If you’re a process server or private investigator and you’re not listed in Google’s local business directory, you need to be. You’ve probably seen the directory. It appears at the top of the page (under sponsored listings) when conducting a search that includes a city by name or a zip code. If it doesn’t appear yet for your city it will sooner or later because it’s expanding at a phenomenal rate.

If your business is already listed in the directory you can unlock your local listing on Google and make changes to the information, to do so click on “more info” next to your business listing and then click on “Business owner?”. This will take you to Google’s business center where you can sign up to edit your listing. Authenticating you as the owner involves waiting for Google to send a letter to the address on the listing with a pin number.

Getting listed in Google’s business directory is easy. Click on http://www.google.com/local/add and sign into your Google account.  If you don’t have an account click on the “Sign up now” button. Once you’ve logged into the business center the screen below will appear. Fill out all of the fields shown (you can make changes later if you need to). Make the first category you choose the category that best describes your business. Be careful on adding additional categories, you don’t want to get busted for spamming your website across categories not related to the services you provide (listing your process serving firm under “attorneys” might get some hits but it’s a bad idea).

If Google finds that your listing is already in their directory you will be given the opportunity to claim it on the next screen. After that you will be taken to a screen where you can review your listing and add additional information. This includes entering a list of details about your business…. use this section for short items like “Licensed & Insured”, “Nationwide Service Available”, “Court Services”, etc. You will also have the opportunity to add photos. The first photo you upload is the photo that will show up on the list when people are browsing listings in your area (use your logo here).

Once you’ve completed the above Google’s computer system will call the phone number used in your listing and give you a pin number that’s used in the last screen shown below. If you fail to get the call simply click on “request verification” as seen below and Google will call your phone again.

Now that your done it’s a wait and see game as to when your firm will start showing up in the directory. Once you do appear you’ll notice there is a section where customers can leave a review. Send clients a link to the page where they can post a review: