the tab in the top left called “maps” and refine your search there. If you find it then proceed to step 2, if not go here and add your business.
2. Confirm your listing. They give you 2 options to do this. The first and best alternative is to receive a phone call to the number designated for your business and copy down a pin code to enter on your computer screen once prompted. The other way is to have a postcard sent to your business address that also contains a pin code to enter in your local business center account. They say this alternative can take up to 6 weeks but don’t expect to wait more than 2.
3. Once it is confirmed make sure all of your information is correct (address, phone number, website, etc.)
4. Next step is to enter in a business description. Talk about your business, k.i.s.s. Talk about your specialties and the particular areas you service(no more than 200 characters so keep it relevant, not a place for business history or general facts).
5. Next thing to do is choose the proper categories that pertain to your business. They do have predefined categories and will allow you to choose up to 5. If you only find 1 or 2 predefined categories that pertain to your business then enter in an additional 3 or 4 custom categories but make sure this is filled up and get as specific as you want. Don’t bother keyword stuffing these categories but rather choose areas that directly to relate to your niche and be precise.
6. The next few steps are very self explanatory(hours, payment types, etc.)
7. Then comes an area most business owners bypass, pictures. Add your logo, pictures of your shop, work trucks, on the job pics, action pics, etc. Consumers love pictures and if believe it or not, most make their decisions off visuals of a business, whether it’s a nice website or snazziest logo or advertisement so give this area some thought.
8. Next is Videos. Most people/businesses don’t have readily available videos related to their craft and if you don’t it will not make or break your listing but if you have a couple on the camera, upload them to Youtube and link them to your profile.
9. Next comes the additional details. Do you specialize in a rare craft or have skills not normally associated with your type of business? Most businesses do and this is the place to showcase them. Don’t be shy here either, if you think it may be useful to post, post it.
10. You’re done. Click “Submit” and your listing should be live and updated within a day or 2. This is a great source of traffic and in later articles I’ll talk about how making your website match up with your listing will benefit them both.
Stay tuned and I wish you the best in business…
About The Author
Todd Helvik
Thanks for checking out the blog. I'm the one behind this little Phoenix Marketing Agency and truly love what I do. If you need some seo, web design or branding help or just have some questions don't hesitate to contact me.
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