We help Independent Brick & Mortar Establishments
Grow Their Business through Social Media

Get your Business on the Map!

29 November 2009

… the Google map, that is.

It’s hard to beat Google Local for getting your brick & mortar establishment found. You don’t even need a website to take advantage of this service, and it comes at absolutely no cost to you.

What you’ll need: a Google account.

What to do:

  1. Point your browser to Google Local Business Center.
  2. Enter your login information in the box on the right.
  3. Fill out the form.
  4. Before submitting your entry, double-check the map on the right. If the marker isn’t in the right place you can reposition it to more accurately reflect your exact location.
  5. Verify your submission by mail or phone.

It’s that easy! Follow these tips as you fill out the form to reap the greatest rewards.

website: what if you don’t have a website? Hurry on over to here or here to get yourself one! In the meantime if you have a blog you can enter that URL instead.

description: juicy, mouth-watering, and irresistible

category: take advantage of all 5 categories; you aren’t limited to the pre-configured categories although you should include at least one or two

hours of operation: list your hours for each day of the week and be sure to note which days you’re closed (if any). The last thing you want is someone making a trip to your shop only to discover you’re not open.

photos: be sure to include a great photo or two; an exterior shot can be helpful when someone is trying to locate you. If it’s not a great photo, don’t use it.

videos: it’s easy to create a very short video with a flip or other digital video camera. Include some people in your video. You don’t need to capture conversations but you want to show that your establishment is a thriving, vibrant business.

additional details: be sure to note anything that makes you stand out from the crowd.

HOT TIP: Create a coupon!

As an added incentive to visit your business, include a coupon. It could be a discount on a certain item, a small gift with purchase (you might want to set a minimum amount), or any other creative approach you dream up. To make it even more valuable, update the coupon offer frequently with a short-term expiration date (one week to one month). Just remember to update your offer so you always have a valid coupon on display.

Be sure to check out the Twitter for Brick & Mortar Businesses eCourse — it's a step-by-step guide to setting up your Twitter account, getting followers, and marketing your business 140 characters at a time.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

steve November 30, 2009 at 5:27 AM

I followed your directions and I’m LISTED! I even have a coupon! TY Blogartisans!

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