How to get your Website Listed on Google

Google is a powerhouse when it comes to search engines.  Businesses should make it part of their mandatory marketing practice to insure the business is listed and the search ranking is as high as possible.  For business managers who are new to the internet, the terms and processes to set up a listing on Google can be a bit confusing.  Thankfully Google has good step by step instructions to help this process.

First, you should have a basic Google account established.  This service is free and you get a Gmail address once the setup is completed.

After your Google account is set up, go to www.google.com/places where you can add your business.  When you choose to add your business you will be asked for your business phone number so Google can determine if there is already information available for you to verify.  This can be handy, but also scary for some business owners who may not have realized there was already information published on the internet.  Google will prompt you to review the information and edit it.

Next Google asks you to add your company information including address, the type of business, products, services, email and website.

Finally there is a PIN verification step that you can perform over the phone.  This validates that you are the legitimate business representative for the listing.

Now you’re finished and your website is listed, correct?  Not exactly.  While you are now listed in Google, it is important how your website is ranked and how you can improve your rankings.

Google and other search engines utilize a very elaborate algorithm to review websites and rank them based on keywords that can be searched by anyone.  For example if someone searches for “flowers in Georgia” a local florist in the state of Georgia would prefer to be at the top of the list of results, not necessarily the picture of a lady named Georgia with flowers in her hair.

To get the best search rankings, review your website to make sure that all of the articles, blogs, and detailed information have consistent keywords that relate to the business.  You should use a variety of keywords so that regardless of the terms searched, your business can be found.  In our example “flowers in Georgia” the business owner may want the website to include the keywords “floral arrangements”, “roses”, “holiday flowers”, “Atlanta Georgia” and other words related to the business products and services.

It is important to note that listing a rambling list of keywords is no longer the way to get high rankings.  The Google algorithm and review process has become very intelligent and can detect these types of “fake” websites.  The keywords you use on your website should be woven into a logical series of articles and information.

If a business struggles in finding the right combination to get better rankings, there are many SEO (search engine optimization) marketing providers available that can help businesses with their Google and other search engine listings.  You can also read about more things to help aid in your website promotion efforts.