http://maps.google.com/localbusinesscenter
You’ll want to read about this tool for sure because I’m going to show you the easiest way to get found at the top of Google search results even if you don’t have a website… and it’s even free!
I’ve been preaching it for years, but the message becomes more important with each passing month.
The web is replacing traditional advertising media, in particular the Yellow Pages which so many massage practices have relied on in the past.
People are now turning to the Internet to find local products and services… including massage!
Google recognized this trend years ago and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in local search technology. They want to make sure that they have all local businesses listed in their system so they can provide searchers with the best possible results.
And Google makes it incredibly easy for you to get found by people who are looking for massage in your neighborhood by offering you a free local business listing that gets displayed at the top of their search results.
You can list as much or little information as you want including: your address, hours of operation, payment methods, photos of your storefront or products and even videos. It’s easy and you don’t need a website of your own. (And did I mention that they do this for free?)
How do you get your listing?
It’s easy. Just go to:
http://maps.google.com/localbusinesscenter
If you don’t already have a Google account, you can set one up for free. Then you basically fill in the blanks.
You’ll need to be verified by Google to ensure that you really are the business owner. If you are sitting by your business phone, they can do this right away. Otherwise they’ll send a postcard to the address provided to make sure that you are legit.
I could give you all the details of setting up your listing, but Google has a great video that you can view here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lviDz8fUMTE
One feature that you should absolutely make use of is the coupon feature. Google allows you to create a coupon and will display it prominently near Google Maps. This feature is hardly ever used by businesses, so it’s your chance to be the first on the scene and make an impression. Like your listing, it only takes a couple of minutes to complete.
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