Google Local Business Listings
Now more than ever businesses are looking to increase their online presence. In these tough trading times the $64m dollar question is "How do I improve my Google listing?" What better time then to give you some useful tips on how best to use Google Local Business Listings.
Behind the Business Listing Concept
Regarded as the number one search engine, Google now includes business listings within its search results. Click here to see a good example of this working.
Initially these listings were collated through data obtained from Thomson Local directories. This means your business may already be included but not fully optimised. To see if your business is already listed go tohttp://maps.google.co.uk and search for your company name.
Claim your Business Listing
If you are listed on Google, then the next step is to claim your listing. You can do this by clicking the [more info>>] link and then [Add or Edit your business]. Next, Google provides you with a number of ways to confirm your ownership. The main options are via either post or mobile text message.
Optimise your Opportunity
If you are not listed on Google, then make the most of this worthwhile business opportunity. To do this, simply clickhttp://www.google.com/local/add/ to go directly to the "Google Local Business Center" where you can add your own listing.
Once you have added, or claimed, your listing there are a number of additional options available to you. These include creating keywords and categories. Again, you should make the most of these opportunities as they can help optimise your listing.
Other Opportunities
Creating your listing with Google is just the first step to improving your ranking. Optimising it is how you increase your online presence, attract a wider audience and bring in more customers.
