Apparently the Google maps business listings has a community edit feature.  Each business has the opportunity to claim their listing – in much the same way a new business might submit their business into Google maps.  Many of these businesses are simply listed as a service, but it is up to the business themselves to claim their listings.

But, how many small business owners are even aware that they need to do this?  And, why should they even be concerned?  After all – they have a nice listing that displays prominently at the top of the search results page.

Well, if your business listing isn’t claimed, it is open to be edited by anyone in the community – which means you stand to lose your listing when your competition edits the information to point to their own business site.

It is such a simple thing to do to claim your listing, but unfortunately many small businesses just don’t think that the internet plays a big role in their marketing, so they aren’t keeping up with what is changing and going on.

This can be a big mistake.

If someone edits the information to a business, and directs it to their own, your business stands to lose many potential customers.  Not only that, but it doesn’t show much professionalism when a simple business listing is not correct – but the competition is showing up with their listing and their own website.

Even if small businesses do not think that the internet plays a big role – they need to do their due diligence to be sure they are keeping up with trends to be sure they are not left behind.  The internet is here to stay – and there will be much more emphasis on marketing online in the next few years.  Those that get in first will be established and have their foothold on the market.

So – if you are a small business who has been content to know that you have a listing with Google maps, make sure you go and claim your listing!  Or, if you don’t have a listing yet, go ahead and create yours.  Then the information is correct – and you don’t need to worry about anyone making changes but you.  All it takes is answering a few questions about your business, then verifying with either a phone call or a postcard in the mail.

But, it can make a huge difference to your bottom line.

Go now to the Google Local Business Center.