setting up google maps

This tutorial details how you add your site to google maps.

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Firstly, go to http://www.google.com/local/add. You will need to log in to google from here. If you don't have an account then register. I use my google mail (gmail) account for all my google stuff. Please don't email me on this account as I don't check it - if you want to talk drop me a note via my 'contact us' page.

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[number color=purple value=2]Click on 'add new listing'.[/number]
[number color=purple value=3]Now you need to start adding some detail. Google do not formally publish their searching criteria so you need to be canny about what you enter. In particular I would recommend adding your main service in the 'company/organization' field. You can see here I have put 'Osteopath' in brackets.[/number]
[number color=purple value=4]Now you will get any listings already found for this address. If you are listed then 'claim' the listing. If not - then you need to add a new listing.[/number]
[number color=purple value=5]What it says on the tin. Double-check you are claiming the right listing and then click 'claim listing'.[/number]
[number color=purple value=6]For steps 6,7 and 8 you need to start entering information about yourself. This section is important so give it some thought. In the description and categories fields add a description that includes the services you offer. This all helps the searchability of your listing. Pictures are nice and people like to see pictures for visual awareness - so add one if you have one. Make sure you enter the main phone number as this is the number people will ring when they find your listing. It is also the number used as verification in step 9.[/number]

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[number color=purple value=8]Complete your listing and click 'submit' to go through and verify your listing.[/number]
[number color=purple value=9]This is the fun bit. Select whichever option you want although I prefer the first option - in which case you will get an automated phone call (immediately) notifying you of your 5 digit (5 digits at time of writing) numeric code. Make a note of the code.[/number]
[number color=purple value=10]When you have the code you can now enter and lick 'go'. You do get a couple of attempts at verification before it says you have to wait for the following day to try again.[/number]

That's it. Your listing may take up to 2 weeks to start showing properly so be patient. We hope you found this page useful and it will help you raise you business profile on the web.

We have lots of tips on getting yourself showing up in search engine listings. If you would like a chat feel free to drop us a line.