Have you ever used Google to search for a local business?

More and more people are searching on Google instead of looking in the phone book.

For instance, let’s say you’re looking for a plumber in Roanoke, Virginia.  What you’d probably do is go to Google.com and search for “plumber Roanoke, VA”.

That would return some results like the following:

Here's a sample of a local search on Google

Notice the red box and arrow above.

What we’ll be talking about today is how to get your business to show up in that area.

That’s Google’s Local Search feature.

It’s very handy when you’re trying to find a local business.  I’ve found it to be quicker than opening the phone book and flipping through the pages trying to find a business.

Not only is it quick, here are a few other reasons why people search for local businesses on Google.

Google gives you these details about the businesses:

• Address
• Phone number
• Website (if they have one)
• Reviews (if available)
• Store hours (if available)
• Payment methods accepted
• Plus you can see where they’re at on the map and quickly get directions

It’s pretty easy to see why more and more people start their search for local businesses online.  So now let’s get to what you really want to know…

How To Get Your Business Listed In Google’s Local Search / Maps

Listing your business on Google Maps is pretty easy, but finding where to start isn’t exactly obvious.

First of all, I would suggest searching for your business there to make sure it’s not already listed.  It may be that it’s listed but doesn’t have all the details you would like to be included.  If your business is already listed, it’s better to just edit the existing listing rather than creating a new listing.  If you know for sure that your business is not listed, scroll down to the next subheading, “Creating a Google Places Account”.

Otherwise, search on Google for your business name, along with your city and state.  For instance, if your business is called “Bob’s Restaurant” and it’s located in Roanoke, Virginia, go to Google.com and search for “Bob’s Restaurant Roanoke, VA”.

If it’s not listed on the first page, you should be able to click to view more listings.  Go through at least a few pages of listings before concluding that it’s not there.

If you find your business listed there, next to your business name you should see a small link that says “More Info”.  Click that link.

This will take you to a page with more details about your business.  Toward the top of the page you should see a link that says “Business owner?”  Like this:

Click that “Business owner” link.

This will take you to the login page for Google.  If you already have a Google account, such as for Gmail, you can log in using your existing login information.  Otherwise, you’ll need to create an account.

After signing up or logging in, you’ll see something like this:

What you’ll want to do most likely is choose the first option, “Edit my business information”.

Assuming none of the details are inaccurate, you can probably leave most of the information alone.  Obviously if something is wrong, fix it.  But you can scroll down and add lots of great information, such as your business hours:

You’ll just want to click the circle next to “My operating hours are:”

Then you can enter your hours for each day of the week.

Scroll down a little more and you’ll find:

It’s a great idea to list all the payment methods you accept so customers will know in advance how they can pay you.

You can also upload photos that will give people a sneak preview of your business so they know what to expect.  For instance, let’s stick with the restaurant scenario for now.  People like to know what kind of restaurant you have.  So you can include photos of the outside of the business, inside of the business, even pictures of some of your food if you want.

This will give people an idea of how to dress, whether it’s appropriate more appropriate for everyday dining or for special occasions, etc.

Below that, there is even a spot where you can link to videos about your business that you may have posted to sites like YouTube.

You can list additional details about your business below that – just anything you think customers might want to know in advance.

Once you’re done, click Submit.

Google will make you go through a verification process to make sure you really are the owner of this business.  Usually they will send you something in the mail and give you a code that you have to enter.  They may also call you at the phone number listed and give you a code to enter.

Once you get any codes Google gives you, you’ll need to login to your Google account (if you’re not already logged in) and you should see a box where you can enter the verification code.  Enter that and you’re good to go!

You can skip down to the subheading called “I listed my business… now what?”

Now let’s cover a different scenario, where your business is not already listed in Google Maps.

Creating a Google Places Account

First, here’s the website you’ll need to go to get things rolling:

http://www.google.com/places

On the right side of the screen you should see this:

To get started, you’ll either need to create a Google account or sign in using one you already have.  For instance, if you have a Gmail account or an account for any other Google service, you can sign in using your user name and password you already have.  If you don’t have a Google account, just click “Sign up now”.  Otherwise, sign in using your Google Account.

If you are signing up for a Google account for the first time, you’ll have to fill out a brief form and agree to their terms.  It’s pretty straightforward.  Once you create your account or login, you should see something like this:

Click “Add new business”.

There will be a brief form to fill out.  You’ll just list all of the details about your business.  Be sure to fill out as many details as possible as this will give your customers much of the information they’re looking for.  If it comes down to two business listings and one has the details the person is looking for and the other doesn’t, they’re likely to go with the business with the most details.

After entering your business details (you can see screenshots above for examples of some of the categories such as payment methods, business hours, etc.), Google will require you to verify that you are, in fact, the owner of this business.

The most common verification method for listing a new business is to call you at the phone number you listed.  When you click that you want to verify your account by phone, you will usually get a phone call at the number you listed within seconds.

Just answer the phone and you’ll get an automated message that will give you a verification code.  Write this down.  Then there should be a spot on the page where you can enter the code.  Once you enter it and click the button, you’re all set!

In some cases Google will also mail something to you at the address listed.  However, I think that’s mainly when you’re claiming a business that was already listed rather than listing a new business.

I listed my business… now what?

Congratulations!  Pat yourself on the back.  As for what to expect, usually it takes a day or two for new listings or modifications to listings to show up in Google Places / Maps.  And when it first shows up, it may take a week or two before your listing settles into a certain spot in the results.  What I mean by that is that at first your listing may be listed pretty far down in the list of businesses.  But if you give it a week or two, you may find that it shows up in a more prominent spot in the listings.  So don’t panic if it doesn’t immediately show up, or doesn’t show up where you want it to be.

After your business is listed in Google Places, be sure to keep your listing up to date if anything changes.  For instance, if your business hours change, you start accepting additional payment methods, you get new pictures of your business, you post a video about your business, your phone number changes, you move to a new location, etc.

This will ensure your potential customers get accurate information about your business and can find you.

Be sure to list your website along with your other contact information.  Your website will be shown in your listing and people can click to visit your website.  Many people will want to look at your website before contacting you or visiting your place of business.  They may want more details or to see pictures.  Your website can give them a more complete picture of your business and can help you stand out, especially if your competitors don’t have websites or don’t have professionally designed websites.

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