Get listed on Local Search engines for Free

Getting listing in the Local version of the major search engines is an easy way to increase the visibility of your business. You don't need to have a web site to get listed.

Step 1: Get your info ready

The easiest way is probably to prepare a text file with your info that you can copy and paste into the submission form. You'll need:

• Your business name
• Address
• Phone number
• Web site address
• A brief description of your business – include your keywords.

You can choose up to 5 categories to be listed under. Google also lets you upload up to 10 photos. You may want to upload your logo or representative photos for your business.

Step 2: See if you are already listed

Go to each site and search for your business name or category in your zip code to see if you are already listed. Look at the listings already there to get an idea of what your listing could look like.

• Google Local link: local.google.com
• Yahoo Local link: local.yahoo.com
• MSN Live Local: https://llc.local.live.com/BusinessSearch.aspx

If you do see your business already listed, click the "Edit" link on Google. the "Add it" link on Yahoo.

Step 3: Get listed

You'll need to create an account for each search engine if you don't already have one. You can come back later to edit your listing.

Google Local
Here's the link:
https://www.google.com/accounts/ManageAccount

Once you've created an account, go to "Local Business Center" and just follow the instructions to add a new listing.

Yahoo Local
Here's the link:
http://listings.local.yahoo.com

After you create or log into your account with Yahoo, you just enter your details. Yahoo doesn't require confirmation.

MSN Live Local

You'll need the same info: business details, description, & photos.

Here's the link to see if your business is listed:
https://llc.local.live.com/BusinessSearch.aspx

While you are entering your site details, you may notice that some of the Local listings contain ratings (stars) & reviews. You may have also noticed that many listings had no review.

Make your listing stand out by getting yourself some stars!

Get good rating or review by asking for one!

Anyone can enter a rating or review for your business. Contact 5 (to start) of your best customers and ask them to give you a review.

• Ask people you are fairly certain will give you a favorable review.
• Provide a link to make it super easy for them.
  Surf to your Local listing and copy & paste the link into your request.
  • On Google: Click on the more info link in your listing. Then click on the Link to this page link just above your listing and copy it. Or click Send to send email directly from the page
  • On Yahoo, click on your business name to bring up your listing details. Then copy the address from the location bar of your browser.
• Ask for specifics. How exactly did your product or service help your client?
  Examples: solved their problem, saved time, you paid attention to details, high quality product, made work easier, etc.
• Remember to thank people who have contributed a review.
  

 Feeling Awkward?

If you have trouble asking for what you want, here are some suggestions.

• Ask for help. Most people are happy to help someone who has been helpful to them. Many are flattered you value their opinion.
• Reward positive reviews with a coupon, savings or free promotion.
• Suggest a review exchange. You review their business; they review you - you both win!

Keep it honest

• Solicit honest reviews. In your request, let them know you want their honest opinion.
• Don't be tempted to write your own reviews. People can smell fake endorsements a mile away!