Good morning. It’s a new week and time to learn something new. I’m surprised at the number of businesses that have not taken up the option to have a free local map listing on Google. Today I want to explain how to get that listing in several easy steps.

If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, take a look at the search below for “plumbers Abbotsford BC”.

Local Search Map Results on Google

Most people will click on the bubble on the map and here is what they’ll see as a result.

Listing as it shows up on the map.

Steps to Getting Your Business on Google Local Map

1. Go to Google’s local business page
2. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to get one. They’re free.


Sign in or get your Google account

3. Fill in the form


The form to be filled out

4. You can list yourself in up to five categories. Take advantage of all of them.


Be sure to take advantage of category settings.

5. List your hours of operation


List your hours of operation

6. On the same page you can add payment methods, photos and even video which will show up when people click on your listing on the map.


Sample of photos in listing

7. The final step is to select a method of validation.


Select your method of validation

I found the phone verification happened very quickly (within a minute). If you’re using the first option, your business telephone number, then you need to be at your business to accept the call.

That’s it. I set up my two listings today. I’ll let you know when they start to appear on Google. They’re not there yet.

Please feel free to add questions or comments via the “Comments/No Comments” link below.

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 1:57 am and is filed under General, Google, SEO - Search Engine Optimization, Small Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.