It's easy to put your business on the map with Google Maps. The Google Local Business Center is the portal to Google Maps and is a free service for business owners with a physical business location.

Once you input your information, the generated Google Maps marker will appear in searches and can include your business name, address, phone number, photos, and details of your business such as business hours. It's like having a phone book ad pop up on a map.

1. The photo upload feature allows you to add or edit photos that appear with your business listing.

2. Customer attributes let you create your own business attributes in addition to selecting the initial business type.

3. It's easy to move the Google Maps marker if it appears in the wrong location on the map; simply drag it to the right spot.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get started with your free Google Maps account

Signup is free and very easy to do online through Google. Use Google Maps Help if you have any questions.

I recommend: Sign in to Google Maps with your Google username and password. If you don't already have a Google account, you can set one up on the spot. You can get help with Google Maps by searching Google Maps Help.

Access the Google Maps training you need

Google strives to make its interfaces as user-friendly as possible. There are help files and step-by-step instructions which enable you to get set up and working. You may want or need more in-depth instruction in order to feel you are fully utilizing Google Maps, so take advantage of tutorials and other training.

I recommend: Explore Google Maps is a visual tour and tutorial with step-by-step directions to learn how Google Maps works. Having insight into its features will help you with how to use the tool on your own website. Geo-Spatial Training Services offers an online and hardcopy version of its course "Google Maps for Your Apps," which will explain how to integrate Google Maps with your website.

Delve in with more Google Maps information and helpful resources

Find any application setup help you need with Google Maps by utilizing a Google Maps consultant for advice. The services offered come with a fee, but it may be worth it to your company to have professional Google Maps advice on how best to take advantage of the map data.

I recommend: The Google Maps User Guide offers quite a lot of detail behind Google Maps through descriptions and useful links. Durkan Consulting Group can answer your Google Maps utilization questions or even set up your map listing for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find short video instruction posts on YouTube, another resource to tap when seeking training on how to best use Google Maps for marketing your business.