Google Adds Mobile Search to Maps
Another reason your small business should not only be on Google Maps but optimized for it: local search for mobile. Google is making it easier for people to find businesses on their mobile devices. Get this right and your business will show up when people come looking.I’ve written about how people are going online to find local businesses like yours they have the “Yellow Pages” on their phones. It doesn’t matter if they are locals or just on vacation or visiting, you want to be sure you’re found. It’s now easier to find locations on a mobile device (think iPhone) thanks to the new mobile local search. Customers will be able to find your business hours, read reviews, see photos, and even get coupons. To make it easier for people and cut down on typing, Google has listed categories. For example, someone wanting to find a local movie theater can easily go to the ‘Entertainment & Recreation’ section and execute a search. Local Search for Mobile is limited to users in the U.S. and China. Give it a spin: http://www.google.com/m/local, or click on the Local tab on http://www.google.com – and if you need assistance with your listing, check out our Maps Optimization service. We’ll make sure you’re in directories like YellowPages.com and other local directories for the terms people are most likely to use to find you.
