This podcast is brought to you by ColDesi

In Episode 141 of the CAS Podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked and underused tools for local business growth—**Google Maps. If your custom t-shirt, embroidery, sign, or promotional product business isn’t optimized to show up in local searches, you are absolutely missing out on potential sales.

This episode explains how to get found online—right when customers are ready to buy.

Why Google Maps Matters to Your Business

Your online presence isn’t just about having a website or social media account. Local search visibility is now one of the top drivers of foot traffic and phone calls for small businesses. According to Brandify and recent search data:

●📍 77% of people use Google Maps to find a local business

● 🚗 25% of searches are done in the car—by people already nearby

● 🏡 59% are done from home—planning ahead for local shopping

● 🛍️ 78% of local mobile searches result in offline purchases

● 📞 61% of mobile users are more likely to contact businesses with mobile-friendly sites

● 💬 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations

● 💸 18% of local mobile searches result in a purchase within 24 hours

● 📈 Searches using phrases like “near me” and “today” have grown over 900%

If your business doesn’t show up in these searches, you’re invisible to people ready to buy right now.

How to Get Found on Google Maps

✅ 1. Fill Out Your Google Business Profile

Formerly known as Google My Business, this is your most important step.

● Add accurate business name, address, and phone number

● Upload your logo and photos of your shop/products

● Add business hours

● Post updates and respond to reviews

● Choose the right business categories

🔗 Learn more: Google Map Pack Benefits

✅ 2. Don’t Stop at Google—Use Other Directories

Google pulls data from other sources. The more places you show up, the more credible and visible you become.

● Bing Places for Business

● Facebook Business Page (complete your profile fully)

● Yelp, Yellow Pages, MapQuest, Foursquare

● Local directories: SBA listings, Chamber of Commerce, city/county websites

🔗 Resource: 50 Local Business Directories

✅ 3. Ask for and Respond to Reviews

● Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google and Facebook

● Respond to every review—positive or negative

● Reviews increase visibility and build trust

Pro Tip: Include a link to your review page in thank-you emails and on invoices.

✅ 4. Keep Your Mobile Experience Clean

With 61% of searches coming from mobile devices, your site must be:

● Fast loading

● Easy to navigate on a phone

● Direct with contact and ordering information

✅ 5. Use Local SEO and “Near Me” Keywords

Include phrases on your website like:

● “Custom t-shirts in [your city]”

● “Embroidery services near me”

● “UV printed gifts available today”

This helps your site appear in “near me” and “today/tonight” mobile searches.

Final Thought: Visibility = Sales

Being listed on Google Maps is like having your sign on the busiest street in town. If you’re not there, you’re missing the chance to connect with people already searching for what you sell.

Take a few hours to clean up your listings, and you could see a huge boost in calls, website traffic, and walk-in customers.