Get your business listed on Google Search and Maps

Listing your business on Google Search and Maps helps you reach new local customers when they search for you.

Did you know that 1 in 5 searches on Google is local, which means someone is looking for a product or service nearby? Whether someone’s looking for a local coffee shop or a place to have photocopies made, people in your neighborhood are searching for a local business like yours. Take advantage of this by creating a Google business listing that will prominently display you on Google Search and Maps, just when local customers are most interested.

Source: Google user data, April 2010

How local search works

Google shows the most relevant results based on your location and searches. So if you search for “donuts,” you should get results for local donut shops. But let’s say you’re in Colorado, and you search for “malasadas Hawaii.” In that case, you’ll see listings for places that sell malasadas in-- yup, you guessed it-- Hawaii. Making sure you’re listed with Google as a business on Search and Maps can get you front and center for those types of searches, so you can connect with a local customer looking for exactly what you have to offer. Customers can see all nearby services they’re looking for. If someone’s car needs fixing, their search will show them nearby mechanics. Listings also include useful information like descriptions, hours, contact information, and reviews to help customers decide if you’re the right fit for them.

Create your listing

Visit www.google.com/placesforbusiness. Click “Get started for free” and sign in to your Google account (if you don’t have one you can create one for free at google.com/accounts).

You’ll be presented with Google’s Terms of Service. Once you review and accept them, you can move on to create your business listing.

When you search for your business, it may be listed. If it is listed in the menu, click the name of your business to move to the next step. If your business is not already listed as an option, choose the option to create a new listing for your business.

Enter your business details. Enter your business name as you’d like it to appear -- and be careful not to make a typo! Then, enter your address and phone number.

Enter a category for your business. Start by typing a word or phrase that describes what you offer and you’ll see a list of options automatically appear. Choosing a category from the list is required -- you won’t be able to edit the category.
If you don’t see an appropriate category, try variations. If you can’t find the perfect category, don’t give up. Choose the category that is the closest match to your business or industry. You can edit your business description in a later step to clarify the category to customers who see your listing.
Enter your address to verify your listing with Google. If you want to hide your address, just select the checkbox labeled “I deliver goods and services to my customers at their location.” Then, specify your service area.

Verify your business listing. This helps Google ensure that you are the business owner by sending a pin number to the address you listed. Click the white box labeled Verify by postcard. You should receive your postcard in 1-2 weeks.

When you receive your pin, sign in to your account at www.google.com/placesforbusiness and click the button labeled Enter PIN. Once you enter and submit your PIN, your business is verified!

Complete your business listing

Now that you’ve verified your listing, you can enter more details about your business to help customers learn more about your business.
Click Edit information in your account to add information like your operating hours, a description, and more.
Keep your information up to date -- this is important, because outdated information could make you miss out on customers. For example, if you offer extended summer hours, or close down your business for the holidays, make sure your listing includes this so potential customers don’t show up at the wrong time.
Showcase your business and engage potential customers with pictures featuring your business, staff, customers, or products.
Don’t forget to ask for reviews for your listing on Google. Ask customers to provide a review about their experience with you.

Thursday, 10 April 2014