Optimize Google Map Listings or Google Local Search Optimization Tips

With the advent of universal search, it is important to get control of your Google map listing and optimize it for local search. Universal search ranks above natural search in many cases, so it is well worth the effort.

Take control of listings through the local business center www.google.com/local/add/.    It asks you your name, address and phone number, and it will then show you similar names or locations already in the Google maps.  You can claim one of these listings or tell Google to add you as a new listing.  You have to validate your listing by receiving a postcard mailed to your address or a phone call made to the number on the listing.  Google will give you an identification number to perform the verification. Or you can validate a large batch of listings by uploading a data file with 10 or more listings all validated automatically.

Once validated, you can edit your listing.  Get rid of duplicate listings.  If your local business address is wrong you can report errors though mapinsight.teleatlas.com, but it might take months for corrections to be made.  There is also a help group at groups.google.com/group/Google-Maps.  

How to optimize your corrected Google Local/Maps Listing:

• Use keywords in your business name
• Use keywords in your business description
• Use keywords in your online reviews from City Search, Trip Advisor, insiderpages.com, Judy’s list and other web 2.0 sites
• Add the name of your city in your link text especially from local websites
• Your ranking will show higher based on proximity to the search location (Universal search gives less weight to proximity)