Shanu Singh Guliani

Is Your Small Business Listed on Google Maps?

I am new to Charlotte, NC so getting around town is a pain in the butt. Instead of wasting time getting lost, but eventually finding the way I just go to Google Maps, search for the business name near my zip code, click to here, type in the address I am coming from, and poof—I have handy directions.

During the course of construction of our new store I Googled tons of small businesses names and tried to map out directions to many of them…granite, cabinets, lighting, etc. Many of the small businesses I wanted to visit were not listed with Google maps—ones I thought would be because of their advertising in the flyer and home improvement magazines. If I couldn’t find the businesses address on Google Maps so that I could get directions; I didn’t bother wasting time and eventually went on to a new search.

Getting listed on Google Maps is free and it will definitely help your customers find you with ease. Think about just how many times you visit Google Maps and search for a type of business near your zip code.

For those of you whose small businesses isn’t listed on Google maps…Google’s Business Solutions is the first place you need to visit after reading this.

Here’s how to get listed on Google Maps:

1. Visit Google’s Business Solutionshere.
2. Click on Get Listed on Google Maps here.
3. At the bottom of the page click on I’m ready to help customers find me here.
4. Follow the prompts…you’ll be able to add your company’s name, address, phone number, website address, hours of operation, what you sell, photos, and even multiple locations.

In addition make sure you’re business is listed on other major search engines and online directories, such as Local Yahoo, City Search, City Guide, Local Live and AOL's City Guide.

Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on September 8, 2007 | Comments (6)