For many home based businesses, it is very important to be listed in Google Maps. If you provide a product or service which is appropriate to a special area you could miss out on lots of visitors just by not having your website listed in Google Maps.

The BIG PLUS is this: YOUR website can be listed on page one, above all the regular results – isn’t that amazing!

Last summer, Google modified its algorithm so that the search results automatically include local results if they are relevant and that can have a massive impact for a home business. This is what they had to say:

“We like to make search as easy as we can, so we’ve just finished the worldwide rollout of local search results on a map, which will now appear even when you don’t type in a location. When you search on Google, we will guess where you are and show results near you.”

These local results are almost always shown above the first regular result on the result pages, just like the example below:

So, if your website is included in the local results, it will almost invariably be listed above the regular results on that page, the result of which, people will also see the exact location of your home based business.

This gives people very quick access to your company information

If Internet searchers type in your company name in Google (for example “cafe habana, nyc”) they will get your organization’s information right at the top of the search results, above all the other results on that page:

As you can see from that picture above, Google will also show users some reviews about your company in the results.

Getting listed on Google Maps

It really is simple! You can just submit your website to Google Maps through Google’s Local Business Center. Login to your Google account (or set one up if you do not already have one) and then just click “Add New Listing” to enter your company information.

Optimizing your Google Maps listing

There area number of things that you can do to get a better quality position on Google Maps or to make your existing listing really stand out and by standing out, translate that into make money. You can enter your business information in Google Maps for free but to be listed at the top of the list, you have to optimize your entry.

• Enter as much information as possible about your company. Include important keywords in your description. Also add information about opening hours, payment types, etc. Choose the best possible category for your website.
• If possible, include images and videos to help your listing stand out. The more information you provide, the better.
• If your business location is in the center of the town, it is more likely that it will appear at the top of the list.
• Submit your website to other local directories. Google Maps compiles its local results by crawling and parsing data from other online directories and databases. A good position in online yellow pages can cause your listing to be placed higher on the list.

• Optimize your web pages for local content. Add your city and state name in your web page title. You can also use local meta tags to tell search engines the location of your website.
• Get positive reviews. Encourage your website visitors to write positive reviews about your company on Google Maps. More stars can mean a higher position.

If you follow the tips above, your website will get a good listing in Google Maps and you will be one step closer to learning how to make money working online. Do not ever spam Google and make sure you describe your business without exaggeration. Include your keywords in your company description but don’t overdo it.

And finally, remember that in addition to being listed in Google Maps, it is important to be listed in the regular results on Google as blended together in a seamless strategy, this is the way to make money online and to do so consistently each and every day.