Have you created a Google Business Listing for your business yet? If not then you are missing out on a opportunity.
We still encounter a lot of business owners who we work for that either haven’t realised they could have a business listing on Google or just haven’t gotten round to adding one.
It’s very straightforwad to quick do.
The most important aspects of a Google Business Listing are:
1. Google Exposure
Google typically displays the business results near the top of page 1 based if someone searches for a combination of a service and place which matches any relevant listings. For instance, check out: http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=edinburgh+airport+parking&meta=&rlz=1R2GZAZ_enGB347&aq=f&oq= where we searched for ‘Edinburgh airport parking’. As you can see the business listings actually get ranked above all the natural results on the left of the page. This means even if you don’t have an SEO budget or strong web presence you can still be listed at the top of the page above the top ranking competitor.
2.Business Listings Are Noticeable
When business listings are returned within the search results area they are very prominent on the page due to the map which is included and format of the business listings alongside it. They even stick out a lot compared to the plain text adverts which appear on the right hand side of the page. Without spending any money you can be competing with your competitors who are having to pay to be found!
3. It’s totally free
If you don’t already have a Google account then you will need to create one, do an address or phone number verification and create your business listing. All you need to invest is a bit of time.
4.Get listed first
You can secure always appearing before your competitors do if you get your listing added before them as entries are listed in the order they were added.
5.Multiple Offices Supported
You can list multiple business locations from within a single listing.
6.Customers Can Easily Find You
A street map including directions means that your prospective clients can see where you are located and find you easily. They can even toggle between arial and satellite view.
7.Ever Expanding Services
Google have announced upgrades to the Local Business Listings which we can expect in the future such as integration with mobiles, map links within results listings. The creation of coupons/vouchers that users can print off and bring with them was added recently too giving you added value to offer to users who find your listing.
It is also very likely that other local business directories will feed off the Google Business Listings so your listing will start appearing elsewhere as a pleasant consequence.
It just takes a few quick and easy steps to set up your Google Business Listing:
1.Login to the Google Local Business Center.
You can sign in using an existing Google account or if you don’t have one you will need to create one.
2.Submit your business information.
Choose the 5 categories that most accurately describe your business. Custom categories are acceptable but you must include at least 1 predefined category. Think of hat users will be searching for to find a business like yours.
3.Review your listing and verify your business.
To verify your listing, you can either receive a pin code over the phone or by SMS which you enter and your listing will be live within 12 hours or Google sends you a postcard with a confirmation code which normally takes 2-3 weeks.
Don’t hand around. Your competitors won’t. The free, enhanced listing exposure can do wonders for your business and even if you are not desperate for traffic just yet it is worth securing your position in the business listing results before your competitors do.
You can you find more online business advice from Chris at his blog or visit the main company site to find out all about the wide range of web design related services which Hit Reach offer.