Go Local with Google Local Search

Sure the internet allows you to do business in Singapore, Sydney & Siam (Thailand to you youngsters) but sometimes it's just enough for you to do business in your own backyard. If that's the case then make sure your business and your website are listed in Google's local search appliance.

You don't need to be a techno-savant to obtain a listing and you don't even need to hire one (although I'm available if your time is more valuable than mine - quite likely or if you're a techno-unsavant ;-).

What is Google Local Search?

Google local search takes the power of Google to your neighborhood by combining local business details with their renowned mapping technology - think of it like the yellow pages on steriods. Made your spouse angry (something about, "no honey, you don't look THAT fat..." OOPS!) and need to 'fix it' in a hurry? Get online. Go to local.google.com. Enter the terms 'flowers' and 'your address' (flowers near 123 Main Street, 00011). Punch the search button and voilà, problem almost solved (To solve it ... get in car, drive .9 mile, buy expensive arrangement, contritely present to spouse ... there! problem solved)!

How Do I Get Listed In Local Google?

Well if you already have a listing in your local telephone directory, chances are you're already listed in Google Local. But, if you want to enhance your listing; make sure that you're listed in the right category; or add a link to your then you can create a Google account and take control of your own listing. How? Well start here at Google Local's help center. The process is simple although you will need to provide a mailing address as they actually mail you (it takes a 2-4 weeks) your account activation instructions.

What's the Local Search Payoff?

For one, local exposure beyond the phone book and, in my case, local exposure period as I don't have a listing in the yellow pages. More importantly, while it might be near impossible to secure top listing on the global search planet as mapped by Google, Yahoo, MSN Search, et al, you can definitely get top listing on your own little piece of terra internetta.

Take a look at my listing ... to find me locally I went to local.google.com and entered 'web marketing 80227' in the search terms box... and boom, there I am; #2 with a bullet. And, if I click on the Details tab (only available if you have an account - another reason to get one), this is what you'll see...

So don't delay, go Loco for Local and make sure that your business is visible in your own neck of the woods. By the way, Google Local is not the only game in town as far as local search goes. Yahoo has local search available as do other search providers. So get Muy Loco and check them all out!

Thanks for reading...

tom.gray@gemsolv.com
GeMSolv.com