What Google Local Search Means to Small Business

10 Pack Listings:
Google’s local maps search results are commonly referred to as the “10-pack.” They are the first 10 listings that appear in a initial search. An example of 10-pack listings can be seen here:

Note that they are not necessarily locally-owned, locally operated, etc. Rather, the term "local" in this sense is purely geographical.  We recommend using Colorado Local First to search for local businesses that meet meet the former criteria.

Moving onward, getting your company into these local search results has been an effective way of generating website traffic and leads for small businesses in the past.  Just in law search results alone, Mike Blumenthal speculates that these new local results are going to give about 61 times more exposure for local lawyers that appear for generic searches in their geographic areas -something a solo outfit never had a chance to do for “national” or “generic” terms before.

What were the changes that are causing this boost in small businesses’ potential online visibility? What does this mean for you as a small or medium sized business person?  (read more on David Mihm's search engine blog)

Ensuring that Your Business Has a Google Listing:

If your local company is somehow not listed with Google, there is now a site available where you can upload your information. Add a listing via Google's Local Business Center. You will be able to upload photos and videos, specify categories, payment options, and business hours, and much more.

Why add your listing with the Local Business Center?

It's simple: the Local Business Center gives you the most control over the way your business listing appears in Google Maps. Since more people search for businesses online than anywhere else, it's important to make sure your business listing can be easily found on Google.com and Google Maps.

My business already shows up in Google searches. Should I still participate?

Yes! When you submit and verify information through the Local Business Center, you provide the most authoritative information for your business listing.

You said Local Business Center. What else is there besides listings?

I could type all day, but I think that this video summarizes the plethora of features offered.

Okay, I'm convinced.  Where do I go? How do I do it?

Check out the Local Business Center User Guide for details.