Does Your Business Have a Local Google Listing?

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Whether brick and mortar or home-based, every business needs a presence in Google’s local search results. This is a change of opinion for me because until recently I couldn’t see the sense in identifying a post office box address on Google Maps. But as I’ve researched keyword phrases for my clients and learned more about how people search, it’s become crystal clear. Small businesses not optimized for local search are missing out.

My copywriting business is by no means limited to local customers. It’s just as easy to work with someone in Maine, Texas or California, as Neenah, Wisconsin. But by not optimizing for local search, I’ve been shooting myself in the foot where local business is concerned. Why is that? Because most people use local search terms to find what they’re looking for.

If you’re listed in Google’s local search results, your business location and information about your business will show up on Google Maps. The top ten local search results take precedence over the remaining search results and appear at the top of the page next to a small map of your local area.

To claim your Google listing, you’ll need to have a Google account. (If you don’t already have one, you do that right from the Google home page.) Once you’ve registered and logged-in, go to your Account, and find “Local Business Center” under your product listing. Simply click on the link, then fill in the form and proceed page-by-page to categorize your business, add hours, types of payment accepted, a photo, logo, and custom information. Once complete, you’ll need to validate your listing before your listing will appear live on the map. Validation can be done immediately by phone or you can choose to receive a postcard through the mail.

Take a few minutes and get the process started right now. It’s quick and painless, and you’ll have taken one more step toward improving your online visibility.

Photo Credit: jimfrazier

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