subject: How to Claim Your Google Maps Listing [print this page] How to Claim Your Google Maps Listing How to Claim Your Google Maps Listing
Whenever I do an initial SEO analysis for any potential client, one of the first things I do after a keyword analysis is to go to their Google local listing. Remember the true goal of SEO is not to get rankings; the true goal of SEO is to get traffic. It is remarkably amazing how many people completely ignore their Google maps listings, yet for so many small businesses this is the common search path for customers in their local areas who are looking for businesses like theirs. What makes it even more perplexing is that the fixes are so simple. This is the proverbial SEO low hanging fruit that make those who know look like wizards and those who don't left completely in the dark. But the truth is in the words of a famous Americanit's so easyeven a cave man could do it.
(Step Zero - pre-step - sign up for or sign in to your Google account)
Step 1 go to Google Maps and type in your url to see if Google finds your business. If a business operates out of the home or if a business is fairly new, Google Maps may not even by aware your business exists. If it does not, you will need to register with Google Maps and register your website with them complete with full profile.
Step 2 If Google maps knows your business is there by showing a displayed listing, click on more info. If the business owner has not claimed the listing there are two things to do here. If they are going to control their own listing, the owner will need to claim the listing. When they do this; they will be asked to complete a business profile. This profile should be as complete as possible. If you are claiming it for them, just be aware that when you confirm the listing a PIN number will be called in to the business number on the listing. Be sure to contact them before hand so that theywill know towrite the PIN down for you,so you cancomplete the listing registration. If you forget to this or have to change the number afterwards, the PIN will be sent by postcard to the business address and will delay your listing being uated for several weeks.
Step 3 The Profile is important When you are completing the profile there arethree very important things to remember. First be certain that you include at least one logo or picture on the profile. This will make your listing POP out from the others, and draw the eye of searchers. Second, be certain to list as many categories as possible that relate to that particular type of business. The more avenues your listing is pertinent, the more likely hood of added traffic. And third be certain to include your website url in the profile. It would amaze you how many listing companiesfail to include their website urllisted in the profile.
Step 4 Includea short video Include a short slide show type video. The primary reason I suggest a short 30 second slide show video is that so few businesses optimize their listings this way. It is just one more way to separate you from the fray. What can I say? People are mostly visual. They had rather look at pictures than read. If you doubt it check out the success of a little website called www.youtube.com . I rest my case.
Step 5 This is the most difficult step to get done because it requires the business owner to engage customers past and present to play along. Get people to complete reviews for the website. One trick I recommend is to offer a coupon for a discount, or something free to people who plug reviews on the listing. Google Local will even give you coupon design suggestions. Use them and tell people to bring the coupon in for verification.
Step 6 Be absolutely certain all your information is correct. Double check the Map location. I have seen the locations of some businesses show up blocks away from the actual site and pictures of parking lots where thriving businesses exist.
Step 7 That's it. After that it's all about back links and reviews. Keep adding to both of them and your local business listing will start to pop up front and center, and sometimes on top for most of your keyword phrases.
I believe you will beimpressed by the results. As with everything on Google nothing is guaranteed and rankings take some time, but there are so many businesses that don't optimize their local listings, just the mere fact that your listing will be optimized will give you a hand up on 90% of the listings out there.
