How to list your hotel in Google Maps

: Image by bluman via Flickr

As a hotel marketing manager, it’s your job to make it as easy for potential guests to find you. And with many people using Google Maps to find local businesses, it’s an important place to be. Listing your hotel is quite easy:

1) Search Google Maps and check to see if your hotel is already listed – many are. (If the information currently in there is incorrect, you can change it by following these same steps.)

2) Prepare the basic information on the hotel you’re listing, including the address, contact information, payment information, and a picture of the hotel (if possible).

3) Visit the Local Business Center, and sign in with your Google account.

4) Follow the directions to enter your information.

5) Choose a verification method. Google can call you or mail a postcard to your address. Either way, you’ll enter a PIN number to confirm your entry.

After verification, your listing should show up within 48 hours. Once it’s up, make sure to encourage guests to rate you on Google.

There is no charge for listing your hotel in Google Maps, and service currently works in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Japan, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, the UK, and the United States.