Google and Yahoo Local - Local Marketing Tip Week 2
Both Google and Yahoo have free local listing tools for their search engines. Getting a local listing in these major search engines can be very beneficial for your business.
Here are the links to sign up for each:
How to sign up for Google Local?
1) If you have a Google account you can login, go to my account and click on the link that says “Local Business Center.” This will take you to the business information form for you to fill out and submit. If you do not have a Google account you will have to sign up for one. You can still click on the link above, but after you submit the business information it will ask you to sign up for an account. Google accounts are free and I recommend you signing up for one since there are many other free features that come with it.
Google Local Business Center Step 1
2) The next page will ask you about your business details.
- Categories that best fit your business
- Hours of Operation
- Payment methods you accept
- Add photos (Logo, storefront, etc.)
- Videos (If you have a video or commercial I strongly recommend uploading it here)
- Additional Information
3) Now it is time for Google to validate your listing. You can choose to validate by phone or postal mail. I recommend by phone because it will take less time to get listed in the Google Local area. (note: If you have a PBX system you might want to consider validating by mail. The Google call will not work since the phone picks up through the PBX.) Either way you will receive a pin number. If you chose to validate by phone, once the Google calls you enter in the pin. If you chose to validate by mail, once the postcard comes call the number provided and enter the pin
How simple was that? Now your business will be included in Google local and Google one box search results. Listing can take up to 4 weeks.
How to sign up for Yahoo Local?
1) You will also need a Yahoo account to take advantage of the local listings.
2) The sign up process is basically the same except you do not have to verify the listing.
These two tips will help your business be seen when users do a local search for your products and services on Google and Yahoo.
