3 Steps to Get Your Local Listing On Google

May 13, 2010 by Search Engine Optimization

Because local search listings come up at the top of a search page, web users are able to to find any business within seconds.

Local search listings appear at the top of the page

Every business could use this great exposure to gain additional traffic to their site, and here’s how to get listed.

1. Business listings can be submitted directly to Google maps through the Business Center. If you don’t already have a Google account you can set one up on that page.

2. Check that the location marker for your business is correct. If it isn’t you can fix it here.

3. Create your listing. The key to local search engine optimization (SEO) on Google is to include your website address as well as thorough and correct business information.

Company Name: Try to include keywords into your listing title.
Business Address: Make sure all your addresses match (physical address, address marker, and on the form).
Phone Number: Use your local phone number. It’s yet another indication of a local business to both users and search engines. You can add other numbers, just be sure the local number is first.
Business Description: This is your opportunity to hook the visitor and entice them to click on your listing. Use keywords sparingly and focus on readability and persuasion first – influence on search engines second.
Business Category: This is of prime importance to search engines, second only to the title you submit. This will play a role in determining the local keywords your business will rank for.

Once you’ve finished getting a local listing with Google, do the same for Yahoo! and Bing to further increase your traffic from local search listings.