Google Maps - A free advertising opportunity

You have probably heard of Google Maps and might have even used it to look for a specific business or to find an address. However, have you actually listed your business there?

Google is offering you the chance to advertise the physical location of your business for free. When you register, a map will appear of your home city along with a marker identifying your business location with a comments ‘balloon’ that provides directions, a contact telephone number, fax, web address and email address.

Once online registration is complete, Google sends you a letter by post with a unique code that is used to confirm and verify your physical business location. You log on to Google Maps, input the code and presto, you're listed.

Why consider Google Maps:

• It won't cost you a thing - you can create and display a business listing for free.
• Once your address is fully verified you have full control over your listing. You can add or delete non-address information at will.
• You'll reach qualified prospects - there's a very good chance that lots of people are currently searching on Google Maps for the products and services you offer. Why not make it easy for them to find you?
• You can offer coupons for free - displayed in your listing on Google Maps. Coupons can reward loyal customers and attract new ones. (USA only at the moment)
• You have full control over your listing - With Google Maps; you don't have to worry about publishing deadlines or outdated content. After Google verifies your address, you can edit your listing whenever you like. You'll see your changes reflected in the search results within six weeks.
• You can add all of your business locations from a single account
• You can manage listings for businesses of any size - Whether you have one business location or one on every block, you can manage your listings from a single account. (If you have more than ten locations, you can make updates by sending Google a data file.)

Google Maps Example – Edinburgh Zoo

In terms of organic search engine optimisation, Google has not indicated if being listed on Google Maps will have any impact on the visibility of your website. However, you never know if this might change in the future.

To register follow this link for Google Maps.