As Local Guides, we have the unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our communities by helping local businesses get listed on Google Maps.
Small businesses rely on Google Maps to help customers find their location and learn more about their products and services, and being listed on
Google Maps can be crucial for attracting new customers and growing their business.
If you’re interested in helping local businesses get listed on Google Maps, here are some steps you can take:
Step 1: Contact the business owner
Once you’ve identified a business that is not listed on Google Maps, the next step is to contact the business owner and introduce yourself as a Local Guide who is interested in helping them get listed.
You can offer to create a free Google My Business listing for them, which will allow them to manage their online presence on Google and appear in search results and maps.
It’s important to contact the business owner before adding them to Google Maps for a few reasons:
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To get permission: By contacting the business owner, you can ask for their permission to add them to Google Maps. This is important because the business owner has the right to control their online presence and may not want their information to be listed on Google Maps without their consent.
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To ensure accuracy: By contacting the business owner, you can verify the accuracy of the information you have about the business. This is important because incorrect information can lead to confusion for customers and may negatively impact the business.
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To offer assistance: Contacting the business owner gives you the opportunity to offer assistance in creating and managing their Google My Business listing. This can be particularly helpful for small businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to manage their online presence on their own.
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To build a relationship: Contacting the business owner allows you to build a relationship with them and show your support for their business. This can help foster a sense of community and encourage the business owner to continue engaging with their customers through their Google My Business listing.
Step 2: Create the listing
Creating a Google My Business listing is easy and only takes a few steps (Add a missing place to Google Maps).
You’ll need to verify the business and add details such as the business name, address, phone number, and website (if applicable).
It’s important to accurately and fully complete the listing, as this will help the business rank higher in search results and be more easily found by potential customers.
Step 3: Optimize the listing
In addition to creating the listing, there are a few additional steps you can take to optimize the business’s listing and improve their visibility on Google Maps.
This includes adding photos, responding to customer reviews, and regularly updating the listing with relevant information (e.g. hours of operation, special offers).
Conclusion
As Local Guides, we have the power to make a positive impact on our communities by helping local businesses get listed on Google Maps.
By following these steps, you can contribute to the growth and success of small businesses in your area and help customers easily find and support them. Consider reaching out to local businesses and offering to create a Google My Business listing for them.