Adding your business to Google Local is not difficult. You go to Google Maps and look down to the bottom left of the page, next to the huge map that appears on your screen. There on the bottom left of your screen you should see “Add or Edit Your Business” and a text link that reads “Learn More.” Click “Learn More.”

If you already have a listing then you’ll see it at the bottom of that page. If not, all you’ll see is a big white page that invites you to add a business. Click on “Add new listing.”

A Step By Step Guide To Google Local

1. Fill out the form on this page and be sure to fill in all the blocks that are colored yellow. After writing your 200 word description, click “Next.” Google will then bring up a list of businesses and ask you if your business is one of those listed. If your business is listed then click the little bubble next to it and click “Next.” If your business is not listed on that page then click the last bubble on the page next to “My business doesn’t appear here.” Click “Next.”
2. Choose a category for your business and move on to the next step by clicking “Next.”
3. Google will then ask you to specify operating hours. If you are a virtual business and have no operating hours then you can tell Google not to specify the hours. If you do have hard times that your business is open to the public then this is where you’ll define them. You can also select your payment options on this page. After choosing you payment options click “Next.”
4. You’ll also be asked to upload up to 10 photos. You don’t have to, of course, but I recommend it. The photos could help you get better ranked in Google (if anything, in the photo search). And that could mean more traffic for your business. After uploading your photos, click “Next.”
5. One of my favorite features of the Google Local business listing is your ability to add custom attributes to your listing. I highly recommend you give as much detail here as possible. Then move on to the next section.
6. Finally, Google will validate your Google Local listing by one of two methods, which you will choose. You can validate your listing by phone or by postcard through mail. If your business lists mobile features then you can validate it by text message. So I guess that’s three methods. Click “Finish” and if you elected to validate your listing by phone, wait for the call.

Looking for a great way to get some free publicity in your community? Google Maps has the way. It’s called International Cleanup Weekend.

For the first time in history, local businesses can go international and stay local at the same time. The dates are October 13 and 14. All you do is find a park, roadside, beach, historical landmark, or other natural landscape in your area and volunteer to clean that area. You can sign up at Google Maps.

Why would you do this? Besides being a good citizen, you can get some free publicity. Just like those adopt-a-highway programs (you know, with the big blue signs), this is an opportunity for you to sponsor a clean up in your area using your business name as a sponsor. You can recruit other people in your area to help you and use it as a networking opportunity.

All the search engines now have a local directory - even Google. This is perhaps the most important local small business resource for businesses who do business locally. Why is it so important?

Google Local is important because Google is still the most widely used search engine online. They have more than 50% of the market. And since the majority of searchers look for information on products and services (to the tune of over 90%) before driving to purchase the items locally, that means Google Local is the best lead generation tool you can hope for.

One of the best features of Google Local is its map feature. Whenever prospective customers search for a business of your type using the proper keywords and your zip code, a map will pop up showing them the businesses in their area that meet their search criteria. You want your business to be one of those. If you have a website then searchers can click over to your website from there. If you don’t, all they have is your address and phone number. Which do you think is more effective?