Promoting Your Business with Google Local

Is your business on http://local.google.com/?  If it isn't, it should be!  local.google.com is a FREE listing for your business where you can post important information, pictures and even videos about your business.  Google uses this information when a person includes a city and state in their search criteria.  Don't let your competition get a jump on you because they have more information listed! 

 
It's VERY easy to do.  Just go to http://local.google.com and type in your address (street, city, state) and view all the listings that come up.  If you are listed, and you probably are! click your business name and you'll see a balloon pop up on the map with your information.  Click the EDIT link or the Claim this Location link, whichever appears.  If you have never claimed your business, you will have to verify your ownership either by a call or postcard, but that is a simple process. 

While editing your information, you should:

1. Verify that all the information is complete and correct.  Make sure you have your website URL as well as the contact email.
2. Be sure to write a description of your business, including as many keywords as possible.
3. Add your business hours
4. Add any Brand Names you deal with, sell or service.
5. Upload photos, especially your logo!
6. Add videos!
7. Add your blog

You're done!! 

I think you will really see an improvement in your search engine rankings by this simple method, but be sure to check it now and then and keep it up to date!