Sticking it To Google

Ever heard of Google business maps? It is also known as the urban business locator and is one of the latest and greatest developments by the Google corporation.

Google business maps are designed to help businesses like yours.

Whenever someone enters a query in the Google search engine for a business in a local area, the Google business map is the first result in the results list. You may have noticed the map with the little numbered balloons?

The Google business map lists local businesses in the area that match the searcher's query, but do so according to business location on a map. This way, if you're looking for a Japanese restaurant in Malvern, you get a rough idea of how far each Japanese restaurant is from you. There's no point going across town if there's a perfectly decent solution, if not better, two streets over.

Why we should map it

Why should we use Google business maps?

Firstly, it is part of the Google search engine. Yes, the search engine that is used by millions of consumers world over, every single day, several times in a day. Sure, not all those searches are related to your business, but some of them are and this is what counts. By registering your business with Google business maps, you are guaranteeing yourself a spot on the map with the balloons (which always comes up first in the results list), first in the search results list, whenever a relevant search query is entered. Neat huh?

Secondly, those consumers that are actively searching for a business in their local area aren't doing it just for the sake of it. Like you, they have better things to do. This means that the queries they type into the Google search engine are meaningful, and highly targeted. They are specifically looking for a business in their local area, and aren't willing to travel for it. There is a significantly higher chance that they will pick your business, if you come out at the top of the results list, and they can see where you are located in reference to them.

Thirdly, even if your site isn't optimised to its teeth and then some, your business will come up on Google business maps if you have registered. So if you haven't had the time, energy, patience, or moolah to optimised your site, then wake up five minutes earlier and register with Google business maps. You can sleep in tomorrow, knowing you have done your good deed for your business today.