I hear this question all the time – “How do I get my site to show up in Google Places?” What this question refers to is the Google Local listings that you see blended into the search engine results when Google thinks you’re searching for a company in your area. Let’s say you need a plumber in Cincinnati. Here’s what that search might look like:
And here’s how you get your site listed in the Google Places (formerly Google Maps or Google Local listings). First of all, anyone who has a physical location should have a Google Places listing. Even if you do business nationally or globally, having a physical location listed in Google Places gives you the opportunity to rank for geo-targeted searches as well.
The next thing you will want to do is go to the Google Local Business Center and add your listing, or edit it if it already exists. Make sure your information is accurate, up to date, and of course keyword rich. And if you have coupons or other features that will help you stand out, then add those to your listing as well!
And of course Google, in all their infinite wisdom, has produced this snazzy little 2 minute video on how to setup your account in the Google Local Business Center: http://contentcentral.blogspot.com/2009/03/join-us-on-maps-instructional-video-for.html
It’s a very useful video to help you get started, and definitely worth 2 minutes of your time.
Once you get your listing you might ask how to get it ranked better? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, Google ranks the local listings based on proximity to the geo-targeted search. So, whether it’s a city, zip code, or other geo-related term, Google will show the 10 closest locations, in order of proximity. Of course, you’ll want to be sure your keywords are prominent in your headings and descriptions for your listing, which will help you get into that top 10 in the first place.
So now you have the basic information you will need to get yourself into some of the local space. Now get listed and enjoy all that additional traffic!