Why is it important for a business to be on the Google maps?

Each year, more and more people use Google and Yahoo “local maps” to do their local searches for products and services, instead of using the old fashioned yellow page books. For a business, being found easily (and attractively) within the local Google internet maps is growing in its importance. This is because Google searches, account for approximately 75% of all online searches and…

40% of all online searches have local intent

82% of people using local search sites followed up with an offline action, e.g; in-store visit, phone call (TMP Directional Marketing)

89% of consumers making in-store purchases in key categories have conducted research online (BIGResearch)

The internet influenced as much as $500 billion in offline purchases in 2007 (eMarketer)

In spite of these important trends, many businesses are still unaware the Google Places Listings exist. Once aware of this little “secret”, most businesses told us they were “intimidated” by the task of updating the listing themselves, and that they lacked the knowledge of how to optimize it correctly. Unfortunately many continue to delay taking action and continue to lose out to businesses who show up easily on the Google maps. Because of these dynamics, an opportunity developed to offer our unique service of affordably “optimizing” internet map business listings BETTER and FASTER than a business could do themselves.

What advantages does being on the Google Maps have over the traditional yellow page books?

For the web surfer the advantages are many:

The internet maps are served quickly and noticeably on most keyword searches that mimic the same popular categories found in yellow page books (i.e. computer repair).

The internet maps provide quick and handy info that is visible on first glance – including telephone numbers and links to the business website.
The Google internet maps have links to additional important information like business hours, representative photos, Youtube videos, and even driving directions.
Online map listings on Google can ALSO have “customer reviews”. Let’s face it – the traditional yellow page (book) advertisements cannot possibly compete with Google internet maps.

For the business the three biggest advantages are:

1. The map listings are NOT ALPHABETICALLY RANKED. This means your business is not limited where it shows up (by the first letter of your business name). A huge difference because this means there is a good chance your business can be near the top of the map.
2. You map listing information can be changed at any time. Unlike the yellow pages where your add can only be updated once per year, at anytime you can add new pictures, videos, and text to your Google local maps listing (and if we are maintaining your map listing, we do this for you as part of our service).
3. 3. Lower cost. To have your Google optimized is only a fraction of what it costs for an ad in the yellow pages.

Am I guaranteed to get on the map under they keywords that are most important to me?

No, we can’t guarantee that you will appear on the map under every keyword phrase (example: “Saskatoon Family Denist”, “Saskatoon Dentist”) of your choice within the Guarantee period. However we can guarantee you will have your business listed WITHIN the map data and YOUR BUSINESS WILL show up within the “more results” type links found below the maps. Also, YOUR BUSINESS WILL show when someone searches using your business name and your city and state (Google). Eventually throughout the 12 month period, with our expertise in properly adding your information to the maps will result in your listing appearing on the map under the keywords that are most important to you. The reason we can’t guarantee that you show on the map for all terms within the period is because Google decides this, not us. With that said, we Guarantee that within our 90 day commitment your optimized listing will begin generating new client opportunities, we track and back these claims up with the Google Places analytics that are in place with the account we create for you.

How long does it take to add me to the maps?

Just a few business days are required to get your business on the map and displaying for direct searches by name, keywords results can begin as quickly depending upon the competitiveness of the search term. Of course any delays in your submission of requested materials will impact this timeline.

Can I use my credit card to pay for your service?

Yes you can purchase our services directly through our site, all processing of payment is handled by PayPal in order to provide a wide range of payment options securely providing you with piece of mind in your online transaction.

Your local map service is for 12 months – so what happens after that?

If you want us to maintain your map listing after your first 12 months, an annual fee (per listing) equal to 75% of your first year, is due on an annual basis. This allows you to send us updates for your map listing year after year, and we will also notify you of anything we see that could improve your map listings as the features change.

Are you owned by, or do you work for Google?

