Google maps for business, now known as “Google My Business” is a tricky one. Not only is verification a pain in that you have to wait for a postcard that sometimes doesn’t arrive (although you can sometimes get someone on a phone to help), but it can also be difficult to get right.
The difference between getting your listing right or wrong is the difference between your business showing up in local and map search or not.
The changes over the past year, which align Google Maps listings with Google Plus, have proved fraught for many small businesses who found their listing demoted in search. It turns out that your name and your reviews appear to count towards appearing properly in a map search.
It is worth naming pictures and videos correctly for search engine optimisation an uploading them and ensuring your profile is complete. You also will want at least half a dozen reviews to ensure you are optimised for search.
One neat feature is the addition of a 3D view – an extension of Google Street view, that you can take for a spin above. A local photographer will charge for it – from about $500. You can embed the post on your website as well.
Depending on your venue I reckon this is a great tool – how cool does the SpinStar fit out, which we designed (including the furniture) look?
If you’d like any help getting your listing right, let us know.