As most of the known world moves and integrates their data online, I suppose Google’s search spiders would eventually add your business to their directory without your effort. But as every smart entrepreneur knows, you must be proactive in advertising your small business to prevent any dollars (or customers for that matter) passing by. With the recent release of Apple’s iPhone, consumers today have an even easier time of searching and connecting to nearby places of interest with a single click of a button. It only makes sense that you, in turn, make it just as easy for those consumers to find you.
To add your business to Google Maps, simply visit Google’s Local Business Center. The process is straight forward and literally takes 2 minutes to complete if you have a Google account. If not, don’t worry, they are free of charge and can provide your small business with other invaluable tools such as Google Documents, GMail, Google Reader, Adsense/Adwords along with the lovely Google Website Analytics.
While you’re online, check out your competition. Are they listed on Google Maps? How do they attract new business through their online strategy? What could you be doing better with yours?
Additional Resources:
Adding your business to SuperPages.com
Seth Godin’s free e-book: Bootstraper’s Bible
