subject: How Google Maps can help your Local Business [print this page] How Google Maps can help your Local Business
There is an entity that roams the online continent. An all-seeing apparition that sorts through billions of websites, companies and weblogs, constantly searching, filing, highlighting keywords, sorting through photographs, data and information; watching...alert.SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the scientific term for this 'Big Brother' of the internet landscape. And, for purposes of online visibility and search engine favor, it is imperative for any and everyone wanting to be seen on the World Wide Web, to cater to the needs and desires of this mysterious creature.Google Maps, the world's online orientation resource, has now emerged as one of the foremost platforms for SEO and online visibility. And rightly so; with 82% of all searches made for local business listings and information, done through Google Maps, it's no small wonder that this feature has cemented and instilled itself as, quite possibly, the most effective way to get your business presence most prominent in terms of search engine optimization, and the fact that all listings are mostly free, make the option an altogether win/win situation.The process whereby one goes about establishing oneself and business on Google Maps, is just about as easy as entering a product or service into an awaiting search engine. First of all though, before you sign up, intent on getting your name out to the entire waiting world, consider local. Your business identity is most effective to those in your immediate area, and it is from this source that most of your important business contacts, service delivery points and largely lucrative business opportunities, will hail. Think locally before thinking globally.The process is simple. All you are required to do is provide a 200 character description of your business. The principles of SEO should be followed here, too. Only include the most important keywords as pertaining to your site. This must include all the most imperative information regarding you and your site; your intention, services and products sold. Use the extra categories provided to specify certain information, like the narrowing down of country, area and city to further increase your SEO capability.Upload pictures of your premises (if you have premises) stock photos and even staff profiles. The point is to provide as much pertinent information as possible and to use the power of such a platform to increase your online presence as much as you possibly can.The main thing to remember is that, Google Maps, by its very nature, is a keyword driven service. This is what the essence of search engine optimization entails. By providing just the most important information: what your service is, what your product is, your city, your country and, most importantly, your company name and business description, you automatically make yourself readily available to wondering search engine eyes.So, make yourself known and make yourself visible. Google Maps is now the foremost online assistant in drawing attention to your business. Utilizing this free service should bathe your business in radiant light and set you square in the gaze of the all-encompassing online organism that is SEO.
