Get Your Business On the Map
Google’s been undergoing a lot of developments lately in order to appeal to local business owners.
One important area of change has been with Google Maps.
Obviously, as a local business owner, Google Maps is very relevant and important to your business. When potential customers are looking for a business near them online, they typically use map sites like Google Maps.
In fact, Google Maps is by far one of the most popular online mapping sites. It’s also tied directly into Google’s search engine so any search that is performed in Google search can then show relevant Google maps data. So you search for “pet stores” in Google, and you typically get maps results of pet stores in your area along with the normal search results. So not only is Google Maps the most popular mapping application online by itself but it is also tied directly to the most popular search engine on the internet, Google.
As such, it’s important that you “get your business on the map” (as it were). It’s a very simple and easy process to get your business on Google Maps, and it’s instant free online traffic to your business. Moreover, people will be better able to find your business.
Recently Google developed what they call “Tags.” Tags essentially are meant to enhance your listing on Google to help you attract more customers. More specifically they allow your business to standout from the crowd when uses see a bunch of listings on Google.
You can use tags to highlight (with a special yellow tag) aspects of your business that you would like your customers to take special notice to. For instance, if you want to show a special offer or something unique abou your business you can include it on your Google tag, so when a user finds your listing on Google they will immediately notice the special offer.
One thing to note is that tags do not improve the positioning of your listing or improve your organic search engine ranking within Google. They are only used to highlight a certain aspect of your business when users find your listing.
The wonderful thing about tags is that they allow you to rope in more customers through your Google listing by giving you the ability to emphasize something your customers might be interested in.
Secondly, tags are very easy and quick to set up. It will likely take you only a few minutes to set up a tag if you already have a business on Google Places.
Furthermore, it’s pretty cheap. Right now, it’s set up at a flat rate fee of 25$ per month, which is incredibly cheap for enhancing your Google listing.
Lastly, (and I personally love this) Google gives you the ability to get reports and metrics on your tags. You can see how customers interacted your tag which can be used to improve it down the line.
I have included a video Google created that also describes how tags work:
If you haven’t set up a Google Places account, set one up. Then try Google tags.