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Terrance Farley By: Terrance Farley
Website: http://www.internetframework.com
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Going Loco Over Google Local

Google Local for local businessesIf you are a small business owner you must list your business with Google Local. Period. Google Local is an insanely easy way to promote your business to the people in your area and it’s FREE!

If you are a local business owner, most of your potential business comes from local customers in your area. Local customers are already searching for the products and services you offer on the Web using a search engine like Google. Why take the time to rifle through a phone book when it’s much easier to use Google. Also, the number of people using the Web to find products and services in their area has been increasing exponentially every year. This fact alone makes it imperative that your business is listed with Google Local.

What is Google Local?

Google Local is an extension of its mapping site http://maps.google.com.  Go to Google Local and look for the “Show search options” link next to the search maps button. Click this link then select “businesses” from a drop-down box. Search for a business by location and the results will display on the left hand side of the page.

How Does Google Local Help Me?

Here’s how . . . Google Local search results are integrated with Google’s organic search results! Hmm . . . I can sense your lack of enthusiasm. Here is why this is so important and the reason you should get excited about this. Let’s say, for example, that you have a Pilates Studio and for the most part your business is generated locally. You have a website, but it doesn’t get much traffic from the search engines. You’re working on increasing the rank of your website but it could take months for you to get on the first page of Google, if at all.

This is where Google Local comes into play. Search engines are all about relevancy and the narrower the search term the better the result. So, if I’m looking for a Pilates Studio in Orlando, FL and type in the phrase “pilates studio orlando fl” wouldn’t it make sense to display Pilates Studio businesses in the Orlando, FL area first? That’s what I’m looking for right? So what Google did is integrate the local business listings with their organic search results and in many instances the local results are at the top of the first page on Google! See the importance now? A simple listing with Google Local can put your business on the first page of results for people that are looking specifically for your product or service and in your area! It doesn’t get any better than that!

How Do I List My Business With Google’s Local Search?

To list your business with Google Local, go to the Google Local Business Center page. Once you’ve completed the sign up process Google will send you a confirmation or activation code by snail mail or will give you a call to confirm your identity. You will then need to log into your local business center section and enter the code. Once it is verified, Google will add your listing to its search results.

Google Local is a fantastic way to get your business in front of local web surfers with very little work. I hope you see the value in using this service and go immediately to Google’s Local Business page and sign up. You’d be nuts not to!

By Terrance Farley
Posted on September 23, 2008
Filed Under Business

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3 Responses to “Going Loco Over Google Local”

  1. Surviving the tough times | Pilates Scene on February 12th, 2009 8:03 pm

    [...] the freeness and cleverness of Google local to promote your business is easy and [...]

  2. Anne Samoilov on October 2nd, 2009 10:28 am

    I have received numerous calls from my Google Local listing. I don’t have a physical studio – I teach at 2 different locations, at my home and also at my clients homes. I am the studio – so Google Local was great to just get my name out in the mix when people where searching for pilates in my area. Also, get a free listing on Yelp.com. Both places let you get clients to leave testimonials.

  3. John Ranaudo on October 2nd, 2009 1:22 pm

    Anne, you make a great point. Yelp.com is an excellent resource for potential customers to find your business. At our Pilates Studio we try to engage current customer to submit testimonials by adding a Yelp.com banner and link to our website, email signatures, social posts and newsletters.

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