Helping Google Users Find You
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
by Gilbert Chavez, Automotive Consultant
Everyone knows that Google can help people find your website, but did you know it can also help them find your actual location? By submitting your business to the Google Local Business Center, your dealership shows up on Google Maps, one of the most popular ways potential customers search for directions. Submitting your information is easy and takes just a few minutes, but it does require you to do it yourself for verification purposes. Why submit your business to Google?
- Your dealership appears in the “Local Business Results” section at the top of search results pages when a user searches for a term that includes regional words or phrases.
- You get increased exposure in Google, which drives more search engine traffic to your site.
- Example: Search for "New York Italian Restaurant". At the top of the search results (just below the "Sponsored Links") you’ll see a map along with business listings (like Lombardi’s, John’s Pizzeria and Adrianne’s). These listings are from the Google Local Business Center.
How to submit your business to Google.
- Start here: http://www.google.com/local/add/lookup?hl=en-US&gl=US
- You’ll be asked for your address, phone number, hours of operation, types of payment you accept, and a description of products and services.
- Select your business category. You can start with “Automobiles” and receive recommendations or select “Browse All Categories and refine your selection, selecting up to 5 categories.
- Add additional optional information such as costs, specialties, images, etc, which may help your results.
- Once you finish, you can preview and edit your listing, verify that you represent your company, then choose to have a postcard sent with a verification PIN, or receive a phone call.
Once Google has verified your business you’re done. After that, it’s as simple as waiting for potential customers to find you.