If you’re just starting an SEO campaign, there are a few basic things you should do: fix META info, internal linking, content, etc.  Often overlooked, however, is the rather simple task of registering your website with Google Maps, which can provide free advertising, high rankings, and bring traffic to your site.  Especially useful for brick-and-mortar businesses, a listing on Google maps allows you to register your site for local searches.

Recently, I began optimizing a website for a local yoga studio, essentially starting from scratch.  While my client is aware that SEO can take time, one of the first items on my list of things to do was to add his site to Google maps, and after a few days of being listed on Google maps he’s already brought in some clients.

A simple task and a beneficial one, all websites should be listed with Google Maps as soon as possible.

Geoff Hoesch is owner of Dragonfly SEO, a Baltimore SEO company.