View Full Version : List your business on Google Maps
asonda
18th May 2009, 12:32
I have never really thought of, nor looked into it properly, to list my main business on Google Maps.
When typing in "Computer Support Cornwall" sure my website is on the first page near the top of the site results, however when typing in a location, you end up with results at the top from Google Maps.
Like this:
http://www.asonda.co.uk/forumpics/UKBF/maps.png
I've seen quite a few people on other forums and those Yahoo questions on how to actually list a business but nobody ever seems to reply to them.
So I thought I'd show you how. It's extremely simple.
You will need a Google account to do it, so if you have Analytics, Google Feeds, Adwords etc, you already have the necessary requirements to get in.
Once into your 'Main Google Account', you need to click on the "Local Business Centre" Link, like so:
http://www.asonda.co.uk/forumpics/UKBF/googlemain.png
Once inside the Local Business Center, simply follow the instructions/fill in the data to add your Map Listing.
You can add all your relevant details, including opening times, photos and even videos!
Hope this helps.
Good post Jamie,
To add to that, if you include your targetted keywords in your business name you will get a better ranking and a bold title when people search.
Hogrill
18th May 2009, 13:01
Coincidentally I did this earlier today although I couldn't really find a category that was an exact match.
SFD
When you say add keywords into the name is it ok to do this even though they are not part of your company name and where would you put them
Co name / Keywords
Keywords / Co name
I would do it the first way but I suppose it depends on the keywords
LiamZing
18th May 2009, 13:26
I've got a lot of business from my listing on Google Maps. It's right up there at the top of the page and often shows up without any sponsored listings competing for clicks. If you run a local business and you've not got a listing you're missing out on some free top of page advertising.
Ali-v-8
18th May 2009, 14:50
been doing maps and optimising them for last year
this actually is better than using yell, ufindus and touch.
i still dont understand why people dont use it.
Matt1959
18th May 2009, 15:00
regarding the comment from Asconda about "following simple instructions" there ain't no such thing as "simple" when it comes to Google.:rolleyes: I logged in as per the first post of this thread and couldnt make head or tail of it. Ali V8 on here knows it inside out, did mine in the end and now I'm top of the local google maps for loads of terms.
G. Lasagne
18th May 2009, 15:10
Another tip is to add your keywords as your categories.
Also you can add more than one listing with different addresses to cover a bigger area, without being dodgy all you have to do is put C/O (care of)and then the address.
I live just outside newcastle so wasnt always getting picked up until i put my mothers unit in the city centre as the address. If anyone questions it you can just say thats where your mail gets delivered.
You have to be a bit sneaky.;)
An Oasis
18th May 2009, 15:29
A friend who is a DJ has about 20 listings, so far!:eek: His house, his mums...:D he just could not stop himself.:rolleyes:
He randomly picks a property and there's another...
KidsBeeHappy
18th May 2009, 17:19
Worth noting, that if you've not got any business registered, the Local Business Cetre shows up with the same icon but with the heading of google maps, and it then gives you the option to add.
QVA - Emma
18th May 2009, 17:57
Also worth noting if you have a business that is in an office block make sure you include the Suite No if you have one otherwise Google gets a bit confused....:D Been there done that! Some interesting visits....
davek17
22nd May 2009, 15:05
Yes this is a great idea and I have just done it and it does work. I'm now listed near the top for my category. I would be really interested in knowing if there is any impact by using your keywords as the categories, as some people have mentioned here. the categories Google give you aren't that great!
I am also looking into images too. If you name your images properly and include them in your SEO it is feasible you can get 4 listings on 1 page...... 1 Adword, 1 Natural listing for say your blog, 1 in the maps and 1 in images. All worth doing in my opinion!
DaveK
SEO Positive
24th May 2009, 08:13
Yes this is a great idea and I have just done it and it does work. I'm now listed near the top for my category. I would be really interested in knowing if there is any impact by using your keywords as the categories, as some people have mentioned here. the categories Google give you aren't that great!
I am also looking into images too. If you name your images properly and include them in your SEO it is feasible you can get 4 listings on 1 page...... 1 Adword, 1 Natural listing for say your blog, 1 in the maps and 1 in images. All worth doing in my opinion!
DaveK
4 listings on page 1 would be good. I might try that for some of my keywords as a test to see if it bring in more traffic, and if it does, how much more.
Not too sure about the images part though, I will have to look into that part of it.
Minuteman Press
24th May 2009, 08:31
I would recommend Ali-v-8, he is the Google Maps God.
The Dreaded Lurgy
24th May 2009, 10:31
Are there any ways of utilising the map listings if you operate only online serving the whole U.K. and have no physical outlet to try and promote?
SEO Positive
24th May 2009, 21:54
Are there any ways of utilising the map listings if you operate only online serving the whole U.K. and have no physical outlet to try and promote?
Not that I know of. The maps are more for local search, not national searchers.
A few months back, there were a few limousine companies that were just making up addresses in different areas so that they could list their business on Google maps in every area.
Google found out, de-listed all their map results, and has also penalised their website by the looks of it.
Maps will help, but full website SEO is what will bring you the traffic.
Ali-v-8
26th May 2009, 20:13
Not that I know of. The maps are more for local search, not national searchers.
A few months back, there were a few limousine companies that were just making up addresses in different areas so that they could list their business on Google maps in every area.
Google found out, de-listed all their map results, and has also penalised their website by the looks of it.
Maps will help, but full website SEO is what will bring you the traffic.
Yes there is
Ali-v-8
26th May 2009, 20:15
4 listings on page 1 would be good. I might try that for some of my keywords as a test to see if it bring in more traffic, and if it does, how much more.
Not too sure about the images part though, I will have to look into that part of it.
yes it does have a great efect but make sure to correctly name the image uploaded with a term that you wish to target
Ali-v-8
26th May 2009, 20:16
I would recommend Ali-v-8, he is the Google Maps God.
I'm happy you liked the positions.
Told you it was simple.
And thank you for my flyers they were perfect