Up Close with Google Maps & Local at SMX West 09

First class of the first day! WooHoo! Here are my notes:

• www.getlisted.org
• www.google.com/local/add
  

• Google frowns on virtual phone numbers in the Google Local listings, such as Kall8.
• Reviews and videos are a must!!!
• Reviews will not improve your rankings but will increase your phone calls.
• Have landing pages that link to references and/or citations, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Google/Yahoo profiles.
• Free call tracking in Google by setting up an audio campaign in AdWords but you don't have to go all the way through to get access to phone numbers.
  

Three main points:

1. Manually verify your listings in Google Local Business Center; don't bulk upload!
2. Build separate landing pages by location. Include location-specific information such as links to complementary spots. For example, if you are McDonald's in Utica, then link to the local bowling alley or movie theater.
3. Reviews, reviews, reviews! Collect email addresses and send follow up emails with a link for your clients to post reviews about your products/services.