Enhance Your Google Local Listings | Search Engine Journal

Editing Listings in Google Local

Okay, now its time to get to business and start editing directly in Google Local Business Center. Here are some ideas, tips and suggestions to keep in mind on an itemized level:

* Titles: Use common business names, not official ones that no one would recognize. If you can do so logically, integrate a primary keyword or phrase that people would be searching for. An example of a poor listing I came across was for “Big Tony’s Pizza #3 Inc” — Imagine then how “Big Tony’s Pizza and Subs

* Addresses: You would be surprised at how many listings I’ve seen where Google tells me that a business is being displayed in an approximate location. I’ve seen restaurants on lakes, hotels in residential neighborhood, and a car dealer inside a military base. Do not rely on directional indicators (N, E, S, W, etc.) and spell out things like boulevard, street, avenue and others. Be as descriptive as possible, and check to make sure the location is plotted accurately and correctly. You can make corrections using the “Fix incorrect marker location” area of your listing editor.

* Web Pages: Since we are talking about search engines, its common sense to connect your business to a URL. That said, many listings go without a URL bring connected to them despite the fact that they exist. This is yet another reason you need to verify your connection to the business!

* Phone Numbers: Add in all the phone numbers that make sense. Restaurants could have a main line listed for business purposes, another for take out and delivery, and another still for an automated reservation system. Adding them all in will only help to educate your consumers and help make things easier for you once they want to do business with you.

* Categories: These are vital to your success, so choose and update them wisely. Do not assume things are good as suggested either. In fact, test out how different categories will impact your listings over time, and work to implement the best approach across the board.

* Hours & Payment / Photos: I have a rule of thumb here? Overwhelm Google. Add in a gallery of photos and be as descriptive as possible in these areas. If Google has to retain that data for you, you can be assured that they’ll want to push their users to it.

* Custom Fields: Get creative and play around with this. Upload menus, sales and specials, seasonal rates or coupon codes? The options are only limited by what you can think up and add in!

via Enhance Your Google Local Listings | Search Engine Journal.