1-800-Goog-411 has recently graduated from Google Labs to become a full-fledged Google product. It’s a free service that allows anyone to call in and find local business information.

However, what becomes more important than the service itself, is how to make sure your business is listed.

Google Local Business Center

If you have been wondering how other businesses appear on Google Maps or in the search results when you are searching for a specific location, then the Google Local Business Center is your answer.

Why should I list locally?

Local listing is the next frontier for the search engines. They have the game down pat for web-wide searching, but when it comes to finding something in your area, they do not perform as well.

However, Google is trying to stay the leader of the pack by introducing new technologies and products that relate to local searching.

What this means is you have additional ways to be found, outside of natural and paid search advertising.

What about phone books?

I can’t honestly remember the last time I used a phone book, before I looked something up online first. …And I can guess that I’m not the only one.

Here’s an example: Yesterday I needed to buy a mattress (true story), and I did a search for “mattress store san diego.” There were three local search results that came up with a Google Map at the top of the search listings. Guess which one I picked? That’s right. The one that was closest to me with enough information and pictures on their site to make me feel comfortable knowing that I would be happy shopping there.

Because that mattress store was listed on Google Local Listings, they made an additional $530 that would not have come in otherwise.

What’s your point?

The point is that times are changing, and local search is coming to the web. Either you get there first or your competitors do. It’s free and easy to set up, so no matter which way you look at it, it’s a good idea.

Ok, how do I get listed?

1. Go to the Google Local Business Center and login or create a Google account
2. Fill out as much information as you feel comfortable with
3. Remember, the more information your potential clients can access before they move on to your competitor’s listing, the better chance you have of securing that business
4. Upload images of your location and your logo
5. Include your hours and the types of payments you access
6. Once you complete your listing information, Google will call you and all you enter a pin code they give you to verify this is your number and business.
7. Once your company is listed in the Google Local Business Center it will also be available in Google Maps, and 1-800-goog-411.