Get your business on the Google Maps & in Google Places

Sometimes I feel like Google is taking over the world. Okay.. so they kind of are. Never is it felt more than with local businesses and the “Google Map” also called “Google Places” by Google.

The confusion over getting your company listed in the right map for the right keywords is endless. And right off I have a few key tips for you:

1) The Google Maps section has NOTHING to do with organic SEO. I will repeat this… being #1 in a keyword (say Austin Dentist) on the Map has NOTHING to do with the “organic search results” (remember organic search results – the stuff that shows up under the map).

2) Google Maps and Google Adwords (Pay Per Click) and Google Organic (the stuff at the bottom of the page) are 3 different departments in Google. They don’t talk. They don’t hang out. They are not friends. So putting an Ad in Google (PPC) or being #1 in Organic (bottom of the page stuff) has zip – zero – nada to do with your ranking on the Map.

3) Folks that do “SEO”  – are not who you want to go to for “Google Maps’. I explain it like this.. would you ask a Chiniese resturant to cook you key lime pie? No. Then don’t go to your SEO person to work on something that really is very different than “organic SEO”. The Google Map, it’s rules, the functionality and more change almost weekly. And – what can be done is different in each location of the US! Frustrating – but one more reason to hire “Specialist’s” for this.

4) Your phone# is the most important thing on your map listing. Just an FYI.

Have you ever typed in your keywords in Google.com only to have this large map of everyone of your competitors pop up? Have you been struggling to figure out what that Map is and how you can get your business listed for your keywords.

This presentation below is designed to “help out”. Everything you need to know about Google Maps.

How to Market on Search Engines: Search Engine Marketing 101

Are you confused yet? SEM, SEO, PPC, Google Places, Google Maps? Before you start working on getting your site on the Search Engines you need to learn the basics. And that starts with understanding the most important page out there your keyword SERP.

What is your keyword SERP? Well SERP = Search Engine Results Page. So your Keyword Search Engine Results Page is the page that shows up for the keyword you want.

Clear as mud? This video is designed to help you understand the key points of Search Engine Marketing. It always seems to be one of the most confusing things for folks to understand.

And frankly… I am not surprised…. the industry is constantly changing the names, titles and “slang” for each area.

There are 4 key components of Search Engine Marketing:

1. Keyword SERP (see info above)
2. Pay Per Click (also known as PPC), Also known as “Google Adwords”
3. Google Map, Google Places, Google Business Listing Center
4. Organic/ Natural SEO

So You Want To Be on the Google Map: Step# 1

Have you noticed that when you type in a search query for anything in Google, Yahoo or Bing, a Map with little push-pins pop’s up?

In Google – that is the Google Map, or 7-Pack. It’s a pretty powerful place to be.

The Google 7-Pack not only shows up above the “organic” or “natural” search results, but it has a higher click rate than the Google Adwords (Ad’s surrounding it).

Let’s be clear, this Google 7-Pack is only one piece of the puzzle. The actual listing (the data that shows up on the map) comes from your Google Business Listing.

Why does your Google Business Listing Matter? Because it shows up in places outside of just the Map.

Where does it show? The Google Business Listing information shows up all over the web and Google, it show up in the search results pages (in the Google 7-Pack), in the map pages (when getting directions) , in the mobile applications (when texting Google or using a Map system to find your location or phone number) and so much more.

The data that appears in these Maps is from your Google Business Listing.
For Example:

Good news, some of you have been in business for a few years and have had your company information listed in a directory site (Superpages.com, Yellowbook.com, etc) and/ or your company information (Business Name, Address, Phone) was listed in the white pages of the phone book. That is how your information is already pre-populated in your Google Business Listing. Google took this company information from phone books, directory sites and more and created a Google Business Listing in your honor. Congrats!

If you are a new company (under a year) or have never participated in some of these things (like be in the phone book/ white pages) you might not have a listing. No problem – you can get one for Free!

Your Google Business Listing is basically an online business card for your company, however because it is done by Google – it has a lot of marketing power that you need to know about.

The trick is you have to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. You can’t just have it.

Step #1: Check to see if you have a Google Business Listing

1) Go to http://www.google.com
2) Type in the name of your company. We did this for “Two Sisters Moving Company” below.

3) See how the Map appears? With the Business information next to it? They have a Google Business Listing that has been “Claimed” and “Optimized”.