No we are not owned by these companies and we are not compensated by them in any way. We are a privately owned business providing a convenient, helpful, and effective service to small and medium sized businesses who understand the importance of Google online local mapping features.

Once I get on the maps, can I expect a lot of new business to come from them?

This really depends on how “active” the keyword searches for your type of business are. In most cases the activity is modest at first – but as the internet continues to grow in usefulness, your search activity will grow over time. In some cases, suddenly being seen on the maps has an enormous effect on calls, walk-ins and new business. They key is to get on the map right away and make sure you provide us with access to information and pictures that can enhance your listing, and encourage your customers to “review” your business.

If I am already on the map, how can you make my listing better?

Most listings that are already present on the maps are not optimized to effectively get customers make contact with you. This is because people surfing the we are often clicking back and forth from web searches “doing research” – and if your listing looks plain or uninteresting to them, they will continue to search for a business that gives them what they are looking for. GLSPro specializes in making your listing look its absolute best. This is done by what we call “maximizing the information” that is present in your listing making it stand out from the competition’s listing. Maximizing information includes adding your company logo (if available), additional representative and attractive photos, youtube videos already online, and important “customer reviews”. When this is all done, the effect on an optimized map listing on a potential customer is much better than most businesses can do for themselves.

If Google will put me on the maps for free – why should I pay to have someone optimize it?

While it is true that many businesses are on the Google maps already at no cost, the issue is really not if you are on the map but rather – how well your map listing performs for your business.

First, if there is incorrect information then it won’t perform well at all (because customers can’t reach you).

Second, if you leave something out that could make your map listing perform better – what we call un-optimized, and you lose new business because of it – then what is that loss worth to you?

GLSPro.com discovered that most businesses do NOT HAVE THE TIME to learn how to expertly add themselves to these maps and so the cost of having an expert do it is considered very fair and and an even bigger convenience.

If you think about it it’s just quicker and almost always better to have a professional do something so important. .

How do I add customer reviews to my listing?

Simply start to ask your customers to give you a review. You can do this by telling them to search for your map listing (using your keyword phrase or company name, city and state or province) and click on the “Write a review” link found within the listing details. In order to give a review you must have a corresponding Google account. These accounts are free and many folks already have them. The key is to start asking. Once your business has three or four positive reviews you will have an edge over your competitors listing which may have none.

How can you optimize my business which is located hundreds or even thousands of miles away from you?

We can currently optimize almost any business address located in the US or Canada. We do not have to live or work in your city to optimize it because our work is done through the internet. In fact, most businesses will not have someone located locally who can expertly do what we do. Some folks do have to mail us pictures and information but most already have the info we need on their website. So again, almost everything goes through the internet. This speeds things up and keeps costs down.

How does your “No Risk” guarantee work?

We guaranteed your business will be added to the maps you ask us to. If after 90 days we cannot show documented interest in your services via the Google Places listings in the Google 7-packs, Google Mobile Search, Google Maps, Google Earth etc. then we will refund your investment

How does your service cost compare to advertising in the regular “Yellow Page” books?

Most Yellow Page book ads cost a few hundred (and possibly thousands) EACH MONTH. On top of that, the YP sales people keep coming back EACH YEAR with a price increase (unless you buy more!). And before you thought it could get any worse, each year less and less people use the physical “phone book” type yellow pages. Yellow Page response rates are drying up as most people now learn use the Google maps and local search to search for goods and services. So when you compare their expensive monthly cost to our low ANNUAL cost, there really is no comparison at all!

Why just Google? Aren’t there other important maps to be found on?

In general when it comes to web search Google holds a majority percentage over all the competition combined, simply due to it’s ability to provide users with more relevant results to the search queries being entered. When if comes to MOBILE SEARCH – Google holds an amazing 98% market share. The truth is that by focusing our Guarantee on Google it allows us to aim at the largest most valuable due to size, and while we do not guarantee performance with Yahoo and Bing the fact is that they are usually quick to follow with picking up the similar results when your listing is optimized.