Getting Your Web Site on Google Local and Why It’s Important

If you ever searched for a service on Google using a name of a City in your search, you will notice that at the top of your search results, you will see a list of local businesses in that area.  For example, if you were interested in finding a plumber in Toronto, you would search for something along the lines of “Plumber Toronto”.

Google will list the top 10 local business that fit that criteria, along with a link to view more results near the location you entered.

Getting your business listed on Google Local is very easy.   First, you would have to create a Google account if you do not already have one.  Once you do have a Google account, you would sign in, and then go to http://www.google.ca/local.  From there, you would click the link “Put your business on Google Maps“, and then Add New Listing.   From there, you can add all your pertinent information about your business, website, email, hours of operation, photos, videos, etc.   The more information you enter, the better chance you have getting listed in the top 10 in your area.

Why is having your business listed on Google Local important?

Most internet users will want to deal with a company based in their local area first before dealing with a company based further away.  It’s your gateway to users who are looking for you right now. Who want what you offer at this very moment. If you’re not there for them, they’re going to go somewhere else.  Probably to your competitor down the street.

Local search is only going to take off more as searchers get more comfortable using devices like the iPhone and BlackBerry.  The fact that Google has now established guidelines for these types of listings shows how serious they are about them. You should be equally serious about your business.

For more information on Google Local, please see the video below: