The Google Map – highlighting local businesses, has now become one of the most dominating elements on the first page. It’s quite an evolution – moving even further away from text to highlight to the end user the most relevant information on the web from a search query. It’s also a push towards making Google more local. As a result of this, the search page is now a hybrid of text, images, locations and feeds. So there is even less space now then there was before thus putting added pressure on businesses online attempting to squeeze inside for their target keywords and phrases.

Why do I need to be on Google Maps?

Quite simply, it’s a must for any progressive business to have a marker on Google Maps and to be identified as a business within your local area. When potential customers search Maps for local information, they could find your business: your address, website, hours of operation, even photos of your storefront or products. It’s 100% free to do and could get you significantly further up the Google ladder, depending on your competition.

How do I get started?

Very easily – thanks to Google Places Signup (Originally called Google Local Business Centre).

• Visit Google Places
• Here you can submit your information,from basic contact info to photos and video
• You will need a Google account to sign-up.
• On the Local Business Center homepage, click Add new business.
• Fill out the basic information about your business – such as name, address and website address.
• Once submitted, you have the opportunity to enter more detailed information such as categories that describe your business and even upload photos.
• You can see your listing as it will appear in Maps on the right side of your screen, and new information will appear as you enter it. When it looks the way you want it to, click Submit at the bottom of the page.

Verify your listing by PHONE or POSTCARD

Once you have successfully added all the information above, you will be asked to verify your listing via phone or postcard.

By Phone:
Verify your listing this way & you’ll receive an automated phone call where you will receive a PIN. By

Postcard:
Once you’ve received your PIN on a Google postcard, you can then use it to verify your business listing in the Google Local Business Center. It generally takes 10 business days for a PIN mailer to arrive.

Additional Features

Google have added extra functionality lately for business owners to post real-time updates to their Place Page. For example, you might want to promote a sale, a special event or anything else that you want customers to know right now, and this feature lets you communicate that directly to your customers.

Google Places is a great way to manage your business presence on Google. So what’s stopping you, it's easy and most importantly, it’s free!

Visit: www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter

Dominick Murphy

Dominick is Fireball's jack of all trades. He's been part of the team since 2007 and has always been focused on great design, usability & SEO.
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