Intro to Google’s Local Business Listings

Written on December 17, 2009 by Greg Elwell in Visible
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GoogleLocalBusinessResultsDo you want your local business to be more visible and searchable on Google? When someone searches on Google, the local business results or Maps section often shows up on the results page. You’ve seen this. Ever wonder how businesses appear in this section?

This is the first of three tutorials on Google’s Local Business or Maps Listings. In this introduction to Google’s Local Business Listings I cover what they are and what information can be included in them and how that influences positioning. I also cover how local business listings differ from the organic and sponsored links listings, and, how to access Google’s Local Business Center.

This video tutorial is just under 10 minutes. You may also download a PDF version of the slides here: Click to download Introduction to Google’s Local Business Listings.

Warning! Music by Mark C. Nichols, “New Rock” kicks off this video tutorial…

In addition to the above video, Google has produced an introductory video on their Local Business Center. You can view this short (1:38) video below:

In the next tutorial, I’ll detail how to create or claim your own local business listing.

  • And what if Google doesn't post a map when search results are displayed? Hard to believe that something as general as "public relations fort myers" or "marketing fort myers" doesn't generate a business listing map! Don't know what else I can do ; any ideas?
  • zephyrmarketing
    Hi Ginny, You raise a great question. When we've done our part to create an accurate and robust listing why doesn't Google show it? But as you point out it's not only that your listing isn't shown - no maps listings are returned! Is it due in part to personalized search? Or, something in the nature of Google's algorithm that makes it impossible to predict what results will be returned? I'm a bit mystified myself and will research further. Thanks for posting your comment.
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