What's New at Google Local Business Center

Stay plugged into the latest tools and enhancements at Google Local Business

By Daniel Kehrer, Founder & CEO, BizBest Media Corp.

Have you put your local business on the map? It’s easy to do with Google Local Business Center, a free service that lets business owners with a physical location add their information to Google Maps, and edit or delete existing listings. A Google Maps marker includes your business name, address, phone number and -- thanks to the latest enhancements -- photos and details of your business, including hours.

The idea is to make it easy for local customers to find you. The newest Local Business Center features include:

1) Photo upload: Now you can add or edit photos that appear next to your business listing.
2) Custom attributes: In addition to selecting a business type (like: hotel) when you post a local business listing, Google now lets you specify “custom attributes” relevant to your type of business (like: check out time), or create your own attributes (like: fitness center). The more you add, the better your chances of being found when someone searches for specific terms online.
3) Local correction: If the Google Maps marker for your business is in the wrong location, the system now lets you drag the market to the correct spot.
4) Listing statistics: As a Local Business Center user you can now see the number opf impressions and clicks your business listing on Google Maps is receiving.

Put your local business on the Google map

Sign up is free and easy to do online.
Try: Sign up for a free Google Local Business account and create your listing. You'll need your email address and a password. Once you've created your business listing, Google will verify your business either with an automated phone call asking you to input a PIN you'll receive online, or by sending a postcard to your business address. Once your account is set up, you can also access other Google business services.

Include photos of something interesting at your business

This feature is new, and ads a whole new dimension to local business listings on Google Maps. Restaurants often include an enticing photo of a special dish.
Try: See how steakhouses in Boston make hungry searchers drool over their dishes with photos on Google Maps they've posted via Local Business Center. Or local hotel listings might show the view through their best rooms. Be creative, or just post your business logo.

Verify the Google Maps location marker is correct

The system now lets you easily move the market with your mouse if it's not in the correct location.
Try: When you create your business listing, you'll be given a chance to correct the location market if it's not in the right place.

Track the clicks your listings receive

Another new Local Business Center feature now offered by Google ius the ability to see and number of impressions and clicks your business listing receives.
Try: Details of this and other features are available at the site once you sign up for a free acount.

Remember that Google will try to verify your business information, so be sure to include a phone number where their automated system can reach you. If you "go back" once the system has generated the verification PIN you are supposed to enter, the phone verification option may no longer be offered. Then you might have to wait for a postcard, which will take much longer.
Taking advantage of Google printable coupons (free) is a good way to attract more business. You decide what the coupon should say, and customers who find you online can print them out to redeem at your place of business.