How to get local business listed for local searches in Google
I often do a google search and I see my competitors listed next to a google map at the top of search results. How can I get my business listed there as well?
ANSWER: To add a business listing to Google maps for local search, go to:
http://www.google.com/local/add/lookup?welcome=false&hl=en-US&gl=US
Select the country where your business is located and fill in you business contact information and details. For category you will choose a word or phrase that best describes your business. You can also add additional categories for additional key words.
After filling out the form and selecting your categories, click next to continue to the next step.
On this page you can select your business hours and methods of payments you that you accept. You can also add up to 10 photos to include with your listing. You also have the ability to add a video to your listing such as a commercial or other promotional video to help promote your business. And finally on this page you can add additional details for your business such as additional amenities or other information you would like to add.
After you have filled out all of your information and added any photos and/or videos you would like on your listing, click the submit button and you will be taken to the final step which is to validate your listing.
On this page you can see a preview of your business listing and you will choose how you would like to verify your listing. There are a few options available, you can choose to verify by phone, SMS or by postcard. The postcard option is not recommended since it takes between 2-3 weeks. The best option would be either phone or SMS since they are an instant way to verify your listing. Once you get your verification number from which ever form you chose, enter the number in the verification field and click Finish and you listing will be posted with in one day.
