No, this not a list of web design companies in kalamazoo…but YES, it is a good example of what customers might type into Google while looking for a local service, and a good reminder to all local businesses in the Kalamazoo and Portage area to claim your business listing in Google, and other major search engines.

What do I mean by “your business listing?” Simple!…the map location that Google (or other search engine) displays for your business when you search for it.

Depending on the keywords typed, this map information can be displayed along with other non-map results in a normal search, or only displayed when the user is specifically under the Maps section.

This listing gives you an opportunity to list your business name, contact information, description, photos, and other information. In some instances, it may be the first point of exposure of your business to your client, and your first opportunity to connect with them.

Not only is this a chance to make a good first impression, it really is “Step Zero” when beginning consideration of a search engine optimization or search engine marketing campaign. Why pay for search engine optimization services or pay-per-click marketing campaigns if you don’t have the free opportunities accounted for?

Take Action: Claim Your Business

Let’s get down to business! There is much to learn about making, managing, and measuring your business listings, including Google’s own recommendations, and what happens when something changes or goes wrong…but none of that matters until you claim your business.

1.) Go to the Google Local Business Center

2.) Either sign in using a current Google Account (gmail address) or create a new one specifically for the business. I recommend using the latter option instead of using a personal gmail account. If you don’t already have one, just create one for YourBusinessName@gmail.com.

3.) Search for your business under Maps in Google.

4.) Once you’ve found it, look in the little information bubble containing your information and click “Edit”. Right where you click, a new prompt will appear saying “Are you the owner? Claim your business.

5.) From the next page, select Edit my business information.

Claim Your Business

6.) At this point, only enter basic information. Don’t get crazy at this point – you don’t “own” the listing just yet. In fact, it may be wise not to change anything (except for selecting at least one category) at this point and just scroll down and click the “Submit” button.

7.) Now comes the really important part. Hopefully, you are given the option to validate your listing by phone. If this option is greyed-out, you will have to request a postcard which can take anywhere from 1 week to…um…never to arrive. If it never arrives, you just have to keep at it every 4 weeks or so until it does.

8.) If you can validate via phone, the life is good. When you hit finish, Google will send out an automated voice call. In it, it will give you a five digit number you will need. Easy…just make sure your line is open and that everyone at your office knows that you will answer the phone, or to give you the code!

9.) Once you get the code, you can enter it in your local businiess center dashboard for that business. You can add more of your businesses or locations from as well, if applicable.

10.) Add your business information and content!

I may do another blog post in the future about adding content, monitoring and maintaining your business entry. Like all things Google, it can change without notice. Since this can have an enormous impact on some businesses, it is good to monitor and to keep up to date…

…which brings me back to the title of this post….looks like the Ignertia business listing could use some improvement with regards to web design in the Kalamazoo / Portage area…