It’s easy to be intimidated by big search, but the good news is that Google wants to be your partner — after all, that’s why they’re in business. Without your websites to use in the creation of their search results, they have no product to offer to their customers. And as the search engines compete fiercely in the local search category, they’ve made it incredibly simple for you to participate.
Here’s How To Submit Your Site To Google Local:
- Go to the Google Local Business Center.
- Select "Add new business."
- Fill in your company’s local address and information. As you type your address, you’ll see to the right exactly how it will look on a Google Map.
- Continue to fill in your business’s description and business categories. Google allows you to add up to 5 unique business categories, so be sure to take advantage of this is you’re able to.
- Once you’ve completed this and reviewed the details for accuracy, click next.
- On the next screen, Google asks for your operating hours. If you maintain regular hours or a storefront location, go ahead and complete this as accurately as possible. Otherwise, it is okay to select "I prefer not to specify operating hours."
- Check all of the applicable methods of payment that your business accepts.
- Next up is photos. If you operate a store open to the public, be sure to add a photo of your storefront at the very minimum. This will help potential customers locate your place of business more easily.
- And the next field is videos. This is optional, but if you’ve got a good video about your business (and it’s on YouTube already), go ahead and specify the correct YouTube URL here.
- Add any relevant "Additional Details" as they make sense according to your business.
- Once you’ve completed the details above, click "Submit."
- The final step is to select a confirmation method — Google will either call you at the phone number provided or send a post card to your business address. Select your preferred method of confirmation, read over the terms of service, and click "Finish."
- That’s all there is to it! Once Google has confirmed the accuracy of the information you’ve provided, you’ll be on the map — literally!
Additional Benefits Of Listing Locally With Google:
Besides the obvious benefits of showing up for locally-oriented searches on Google, there are a few other attractive benefits as well. For example:
- Your business will show up on Google Maps.
- You’ll have certain advantages when it comes to searches done on mobile devices.
- Your customers can find you more easily.
All in all, following the steps above to get listed with Google Local will only take you about 5 minutes or so. This is probably the best way you can spend 5 minutes on improving your business today — give it a try as soon as possible!
Until Next Time.
George Chaney
President/CEO
SEO King, Inc.
