Google Maps - Grow Your Business

With smart phones being all the rage in today's marketplace, getting your business listed in Google maps will result in bringing new customers to your doorstep. Although many stores have yet to take advantage of this - it is going to be a must in their very near future.

When travelers are staying in motels and hotels in locations, which they are not familiar with it is very common nowadays for them to use a mobile app to search for local products or services such as: "best local seafood," or "best local steakhouse.

Listings may vary somewhat in their complexity, as a newer establishment may yet to have a logo or photo. (Google will display an arrow site map listing for location) Others may display their full logo, tagline, direct link to their Web site, site map and directions.

People love convenience - quick and easy answers to their questions. Google helps provide this with their site maps. How many business owners are losing money simply because they have yet to take advantage of this?

It is quite easy for the average business owner to provide basic information for the questions Google asks to get their site listed. However, the more Web savvy business owner will hire a good copywriter to write, maintain, and update their listing to include: specials, discounts, etc.

The more updated and current the information is - the more response they will get from the listing. Broadband connection is now readily available to most mobile phones (some at blazing speeds) so people are turning to the Web more and more to find places and things.

Location does matter - say someone who is about to run out of gas does a search for "nearest gas station," and your listing shows up as the closest place. Guess where he is going to fill up?

Consider for a moment - a wedding is about five minutes from starting - but somehow the planner failed to provide the groom and best man with their pocket flower of choice. Someone produces a smart phone and searches: "local florist."

Your place of business listing shows that your store is two minutes away, as well as displaying the fact that you have exactly what they need. They are in a hurry. Guess where they are going to buy?

On the night of your son's big saxophone solo - while driving him to the event, your son discovers his reed has been cracked - and is useless. You search "local music store supply," and find one listed only two blocks away. You have only fifteen minutes to get there on time for the event. Guess which store makes the sale?

Sometimes people need things fast - and their only option is to find out where they can get what they need quickly. Enter the smart phone. Enter Google Maps. Problem solved.

Now that you know how important it is to get your business listed, consider getting it done. It will pay you to get it done in the long run. You can also benefit by getting your business listed because you can place a direct link to your store's online Web presence.

When someone does a local search for a specific product or service that you offer; (and your store is closest to them) guess who shows up first in Google search? You do.

Getting listed in Google Maps, and having a Website for your "brick and mortar" store, can do wonders for your business. Several years back, people would pick up the phone - call and inquire about products or services your store offers, before actually driving to your business.

However, the Internet is evolving things - nowadays people are just as likely to try and find your Web site and browse it - before even making contact with you. This visual "virtual world," allows a visitor to actually see and explore some of what you have to offer before they decide where they are going to buy it.

Is your business listing compelling? Does it link to your store site where they can find out more information? If your site is done right - your Website and Map listing - it should serve well to pre-sell the visitor enough to where they arrive - ready to buy!

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