Use Google Maps to Help Customers Find You Local
April 6, 2007 – 3:00 amGoogle Maps has a feature that allows for searches within a geographic location. You can see how these searches work by going to http://maps.google.com and clicking “find businesses” under the search box. This will divide the box into two: one for the business name or search term and the second for the location. As an example, type in “search engine optimization” and “Scottsdale, AZ” and click “Search Businesses.” Then click the balloon that corresponds to “Elixir Systems” and then “more info.”
This free feature allows businesses to provide as much information as they like: hours of operation, payments accepted, links to e-mail and website, etc. To add your business location to this feature, return to the main Google Maps page and click “Add/Edit Your Business” in the left-hand column. This will take you to Google’s “Local Business Center” where you can follow the instructions to create your listing. After you have registered, you will receive a postcard about a week later with a password for making future changes. This is to prevent anyone else from accessing your listing.
We suggest that any business with branches or franchises pass this information on to each location with instructions on how to register and coordinate your online branding. If you have only one office, it will be simple to enter your information and manage your listing.
Yahoo! has their local directory sign up at http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/local/lbl.php. They have a “Basic Listing” for free and “Enhanced” and “Featured” listings for a monthly fee.
Update: 3-12-2007
We want to advise you that Google has announced an update of these services. There are now more features available for you to use in listing your business.
If you visit the Local Business Center you can expand your listing by uploading photos, changing your address if you move, and choosing a category for your business. You can then provide “custom attributes” based on the category of your business.
Additionally Google is providing analytics of the Maps clicks you receive. This lets you see just how many people are viewing your listing.
We definitely recommend that all of our clients put this tool to good use. If you haven’t created your listing yet, do so today!
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