One of the easiest things to do to get your business online is to get yourself listed in Google Local.
At this point in the game, you’re ahead of the small business pack if you sign yourself up and get a proper listing, but this is a general statement and your local (really local) competition may vary. To get yourself listed in Google business directory, first, see if you’re listed already. Go to maps.google.com and search for your business name and city, like my favorite coffee shop, Donny’s in Bonita, CA.
Are you there? Is your listing there? There are 3 answers to this question:
- Yes, and it’s not awesome > Fix it
- No, it’s not there > Create it
- Yes, and it’s awesome > You’re done
Fix it
Claim and edit. To do this, click the listing on the left and it will pop up on the map. On the map, click edit, Claim your business. You’ll have to prove it but it’s a reasonably simple process.
Create it
Go to www.google.com/local/add and follow the instructions
You’re done…ish
Whee! You know that just means done with step one, right? Now see how you rank by doing a search for your business’s service or key terms, like: coffee shop, bonita CA. If you are ranking well, then you are truly awesome and I’ll take you to Donnys when you’re in town. If you’re not showing up then you aren’t the only game in town and it’s going to take more work. This is usually the case unless you’re the only manicurist in Orderville. Then you’ll need the services of a pro. Email dan@kin3tic.com for a consultation.
Fixing and Creating notes:
- For phone verification, you’ll need a direct line without any forwarding or wierdness (mobile phones are fine)
- Pick all the categories you can think of (there’s a max of 3 – use them all), and if you can’t think of 3, get another thinker to help you.
*Awesome means it has a picture (or several), the name is correct with spaces, capitalization, etc., the categories are spot-on, the address and phone number are perfect and you have some reviews.