by Brad Mandel, Ad America Internet Marketing & Yellow Page Services

At your next staff meeting, write down all of your services, then write down the number of ways you might search for that service on Google. The final step is to search for the service you provide in your serving area…how many times do show up in the towns you serve?

According to Google, 97% of all consumers are searching for a local business online.

Did you know...?

When an abortion-minded woman does a Google search on her cell phone, Google delivers the “map results” of exactly where she is standing? If your center’s online information is well-optimized, your location will pop up.

Potential clients want to find you. How can they if you don’t have a “places” listing on Google?

First, head to the homepage of Google Places and sign in with your Google account. Go to Google Places, type in your phone number, and edit the information to claim your business listing. Your company information might already be within Google’s directory. It could also be out of date and have an old address or phone number where you can revise or clean it up.

Submit: When you are done, scroll to the bottom of the page and hit submit.

Validate: You will be given an option to have Google call you or mail you a post card to verify your information. Verifying by phone is faster and easier!

Finish: Once you have verified the PIN, hit finish. Your site will now be posted on Google.

• Make sure that your address populates on the map.
• Make sure your category is correct.
• Check to see if your name is listed the same way on other sites.

Congratulations on taking this first step in increasing your visibility online through Google! I say the first step because this is an ongoing process that you are going to need to work on as time continues. Google searches the most up-to-date and relevant content. It is up to you to show Google that you are the best business in your industry.

Having additional places where you show up on the internet helps Google confirm that you are an important business for your industry.