Part of the reason that Google went to the higher number of business results is because most searchers didn´t realize they could view more results by clicking on the link below the top result. Before, getting your business into that top result meant you would basically get all the traffic, so if you were in the first place for Google local maps, you´re now going to have more competition, but for anyone who was appearing in the “more” results, this new format is great news.

With Google growing at an exponential rate, it would be daft to not consider getting your business on this mega search engine. Google local maps are already appearing on i-Phones and is the fifth most visited Google property. Though it only makes up 1.56% of all Google´s traffic in general, that still means a lot of people are looking at those maps in the search results and it can only grow from here. Now there are more options for using Google local maps and you need to get your business on it.  It will only better your local advertising efforts. 

Traffic to MapQuest has remained flat year on year and is down 20% in the past 6 months. Google Maps traffic is up 135% year on year and is up 7% in the past 6 months. The growth for Google Maps is from traffic from the Google search engine.

At this rate, Google local maps will quickly overtake MapQuest, but that´s hardly surprising, considering the lengths they have gone to create an omnipotent enterprise. The question is, are you using Google local maps to help grow your business? You want to be on those maps. And, getting first position for local searches on Google will help your business, as a map will appear beside the search results, with your business location on it. Most people prefer to click on a map when they do a Google local search, so it really benefits the number one position!

Get Listed on Google Local Maps

To add your business to Google local maps, you need to first create an account at Google Local Business Center.

Go to Add/Edit and fill in your business information. Choose up to five categories that describe your business and add special features like photos or coupons that can be printed out. And there you have it, your very own local business listing on Google local maps.

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Google has allowed local advertisers to put a fourth line of text (location) under the URL at the bottom of the ad. That has been limited to city name or region historically. The inclusion of a physical address is pretty interesting and makes the ad standout somewhat as even more local.

If this really is a new type of Google local ads, small businesses could be in luck. With a street address available, people can see at a glance whether or not you are close enough to them. This could save a lot of empty clicks and create a highly targeted stream of traffic. Definitely something to keep an eye on if you use Google local ads.

• MyLocation for Mobile Phones
• Collaborative Maps
• KML Import
• Streetview in Balloons

I give two of these services a 5 on user benefit and one a 3. KML Import is not as important as the others, but I guess I can nudge it out a 1 or a 2.

The MyLocation feature is based on cell phone triangulation, allowing users to locate themselves on a map. If you get lost or turned around easily then this will be a great feature. If your business is hard to find then your customers will love this feature. You can see a video on how this feature can be used at Google Maps.

The Collaborative Maps feature is the one I really like and the one that I think has the best business application. You can create new maps with the help of your business associates, partners, and employees. All you do is send an e-mail to the people you want to invite to join you in the creation of a new Map. You can even make your Maps public so that anyone can make changes and additions. Great feature for your website that will allow your customers to join in on the Maps creation feature for your neighborhood. This will serve as some great local link bait!

It’s no joke. Totally free. You can add coupons on your Google Maps listing and drive customers to your local store through Internet search engine optimization. Even if you don’t have a website.

All you do is go to the Local Business Center on Google’s website. To get there go to the Google home page and click on Maps. Then click on “Add or Edit your business.” Next, click on the the Coupons tab at the top of the page. Click the “Add a coupon now” button and add the information for your coupon. Your coupon will then appear on your Google Local listing along with directions to your business. And that’s all there is to it.

The caveat: Be sure to track the results of your ad through a credible analytics program.