Attract Local Customers through Google

Some months ago I stumbled across Google Local Business Center. Our company Cordula Consulting signed up and was amazing with the number of leads we started to generate for our business.

Most people use Google to search for a business or service. For example, you may be looking for a structural engineer in say Miranda, NSW Australia. If you type into the Google search bar “Structural Engineer Miranda NSW” up pops a map showing you local structural engineers in the Miranda area.

We added Cordula Consulting to the list, now when someone types “Structural Engineer Miranda NSW” into the Google search bar, our company is shown at the top of the list; and that’s before all of the generic search items.

So, how do you get your business name to list on Google Local Business Center?

1. Go to www.google.com/local/add
2. Click on the “Sign Up Now” link, or if you have an existing Google account, sign in.
   
3. Once logged in, you will have the choice of adding a single business location or multiple locations. If you have a single location, click on “Add new business”. For multiple locations, click on “Upload a data file”.
   

   Adding multiple locations involves a little more work. You will need to compile all of your data into a spreadsheet and then upload the file. Google provides some very easy to follow instructions here.

4. You will now be presented with a window asking for all of your company details. Note that the more information you provide here, the higher your chances are for being found by your customers.
   
5. As you fill out the details of your company, you will notice that the voice cloud on the Map shown on the right side of your screen starts to add all of your information. This provide a good gauge of what your customers will see when they search your business. Once you have filled out all of your company information, click Next
6. Now you will be asked to fill out detailed questions of your company. Questions such as: hours of operation, payment options, adding a photo to your profile etc. Once done, click Next
7. Google will now ask you how they can contact you. They need to verify that you do exist. Your options are to either receive a phone call (this is a recorded message containing a code), a SMS or receive a letter in the mail. The phone call or SMS is a much more efficient and environmentally friendly method. Choose your preference for contact and click Finish
8. That’s it, your done!
   

   Once your code has been verified, Google will show your listing. You should occasionally return to the Google Local Business Center. There you can find statistics on your company, such as, the number of times someone found your business through Google search, and the number of customers who clicked through to your website.

Once you’ve added your company to Google Local Business Center, share your listing on this blog (add your link to the comment box below).