| Current Location :: Google Local Info
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The main search engines allow businesses the ability to submit their info directly to each one's "Local" listing services. While Yahoo and Live/MSN are both worth exploring, for this article we'll focus on Google.
First, you'll need a free Google account, so sign up. After that you'll be able to access all of the Google services from: https://www.google.com/accounts/ManageAccount with the direct link to Local Business Services being: http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter
OK, so after logging in, from the Local Business Center front area, look for "Add new listing". This will take you to the first part of a 6-step process where you just need to follow the instructions to enter all of the information about your business including location, business hours, payment methods etc.
You'll also have the opportunity to upload up to 10 images of your location.
On the last page of the new listing section, it will explain to you the verification process. You can choose to either have a call sent to your business # to verify it, or have a postcard sent with a PIN # that you will have to use to activate your listing. The postcards take 2-3 weeks to arrive so choose the call option if possible.
Once your listing is activated, you can search for your business + local area in Google and you should see your listing show up in the Map on top of the search results (see last image on right for example). When you search for "web design gastonia NC", Turner Internet Services not only comes up #1 in the Map, but also in the actual search results.
NOTE: If you would like for us to create your Google Local listing for you, just let us know..this is a free service for our clients. We'll need to schedule a time with you to go thru the listing details over the phone as well as to get the activation call from Google. |
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