Do Google search for a type of local business (e.g., “Houston chiropractor”) and you will see Google Maps listings at the top of the search results. So how can you make sure your business shows up there? It’s easier than you might think and the best part is that it’s free!
Here is what you need to do to make your business show up in Google Maps local business listings:
Claim your business listing in Google Local Business Center. http://Google.com/lbc You will need to verify that you own the business. Then make sure all of the information listed for your business is correct.
Categorize your business properly. What will people be searching for when they look for a business like yours? You may list up to five categories.
Include your top keywords are in your Google local business listing description. These keywords may include the type of business, top products, services, location, etc.
Provide as many details as possible to make your listing complete. You can include hours, the payment types you accept and more.
Add a coupon to your listing. You may include a printable coupon with your Google Maps listing. Give customers a special introductory price on their first visit, a percentage discount, or a free bonus with purchase.
Encourage customers to post reviews. People trust peer reviews. If your business has lots of reviews, those reviews provide social proof about your business. A big caution: Never write fake reviews praising your business—when discovered to be phony (and they often are) fake reviews destroy your credibility.
On your website, include the name of your city, surrounding cities and even neighborhoods, if appropriate, along with your keywords. For example, “Landscaping and lawn care services for residents of southwest Houston, Stafford, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and eastern Fort Bend County.” This will help your overall search rankings.
Get links to your website. Links help to build your credibility with the search engines. When you control the appearance of the link, include your location as anchor text. For example, a good anchor text link might be, “Pete’s Pizza serves San Diego’s best pizza,” where San Diego’s best pizza links to your website.
Google Maps provides an excellent way for local customers to discover your business. Optimize your Google Maps listing and your website to get more customers to your website and bring more customers to your local business.
