About Local Business Referrals
Local Business Referrals Home | About the Program
  1. What is the Google Local Business Referrals program? How does it work?
  2. Why is Google doing this?
  3. Who are the Business Referral Representatives? