Thousands of South African businesses and website owners are already making the most out of Google Maps since the product launched locally last year. If you're not already using the free offerings in Maps to improve your business web presence quickly, cheaply and easily ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, here are a few tips to make you and your business more Maps-savvy. [video]
Much of the information Internet users search for has a geographic dimension. Whether searching on their desktop or phone, Google Maps points people to the local services in their area, such as banks and shops, or display the location and reviews of restaurants and hotels.
Claim your Local Business Centre listing: any business with a physical location can be listed for free on Google Maps via the online Local Business Centre. You can include phone numbers, opening hours, a photo, etc. To do this most effectively:
Sign in with your Google Account, or create a new Google Account if you don't have one already.
Make sure your listing is complete and accurate.
Make sure that the location of your business on the map is correct so users can find you.
Remember, you can always drag the map marker to the exact location of your business.
Choose the most appropriate, specific categories for your business.
Don't be afraid to choose specific categories instead of broad ones. The important thing is that the categories are accurate and describe your business well. Google's search algorithm makes sure that users looking for "Book Stores" will see businesses in more specific categories like "Used Book Stores," "Comic Book Stores," and "Rare Book Stores" too.
Make sure that information about your business on the web is accurate, and try to correct it if it's not. Google improves search results using information about your business from all over the web.
Encourage customers to review your business or to blog about it. Google uses these to improve search results too.
Use the Local Business Centre dashboard: a free tool that will provide you with information on how Google users are interacting with your local listing in Google Maps and Google Search. You can also take a look at the YouTube explanation videos below.
Embed the Google Maps API into your site: it's better than a static map and easier for people to find you. It's quick and requires no technical knowledge, but your users get all the benefit of a fully interactive map so they can come and visit. It also lets you add relevant content that is useful to your visitors and customise the look and feel of the map to fit with the style of your site.
Driving directions: one of the key things people want to know in order to visit your business premises is how to get there from wherever they live. Save time creating directions and embed the Driving Directions gadget (for examples of businesses using it in the UK, see here). It prompts users to enter their own address and automatically creates detailed directions to your location.
Google Maps for Mobile: this is a free downloadable application, designed for users on the go. It includes My Location, which helps you find where you are on the map even if your phone doesn't have a GPS. With Google Maps for Mobile, you can find businesses and services in your area, and dial them directly from your phone.
Formerly the Google head of analytics and commerce for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Stephen Newton has also been country manager for Google South Africa. Stephen is an accomplished business leader who has spent nearly a decade working in the online space, where he has been responsible for growing and leading top on-line companies. Before joining Google, Newton was VP of Double Click's Ad Exchange and GM of Hitwise UK. For more, email .
Great article, very helpful. Another reason why Google is one of the most forward thinking companies in the world. Keep them coming. Posted on 9 Feb 2010 13:39
I am really glad to go through this because the way things are portrayed is quite educating and I am sure I am sure many are going to take cognizance of what is been presented, thank you once again. Posted on 9 Feb 2010 14:55
We at NS Digital (www.nsdigital.co.za) started offering verified Google Business listings to our clients quite some time ago because of the benefits they offer and the value added.
The advantages are clear to see, and in some location based search terms, the business listings appear above the normal search results, making them hard to ignore for the user and for the business without a Google Business Listing.
Location plays a large role in the decision to choose some products or services, especially if your (potential) client needs to be close to a particular location.
Having your business available in Google Maps will no doubt generate more leads for people looking for a product or service in your area, which can be done through a normal Google text search as well as physically sifting through service providers on through Google Maps. Posted on 10 Feb 2010 08:04
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