If you do this for your company name, and a map does not appear – then you don’t have a listing and you need to create one.

If you have a Google Business Listing in your Company name – Congrats! Next step is to “Claim” and “Optimize” it.

Next Step – You have to “Claim” and create (if you don’t have a listing already) your Google Business Listing.

This is always my favorite question to Business Owners, “Have you claimed your Google Business Listing?”

The answer is always a “YES” then when I look it up…. the truth is it’s a big “NO”.

Because, let’s face it… Google has not exactly been “pro-active” about this Google Business Listing stuff. And if your company has been in business for a few years, you might have a listing, and might even show up on the Google Map, but you still have not “Claimed” it. Which means it is wide open to someone else “Claiming it” and not giving it back.

Yep, it happens. And FYI – there is not a small biz Google Claims court. Google will just tell you to create another listing. But they won’t remove your illegal listing – so now you have two listings, and the one that is on the Map will not be your new listing – but the illegal listing – confused?

Don’t worry. I get into Step# 2 – Creating & Claiming Your Google Business Listing in next weeks post.

Live Webinar – Feb. 9th, 2010: How To Claim Your Google Business Listing & Optimize it For Your Business

I am hosting a live Webinar on February 9th , 2010 that will teach you how to Create, Claim and Optimize your Google Business Listing. The tips, secrets and tools you need to maximize your listing and get to be #1 are the Google Z-Pack Map are all explained! Sign up today to secure your spot here….

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8 Myths of the Google Business Listing

There are lots of Myths surrounding the Google Business Listing. I am going to cover the top 8 Myths that Business Owners have concerns about.

The Google Business Listing shows up when you are searching for services in your local area. Typically this means you use a location in your search query (Example: “Austin realtors” vs “realtors”). However in certain keywords/insustries/categories Google will “decide” that based on your IP it will by default only show the local results for the term and will show the map as well.

The official term for the map area as shown above is the “Google 7 Pack”. It was once known as the Google 10 Pack, but it seemed that Google did not like the 10 listings (thus the name) so it changed it so only 7 listings are displayed on the map when it appears. By the way, Google does these kinds of changes alot. So if you feel I am not being clear on a few of these myth’s is because Google does not do things in stone. They change. In fact if you are in the San Fernando California area, I can bet Google is showing the Google Map differently (you are in the test bed zone). So test your market to see if Google is doing something different with the Map in your area.

Now, the best way to think of the Google Business Listing (and the Bing, Yahoo, etc.. listings as well) is as though they are an online version of your Business Card.

If you can put a picture on your business card, you can do it on your Google Business Listing. If you can put your phone, email, replicated website (for MLM’s), home address, logo, special discount coupon… then you can put it on your Google Business Listing.

1) Myth: I must have a Website to Have a Google Business Listing

Truth: No, you do not have to have a website to have a Google Business Listing. This is great news for the Plumbers, Electricians, etc.. that just don’t have a website (yet). The Google Business Listing acts like your Website in some respects. You can put pictures on your Google Business Listing, coupons, videos and more.

2) Myth: I must have a physical retail location to have a Google Business Listing

Truth: No, you do not need to have a physical retail location to have a Google Business Listing. You can use a PO Box or even use your home as your address for your Google Business Listing.

Note: Whatever location you use, Google will put a picture of it on your Google Business Listing. So, if you use your home address, the most recent picture of your home will show up. This could be another great reason to keep your yard up or it might be a great reason to invest in a PO Box (or Mailboxes Etc/ UPS store) address for your company.

Officially Google has not shown a bias to a PO vs an “actual” address. However – if you don’t have either – I would suggest investing in a UPS store/ Mailboxes etc type box for your business instead of a PO Box. They are more expensive – but it they look like “real” address vs a PO Box.

3) Myth: I Don’t Need to Have a Google Business Listing  because I am a Virtual Business (Coach, E-commerce site, Consultant, Author)

Truth: Do you want people to find out about your services using Google? If your answer is yes, then you need to have a Google Business Listing. Remember, your Google Business Listing is like an online Business Card, so if you have a business card, you need a Google Business Listing.

4) Myth: I have to pay Money to get a Google Business Listing.

