Optimizing For Google Maps, Google Maps Options

[sanman]

I want to optimize for Google maps? Please help.

[nethy]

I'd say that there are no real rules at the moment. Maps seems to be changing as it goes along so if you believe that Yours is the type of business that people would search for on a map, you may want to keep your ear to the ground.

- There are printable coupons you can add (makes sense for all sorts of businesses)
- You can buy ads (I don't think google 've worked this out totally yet. I'd expect that they are waiting for the ship to appear out of the mist a bit more before building a mature advertising model from this).
- Some business types in some places can accept booking (indirectly) via google maps.

A good start would be adding your business (web pages are, I believe merely associated with 'listings' rather then being listing I believe) or editing it if your already on it.
A second move may be buying some ads to see if it seems to have potential. (even if just to see how many impressions you generate for various terms)

This is not really search engine optimization, and there are all sorts of things popping up that you can do at the recommendation of google.

[SEO_Gal]

Hi there,

It's all about the keywords really. When you add your company to Google's Local Business Center you can choose multiple categories/keywords for your listing. Ex: If you design "widgets", then your keyphrases may be "widget design", "affordable widget design", "custom widget design", etc.

[sanman]

Hi there,

It's all about the keywords really. When you add your company to Google's Local Business Center you can choose multiple categories/keywords for your listing. Ex: If you design "widgets", then your keyphrases may be "widget design", "affordable widget design", "custom widget design", etc.

Is that all we have to do? Is it that simple?

[donp]

For Google's local listings, you simply have to sign in and start an account - all free. Maybe not "proper" SEO, we'll establish that when the new "standards" are set (sure we will) - but it will get your business listing prominently on the first page with a web link, so the results sure are the same, and maybe less prone to bouncing around in the rankings. Yahoo and MSN also feature "local" listings. These local listings won't work for everybody, but should be examined.

[sanman]

For Google's local listings, you simply have to sign in and start an account - all free. Maybe not "proper" SEO, we'll establish that when the new "standards" are set (sure we will) - but it will get your business listing prominently on the first page with a web link, so the results sure are the same, and maybe less prone to bouncing around in the rankings. Yahoo and MSN also feature "local" listings. These local listings won't work for everybody, but should be examined.

What about multiple city listing for maps? Is it possible?

[Catz]

If you have multiple locations, you can have multiple listings in Google Local. It goes by your physical address.

Since Google Local produces listings going from the very center of town out, you will show up best if you are located in the very center of your city. If not, how well you will show up depends how much competition there is closer to the center of town.

[BarbarasB&B]

It seems to have some ranking importance. When I check my page postion it includes the map listings in the count. But does not list my position in the map rankings. Also I do have a suspicion that there is a ranking principle going on. Whether it's related to adwords, basic page rank, both or neither I don't know. I do know I float up and down the list.

[Nueromancer]

If you have multiple locations, you can have multiple listings in Google Local. It goes by your physical address.

Since Google Local produces listings going from the very center of town out, you will show up best if you are located in the very center of your city. If not, how well you will show up depends how much competition there is closer to the center of town.

yep can work very well

I have a group of Audi Auto dealers a coupel of weeks ago they told me that just brought another dealership in a neary by town - I added it in google busniness centre and bingo 4 days or less later i had a 1/1 term for "townname audi" and "audi townname" - thought that would take a lot longer :-)

I cant come to a deascison if it helps with sitelinks or not.