How to Get Your Local Business on the Map with Google - Bruce Clay (5:56) Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Web Marketing Today - Nov 2, 2010

In this video interview SEO expert Bruce Clay discusses what's involved in a local business showing up in the map that appears in Google search results, known as the "7-pack" or the "10-pack." A local business can get started by going to Google Places and doing a manual entry.

Google draws on 22 other major certified data sources to confirm data, and a business entry in each of these acts as a "vote" for that business -- so long as there are no data errors or differences. If all data sources have the same business name, street address, and phone number, Google will accept that without having to go through Google places.

One problem, however, is that errors can creep in. For example, there are several ways to spell "First Street" wrong. Competitors could also place data for your business with intentional errors, so it is important to "claim" your business's own listing with Google Places to protect yourself.

Bruce Clay Inc. is a California-based company with offices internationally, known for SEO, that also serves customers with Pay Per Click services, analytics, social media, conversion analysis, etc. Bruce Clay, Inc. is offering a new product called LocalPack that will list a business in each of these data sources and maintain that listing. This interview was recorded at the Search Engine Strategies Conference in Chicago, October 2010.