How to Create Google Business Listings

Creating a business listing in Google can be accomplished in a matter of minutes.

Google is one of the largest and most influential websites in the world and your business deserves to be listed in their system. Not only will your listing provide additional visits to your website but more and more it also helps people on mobile phones to find deals and stores near them.

Instructions

Adding a Listing

1. In order to create a listing you must have a Google Account. If you already use an application like Gmail, you may sign in with that account.

2. Fill out the business information form (see Resources). The form asks for basic data including country, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number(s), email address, web site URL, a description of the business and tags or categories.

3. Provide additional information about your business. In order to enhance the business listing, enter the hours of operation, accepted payment methods, and optionally a photo or video of your business. All of this information will make the listing more robust and appealing to users.

4. Validate the business listing. Prior to being published you must provide Google with proof that you control the phone number on the listing or the mailing address. You may choose from either validating by phone call or responding to a postcard in the mail. Once validated, your business listing will be live.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your listing is live, enhance the profile information by uploading a list of products that you offer.

• Provide links to the Google Maps listing from your own website to help potential customers find and travel to your location.

References

• Google Maps: Business Listing Quality Guidelines

Resources

• Levelten Interactive: Seven Ways to Raise Your Local Business Listing Rank in Google
• Goole Local Business Center