Truth: It is **FREE** to create or claim your Google Business Listing. Same rules apply to Bing, Yahoo and many other listing sites and directories. The trick with the search engine listings (Google, Yahoo, Bing) is that after you claim them you have to “optimize” your listing so it will show up in the right keywords for your company. So it is kind of a two part process. Click Here to claim your Google Business Listing .

Author Note: I have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

5) Myth: I have to have a license by the state, or I have to be a “formal” business (LLC, C-corp, S-corp) to have a Google Business Listing.

Truth: Your Google Business Listing is like a Business Card, if you have enough information or “right” to have a business card then you are all set to create a Google Business Listing. Google does require that you “Verify” your business via a automated phone call or mailing you a post card, but that is where the verification stops. Again, if you want someone to find your business by using Google’s search engine then you need your Google Business Listing.

6) You Don’t Need to Have a Google Business Listing because Google does not use the Map for your industry

Truth: There are 2 reasons the Google Map or (Google 7 Pack) does not show up for your industry or keywords.

# 1: Because there is no one in your category/keywords/industry that has “optimized” their Google Business Listing. Good news is that as soon as you do this, you will be the ONLY one that will show on the map. Note: Their are exceptions to this, what industry/ category/keywords you are optimizing for Google might not support the Google 7 Pack on right now. See more below.

#2: Google does not allow/ support the Google Map or Google 7 Pack on that industry/keyword/category at this time. A classic example of this is SEO or “Search Engine Optimization Companies”. If you search for SEO companies in your local area (Example: Austin, SEO companies) they Google 7 Pack does not show up, even though this is the perfect example of why the Google 7 Pack is so powerful and useful. Why has Google done this for this industry/category/keyword? Well because they can and because Google views anyone doing “Internet Marketing” as kind of “bad”. So they don’t support the map for this category/industry/keyword.

Remember one thing about the Google 7 Pack. Things will change. Google took down all of the phone numbers in the Google 7 Pack one day. They said it was a “bug” and things were back up in a few hours. And the Google 7 Pack used to show 10 listings on the map and now they show 7. Things change, bet on it. So if your industry is not supported today – how do you know it won’t be tomorrow. FYI – Google does not “announce” these kinds of changes, it’s your job to be on the lookout for them. That’s why I take the Boy/Girl Scout approach of just being prepared.

7) My Website is More Important Than My Google Business Listing

Truth: They are both important. However, if you have a very basic website or none at all the Google Business Listing is a great way to begin to market your business online immediately. All you need to “Create” or “Claim” your Business Listing is to have a phone number and mailing address.

The Power behind the Google Business Listing is that it often appears first in Google search results. That means your listing can appear above a company that has spent thousands of dollars on “organic” SEO. And if you Google Business Listing is fully optimized, it could event appear at the top of the Google 7 Pack.

This is key for new businesses and companies that have yet to invest in SEO (search engine optimization) on their site. It is totally possible to spend time and money on your Google Business Listing and appear in the Google 7 Pack above compeitors that have been around longer and have done extensive SEO work on their website.

When my clients ask: Should I get my Google Business Listing Optimized or work on my website. The answer is “both”. However if you have to do one vs. the other – Get your Google Business Listing Optimized first. That way as you work on your website, your company information can still be found.

Author Note: I have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

8 ) I can’t have a Google Business Listing – I am just a Independent Rep or Franchise owner for my Company

Truth: If your company allows you to have a business card, then you should be able to create a Google Business Listing. Remember the Google Business Listing will send traffic to your “official” website. So if you are a MLM (Multi-level-Marketing) company, or an independent representative, or a Franchise owner this will not violate your contract terms (Double check this – but it is pretty much 100% true for most companies).

Example: You are a Mary Kay Representative in Austin Texas. You have an “official” replicated website on MaryKay.com. You create your Local Business Listing, put up information (that is on your business card) about you, why you love Mary Kay, a picture of you and link to your “official” website that is supported by MaryKay. Now – someone searches for “Austin Mary Kay rep” – your Google Business Listing shows up above the organic listings in the Google 7 Pack. The prospect clicks on your listing and goes to your “official” Mary Kay website to purchase.

I hope this dispells some of the Myth’s you have about the Google Business Listing. As you can see I am a big believer in “Claiming” and “Optimizing” your Google Business Listing.

In fact, I  have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

Be on the lookout for more information about the Google Business Listing and why it’s so important for your business. There is so much more to say and learn about this incredible Marketing Opportunity.

Thanks for reading!