How to get your website above the regular
results on Google - without paying for it
For many businesses, it is very important to be listed in
Google Maps. If you offer a service or a product that is relevant
to a special area, you might miss many visitors if your website
is not listed in Google Maps.
Your website can be listed on page one, above the regular
results
This summer, Google changed its algorithm so that the search
results automatically include local results if relevant:
"We like to make search as easy as we can, so we've
just finished the worldwide rollout of local search results
on a map, which will now appear even when you don't type in
a location. When you search on Google, we will guess where
you are and show results near you."
These local results are often displayed above the first regular
result on the result pages:

If your website is listed in the local results, it will be
listed above the regular results on that page and people will
also see the exact location of your business.
Quick access to your company information
If web surfers enter your company name in Google (for example
"cafe habana, nyc") they will get your company information
at the top of the search results, above all other results
on the page:

As you can see, Google will also show user reviews about
your business in the results.
How to get listed on Google Maps
You can submit your website to Google Maps through Google's
Local Business Center. Login to your Google account and click
"Add New Listing" to enter your company information.
How to optimize your Google Maps listing
There are several things that you can do to get a better
listing on Google Maps or to make your listing stand out.
You can enter your business information in Google Maps for
free but to be listed at the top of the list, you have to
optimize your entry.
Enter as much information as possible about your company.
Include important keywords in your description. Also add information
about opening hours, payment types, etc. Choose the best possible
category for your website.
If possible, include images and videos to help your listing
stand out. The more information you provide, the better.
If your business location is in the center of the town, it
is more likely that it will appear at the top of the list.
Submit your website to other local directories. Google Maps
compiles its local results by crawling and parsing data from
other online directories and databases. A good position in
online yellow pages can cause your listing to be placed higher
on the list.
Tip: you can use IBP's directory submitter to submit your
website to Google Maps as well as to many other directories
and local search pages. Start IBP, click on "Submission
> Semi-automatic" and choose "Directories >
Local Search" in the list.

The more local directories list your website, the better.
Optimize your web pages for local content. Add your city
and state name in your web page title. You can also use local
meta tags to tell search engines the location of your website.
IBP's website optimization editor can add regional meta tags
and meta GEO tags to your web pages.
Get positive reviews. Encourage your website visitors to write
positive reviews about your company on Google Maps. More stars
can mean a higher position.
If you follow the tips above, your website will get a good
listing in Google Maps. Do not spam Google and describe your
business without exaggeration. Include your keywords in your
company description but don't overdo it.
In addition to being listed in Google Maps, it is important
to be listed in the regular results on Google. IBP's Top 10
Optimizer can help you to get your website on Google's first
result page for the keywords of your choice.
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