How to Get My Business on Google Maps

February 25, 2010 - 2:58 PM

Why wouldn’t you optimize your listing for local searches?  It’s easy & it’s free. 

This is probably the hottest topic with all the clients I meet with and rightfully so. Google has recently given more prominence to local business listings on their search results page. In many cases the local business results have expanded from 3 listings to 10 listings. This reserves a large portion of real estate at the top of each Google search results page and gives your business a better chance to be found in the slew of search results. 

With a few simple steps you can gain additional search traffic. i.e.: Traffic you didn’t have before. Here are some tips on getting started and getting more out of your listing in an hour or less.

To get started: Do a keyword search using words/phrases that are related to your business and geographic area.

For example:

• Photography in Kansas City
• Graphic Design in Kansas City
• Barbeque in Kansas City + Overland Park

You may find that your company already shows up in local search due to all the information available on the Web. If your business appears in the local business listings, you can enhance your listing with an owner verified listing, which provides more details about your business.

If your company does not show up within the local business listing results, it is even more important to create an owner verified listing to increase your chances of appearing in the Google local business listing.

Getting Started:

-Create a Google account

• Edit your business listing
• Provide more information & details than less
• Add images and/or video
• Add additional categories- pick from the drop down & create your own
• Have people review your service- Google will use these to improve search results
• Provide additional information about your business and services offered
• Remember to focus in a specific set of keywords to aid in ranking

-Verify your account (this authenticates you as the business owner)

-Add a coupon- Additional exposure, ability to track & measure success

If you have additional questions or want to learn more about SEO in Kansas City and how to get your company listed on Google Maps, contact River City’s David Hejduk David@Rivercitystudio.com or 816.474.3922.

Share this post

Send to a Friend

Tweet This

Share on Facebook

Share on LinkedIn

Share on Myspace

Post to Reddit

Share on StumbleUpon

Save to del.icio.us

Digg This