Understanding the Power of Google Local

Was it really so long ago that business owners primarily used their websites as a glorified business card? Today you should use your online presence to conduct business and let Google provide your high-tech business card.

Imagine online users simply looking up your business and having the opportunity to develop a custom map that will help them get to your local presence. Imagine that same listing providing the ever-important link to your online presence. This gives you an incredible opportunity to appeal to those who want to visit personally as well as those more likely to browse quietly and then buy when they’re ready.

Maybe you’ve already heard of the Google Local Business Center and love the idea of expanding your online presence to include a business directory for your locale. We want to provide some of the key events that will need to take place in order for you to get your listing placed with Google Local and how to make the listing as beneficial for your business as possible.

• You’ll need a Google account. If you have gmail or you are part of a Google group you should already have an account. If not you’ll need to set up an account.
• Visit google.com/local/add and begin the process of completing the fields that can help you get noticed on a local level or by visitors intending to pass through your region. The information required includes business name, address, phone number, email address and website url.
• Moving through the process can be a bit like filling out a census form. The more information you can provide the better. Google Local will want to know when you’re open for business, what product lines you sell and the type of business you own and operate.
• The verification stage may seem a little frustrating at first. Simply because you filled out some information doesn’t automatically mean your business will be listed. The team at Google will work to confirm your existence. This is important because a failure on their part to do so could mean a significant amount of fraudulent entries in their system, which doesn’t look good for anyone. The verification process can take place either by phone or via a postcard. The first alternative is faster and can put your Google Local application on the fast track to publication.

It is important that you pay careful attention to all information you submit. Submitting wrong information can be problematic since the system is essentially automated except for verification purposes.

Make sure that when you fill out the additional details, you use this area to include some of your keywords. For a great example, go to google.com/local and search for “Christopher James Berry.” The additional details are located after clicking on the “More” option on the listing.

Unlike Google Ads there is no priority placement in Google Local. The service is available at no cost so the only real way to stand out is to maximize your website with quality SEO strategies.

From your website encourage customers to rate your Google Local listing and make sure you include every business category that pertains to your business. Too many entrepreneurs will click on the most logical category, but miss out on sub categories potential customers might use to find a business like yours in your region. In doing so they run the risk of losing potential customers.

This tool can simply be used as another way for customers to connect with all you have to offer through a source that has become well used and highly searched.

Checking your Google Local profile twice a year is a great idea because it allows you to make any changes that have taken place in your business so the listing remains accurate and allows for better overall visibility.

“ I contacted Christopher late on a Saturday evening to repair my personal site. He was able to get it back up and running within an hour. It was the first time I had worked with him, but I will be using him in the future. ”

Mark Daoust, Current Customer