Do you know your local business can be  listed on the first page of Google with Google Maps without paying a dime?

Web site owners spend big money to attain high rankings in the search engines so customers will find them easily to purchase their products or services.  If their site appears after the first page they won't get any traffic unless they employ other methods of marketing.

Google maps changes all this. Now local businesses can attain first page listings without paying anything. When a customer enters a keyword to find a local business Google  will automatically display businesses that are closest to you. Local results are displayed above the regular listings.

Example

If a customer enters "web site design bowie maryland" they will see your company information listed at the top of the search results.

How to get listed in Google Maps

Open an account at Google's local business then submit your web site and company information. You can create multiple listings if you have more than one local business.

How to optimize your business listing for Google Maps

1. Choose the correct category

Enter the category that best describes your business ie web design, dentist, photographer, etc.

2. Create a captivating description

This is what customers will read about your business. Describe it in such as way that they will want to check it out. Include keywords customers would search on to find your business.

3. Make your listing stand out

Here are the things you can include in your listing:

• Description
• Payment
• Email
• Business Hours
• Categories
• Photos
• Reviews

4. Location

If your business location is in the center of the town, it is more likely that it will appear at the top of the list.

5. Get listed in other local directories

Google Maps gathers its results from other online directories and databases therefore submit your web site to online yellow pages and yahoo local.  Find other local directories by entering keyword+location in the Google search box.

6. Optimize your web pages

Include the city and state names on the home page of your web site. Place them in the meta tags and web copy.  This makes it easier for customers to find your business because you'll have a top listing in the search engines.

7. Encourage customers to write reviews

You can improve the your listing by getting customers to write positive reviews about your business. The more stars you acquire the higher your position will be.

If you follow the 7 steps outlined above your web site will achieve a good listing in Google Maps, you'll attract more customers to your business and make more sales.