Google Maps Optimization is becoming such a powerful compliment to general SEO strategies because of its ability to attract local consumers searching for general services (such as those provided by CPAs). In fact, anyone who goes to Google.com for the purpose of searching a general service at the local level will notice that the first generated results are Google Maps. Did you know, unlike Sponsored Links, that getting your firm listed here is free? Aside from increasing the visibility of your company, this also serves to increase your general search ranking and overall credibility of your company. The constant growth and use of personal hand-held devices with internet access has also helped to expand the popularity of Google Maps Searches.

In the past, the amount of work required to effectively build an online identity for a company meant that it was often solely utilized by large companies who typically work on a national level. However, this process has become attainable for small local companies, and the use of search engines at the local level has become increasingly popular. To register your company with Google Maps, it only takes a few minutes of your time to fill in some information at Google’s Local Business Center at www.google.com/local/add. Those few minutes can go along way in growing your business.

Once you register, there are a few key factors to how Google will rank you favorably on that Maps feature.  One major factor is having a website for your accounting firm (almost all firms listed in the feature have one) and having a close proximity to the area in which someone is searching.  Once you have launched your website, also consider building incoming links from other areas, such as your local chamber of commerce page or a local business directory Web site.  These helpful hints, in addition to registering for the service, will propel you on your way towards high Maps listings.