The internet is a vast space. We can literally log on and visit anywhere in the world, as long as there's a website running there. Blogs, video and social media allow us to converse and interact with people from around the world with the click of a few buttons.

Globalisation was a word being thrown around a lot ten or so years ago, and when the internet first started (in earnest anyways) in the early 1990s, many people had the view that the internet brought the world a little closer to our doorstep.

This may be great for major international companies with chains or retail outlets in every state, but what about small businesses that service a small geographical area? How can these businesses utilise the web to generate more customers?

Local search for products and services
There are still many prodcuts and services that are needed locally. This hasn't changed for thousands of years however, the way in which we find out where these local businesses are has changed.

Now we can log onto Google Maps and type in "Medical Centre Toowong" and not only do we get a list of medical centres in the area, we get a map, directions to the building, reviews and a whole host of other information. Welcome to local search.

If you're a small business that services customers within a certain geographical area then I would highly suggest utilising local search.

When I spoke to Monte Huebsch from www.aussieweb.com.au (one of the largest and most successful Australian local directories), he had this to say:

There are two major issues regarding local search.

Matt Cutts from Google says that the two most important things a web site owner can use to increase the chance of increased organic listings is to:
1. Be found in local search; and
2. Have a blog.

As for local search, only two services are web 2.0 – i.e. “free” and these are Google Maps and AussieWeb.

The future regarding local search, with the advent of things like the iPhone, is local search on mobile.  www.AussieWeb.mobi will be launched next month and Google offers local search for mobile now.

So I guess what I am saying is “One of the major factors for SEO for businesses with a physical trading address is the inclusion in web 2.0 local search engines, i.e. AussieWeb and Google Maps and that the future trends clearly show local search for mobile as an evolving platform.”

List your business for free at Aussie Web.

Google's local search
Google's local search gives business owners the opportunity to list their business to show in local search results. No doubt you would have noticed more map listings in the search results pages – these are drawn from Google Maps and gives people the chance to localise their searches along with getting location-based map results with their query.

Having your business listed in Google's map results widens your net in your online arsenal in driving targeted traffic to your website.

How to list your business in Google Maps
Google has a local business centre where you can add your business details to show in local results.

Go to the Google Local Business Centre.

Once you've logged into the Google Local Business Centre you will come to a screen that looks like this:-

This is where you can add new listings (you can add multiple listings if you have stores in different suburbs or other businesses) and edit any existing listings you may have.

You will note the third column gives you some basic statistical data on the amount of impressions and views your listing has had.

What's the difference between impressions and views?
Impressions are how many times your listing has been shown to a user whereas the amount of views you have are people clicking on your listing.

Adding a new listing
Adding a new listing will bring you to a screen like this:-

This is where you will add all your business details. Be sure to fill out as much of the form as you can as this will help people when considering your business. Obviously when it comes to the description make sure you put descriptive text with keywords you're trying to target as this will help you in ranking for more keyword terms.

As you fill out your information, the map to the right will change depending on what suburb, address and information you add in. Essentially Google is giving you a real time update of what your listing will look like.

Click on the next button and you will be taken to a screen like this:-

This is the section where you can fill out details such as:-

• Category (if you're a plumber or dentist for example)
• Hours of operation
• Payment options
• Photos
• Videos
• Additional details

There are some pretty interesting options in this section. You're actually able to add photos and YouTube videos to your listing if you wish. This is very handy if you have a visual product or want to show people your business or product.

Next is the verificaiton process:-

This is where you can choose to verify your details by three methods:-

Phone
Google will call you and an automated message will give you your verification details.

SMS
An SMS will be sent to your mobile listed in the previous screen with your verification details.

Postcard
A postcard will be sent to you with your verification details. Please note this option can take up to 2-3 weeks.

When you recieve your verification code you can add this to your listing and it will become live and look like this in Google Maps:-

If you have any questions about how to use Google Maps and local search, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .