Most recently, nearly 60% of all Americans had a smartphone. That number gets higher every day.
Have you ever used Google Maps on your smartphone?
You probably have if you’ve needed directions to a location, but you might have also used it to find things like restaurants, hotels, hang out spots and more.
People are using Google Maps to find local businesses. When people search on Google Maps they can get a lot of the vital information about a business that they would get on a website. And they can see where that business is and figure out how to get there.
If you have a local business then it’s crucial to make sure you are optimized for Google Maps.
Here is how you can do that.
Get Your Business On Google For Free
First to this page: Google.com/business/
This page will take you step-by-step to claim your business and get it verified. You search for your business. Google might already know that you exist, but if they don’t you can set up the details.
One of the final steps asks you to verify by having Google send you a postcard to your business address. This is for them to verify that you exist and that you’re in control at that location. When you get the postcard in a couple days you come back and enter in a code and you’re verified.
Fill In Complete Descriptions
Verify that your basic information is correct: Business Name, Address, Phone Number, Hours Of Operation, etc.
Obviously this information is crucial so searchers can find you on Maps and they know when you’re open so they can visit or get in touch with you.
What you’re doing at this point is creating your Google+ Local page. This is the main profile Google uses to get your information so they can share with searchers.
Add Visual Content
Visual content is important for attracting people to your business. By adding your logo and other images of your business you’re getting potential visitors familiar with you. And when they search for you they can verify that you are the place they want to come or you can entice them to visit.
You can even add a virtual tour to your business page. Google shows you how to do this.
Setup Monthly Checkups
Google has changed a few things about the way they list you on Google Maps over the years. So it’s good to setup regular checkups every month to search for your business and check on the information that people see.
You probably won’t need to make too many adjustments, but you might need to adjust a description or add another piece of information
Make Time To Add Content To Google+
Now that you have a Google+ page it’s good to keep it updated. This can be challenging because you’re probably busy with other areas of your business, but if you can try to add weekly or even monthly updates.
They could be an image and a short update about what’s going on with the company. You could even use the same update for your email newsletters, your Facebook page and your Google+ page.
Final Thought
Lots of people are searching on Google Maps instead of Google especially on smartphones. If your business depends on people walking through the door then you need to be optimized on Google Maps. Follow the steps above and you’ll be taking full advantage of what Google can offer local businesses.
