Is your business listed in google maps? And how can I get it listed to compete with the competition.

Some of you reading this might be business owners, others might be managers wanting their company to compete more.

Which ever you are, google maps is taking over business directory listings such as yell, the way google search knocked yahoo, lycos and altavista off of the search engine top spots many moons ago.

The problem that some of you might be facing is that you aren't listed on google maps at all.

Well now you can, and it's surprisingly easy.

Step one
Firstly you need a google account and you get get that by signing up to gmail.
http://mail.google.com/mail/signup

Once you have a google mail account, you have a google account, which you can then use for things like webmaster tools, adsense, google stats and so on.

Step Two
Go to google maps (uk version) and click Put your business on the map or click here https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.g...

Sign in with your google account.

Step Three
Click Add new listing

Fill in all of your company details, you must put your phone number in, your address and postcode.

Once you've popped your postcode in, fix the map by moving the pointer to the correct location.

Go through the steps, upload a picture if you can, it makes your listing stand out.

Take time to choose the correct categories for your business

Step Four
Verification.

Once you've entered all of your details, google wants to speak or mail you a verification pin number.

I'd let them speak to you as it took weeks for a verification pin come through the post (all the way from the USA! Imagine my carbon footprint)

If you do want them to speak to you, they will want to call you on one of the numbers you've listed in your business info.

Enter your pin, and your listing goes live.

It's easy.

PM me for further help.