When people search with a place name, on online maps or for a business type “near me” these can be classified as local search. If you have a physical location this can be a significant driver of customers to your address. Google is the leading search engine by some margin so this post is looking at how to get good results in Google maps results.

Google My Business

The good news there is a tool for this – Google My Business (GMB). This feature will help you manage local results on the search results page and how your business appears on Google maps.

GMB also connects with, (Soon to disappear) Google +, as well as Insights, Reviews, and Google Analytics. This means you can easily manage all these features in one interface and those changes will update for all of Google’s services.

Many local businesses just claim their GMB listing and then ignore it. There are a variety of other features Google gives you that you can use to optimize your listing and as a result good reasons to keep it up to date.

One recent survey reveals that 82 percent of mobile users perform searches with “near me” plugged in at the end of their keywords.

Search Engine Land

Getting You Local Google Maps Listing Optimised

Get the details together before you start:

First make sure you have a Google account that you want to associate with your business.

Navigate to  Google My Business to complete you listing details. Click “Get Started and complete the fields. Company name and address etc.

Indicate whether customers come to you or if you deliver a service to an area (or both) you will need to specify your service area by city, postal code, or other area.

Choose your business category be accurate so you are seen by the best fit audience. You can add more detail in a statement later in the form.

Add you phone details and a link to your web pages

Next stage is verification. Slowest is a snail mail postcard, fastest is almost instant  but only if you are already registered with the Google Search Console.

Once you have verified you need to finish completing your profile. Add as much information and media (images and video) as you can. Companies with more images do get better results

The GMB cover photo is one of the most important, as it is the most visible on your listing. Interior shots, products and staff can all be included.

Also add your hours and relevant features such as wheelchair access, free wifi etc.

You can add weekly images with text and a customisable button that will also enhance you presence.

Remember to check back regularly and keep all your information updated. You may want to try the phone app for ease of use?