If your business is locally based and you are looking for additional small business marketing avenues, getting listed with Google Maps should be high on your priority list. Here are step by step instructions on how to get listed and how to appear on the Google Maps top 10 list.

Attract New Clients: Optimize Your Google Map Listing

If your business is locally based and you are looking for additional small business marketing avenues, getting listed with Google Maps should be high on your priority list.

In an effort to be more useful to those searching the web for local businesses, Google Maps added the “local 10″ to its search results. If you are not familiar with the local 10, it’s a listing that appears next to Google’s map display which includes up to 10 businesses that fit the search request results. By conducting a Google Map search for Michigan Web Design, you will receive 10 results with business names, addresses, phone numbers, and map points. There is also a place for customers to write a business review.

This feature is a huge convenience to the consumer. Think of all of the iPhone and Blackberry users this feature will benefit. But what does this mean for the local business owner? It means the time is NOW to appear in one of these top 10 positions.

If you are making any effort at all at marketing or advertising, having a listing with Google Maps should be your number one priority. Blogging, Social Networking, and other forms of advertising are all important, but the individual who finds you on Google Maps is ready to purchase your goods or services. They are past the point of research and are now looking for a business to deal with. By listing with Google Maps, you’ll be bringing clients right to your door.

How to List with Google Maps

So, now that you are aware of your need to list with Google’s powerful 10-pack, the next step is to get yourself there. Here is a list of the best practices for ranking in one of the top 10 spots. Because there are certain factors that can positively affect your list ranking, as well as some factors which can have a negative effect, we will break the information up accordingly.

Steps to Positively Affect Your Google Maps Listing

• Claim your business listing with Google Maps. You may not be aware, but Google populates its list of businesses by using phone directories and other sources. Initially, all of the listings are unverified and unclaimed. Do a search on Google Maps to find your business. If it’s not there, you can add it. In the unfortunate event that it’s been claimed by a competitor or spammer, you can contact Google.
• Once you claim and verify your business with Google Maps, be sure it is under the correct category.
• Add images or photos to your listing. Google Maps allows you to add images as well as video to your listing. Doing so can help your list ranking and also build authority with potential clients. Be sure to upload your company logo.
• Your correct business address should be on your website. Google will list you in the city your business is actually located in, and may list you for a wider service area to nearby towns as well.
• Adding a couple of defining keywords, such as products or services, to your Google Maps title can make a huge difference in your list rank. Especially if you are competing for a spot against another business with very similar attributes.

Factors that Can Negatively Affect Your Google Maps Listing

• Don’t associate an 800 listing with Google Maps. It was created for local search so you want to be sure to have a local area code in place.
• Don’t list multiple business names using the same phone number or the same address. Even if you have more than one legitimate business, you won’t be allowed to be listed in the databases by doing this.
• Lack of Positive Reviews. Encourage your best and most satisfied clients to write an award winning review about your business or services. Unfortunately, many times it’s the dissatisfied customers who hunt down a business online, just to leave a poor rating. After a few bad ratings, you could see your list ranking take a tumble.

Those are the main factors in the ranking do’s and don’ts for Google Maps. Take this information and aggressively pursue getting listed. Your bottom line will reap the benefits.

Optimal Leads Inc. is a Michigan full-service Internet Marketing and SEO company. Located in Metro Detroit, we specialize in Web Design, Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click Management, and Public Relation Management.