How to Input in Google Maps

If you want potential customers to know about your local business and you don't have a big advertising budget, a Google Maps listing might be the tool for which you've been searching. In fact, more people use online search engines than any other media to find local information, according to Google. Although employing a variety of advertising techniques might work best, none is easier or more effective than inputting a Google Maps local business listing.

Instructions

Provide Your Business Location and Type

1. Visit the Google Maps Local Business Center.

2. Click the "Add New Business" button on the right side of the screen.

3. Provide the company name, street address, city, state and zip code.

4. Notice the updated map to the right as you input the address information. If necessary, click "Fix Incorrect Marker Position" and drag the red marker to the correct street address. Then click "Save Changes."

5. Insert the main telephone number into the appropriate field. If you have more than one business phone, click "Add More Phone Numbers."

6. Provide a valid email address and website (optional) for your company.

7. Describe your company in 200 characters or less. This should be a summary of your company's services, features and goals.

8. Insert a business category into the appropriate field. As you begin to type, choose from one of the existing categories that appear. If your business category isn't listed, you may come up with one yourself. You also can choose multiple categories.

9. Click the "Next" button at the bottom of the screen.

Provide Your Business Details

1. Specify your business hours by choosing from the drop-down lists at the top of the screen.

2. Indicate your accepted methods of payment by checking the appropriate boxes listed under "Payment Options."

3. Add a photograph of your business by clicking "Browse" under the "Photos" tab. Locate the relevant photo on your computer. Click "Open." Then click "Load Photo." You can upload up to 10 photos in this manner.

4. If you already have a video of your business posted on YouTube, provide that link in the blank field under "Videos" and click "Add Video."

5. Add any further information about your business into the "Additional Details" section. For instance, if you are a dog groomer, you can let your customers know that you only use organic shampoo.

6. Click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the screen.

Confirming Your Business with Google

1. Validate your listing with Google by checking the "By Phone" option (you also can confirm your listing by having Google send you a postcard in the mail, but that will take 2-3 business days to complete).

2. Review the Terms of Service.

3. Click the "Finish" button at the bottom of the screen.

4. Answer the phone call from Google that you will momentarily receive. Write down the pin number provided.

5. Insert the pin number into the "Enter Pin" field. Hit the "Go" button. Your new listing will appear in Google Maps within the day.

References

• Google Maps: Input a Local Business