Google’s Local Business Center provides an ideal opportunity for companies to start advertising their website on page one of localized search results.
Start by signing up your business at https://www.google.com/local/add/login. You must have a Google account to login. Once logged in, you fill in your company details and indicate to Google what business you are in. Then you must verify your new listing with Google. This can be done by phone, text or mail. An automated call or text will pass you on a 5 digit code which allows you to verify your listing. Now you are finished!
By registering your business with GLBC you will now start appearing in Google local business search results. For example, I have set-up JumpStart Marketing on GLBC. When I type in the search query ‘Internet marketing Nenagh’ into Google.ie our business will now appear in the local search results. Your business listing will also be available on Google maps. This allows you to increase your exposure in Google search results. This will drive more business to your website.
More and more people are searching for businesses using location specific terms. Signing up for this service will allow you to establish a presence on page 1 of Google search results. If you are an accountant in Dublin, a physio in Galway, a solicitor in Cork, a painter in Athlone or any profession anywhere, then this service should be of interest to you.
There is of course plenty of competition from other businesses looking to take advantage of this listing. Not all of these businesses can appear at once. Google will give preference to businesses that are more relevant to the search query. Therefore, make sure that you think hard about the keywords you use to classify and describe your business. Google also gives preference to businesses closest to the location that is specified. However, if Google feels that there are more suitable businesses a little further away then these will get display preference.
GLBC sometimes offer analytics on their platform. I say sometimes because it is not included as standard yet. There are reports from other bloggers though who have gained access to it so hopefully this analytics package will be rolled out for everyone shortly. The analytics will allow you to see how people interact with your new listing. Valuable statistics such as impressions and what actions are performed are given.
This service should be provided as standard by SEO Companies.