It seems almost certain that local search will become more important as Google and other search engines improve their ability to accurately display local listings when they are relevant to search queries. One of the easiest and least time-consuming things that local businesses can do to drive targeted traffic to their website is to add or verify their local listing in Google. Here's how it's done:
1. Search for your business - Begin by going to Google Maps and searching for your business. A good way to search is to do "[business name] near [location]". For example, I searched for THAT Agency near West Palm Beach. When your listing appears, click more info.
2. Click Business owner?
4. Click Edit my business information and then continue.
6. Now, you'll be taken to you business listing management screen where you'll be asked to fill in information about your business such as the location, description, website, email, business category, hours of operation, payment types accepted, photos, videos and more. Here are some quick tips for filling in this information:
When you're finished entering your business information, click the Submit button at the bottom of the screen.
7. In the final step you'll need to verify ownership of your listing. In this step, Google gives you the choice of verifying by phone or verifying by postcard. Both are easy to do although verifying by phone is much quicker.
That's about all there is to adding and optimizing your listing in Google Local. As time passes, you'll be able to track results through reports which can be found in your Google Local Listing Center. Best of luck!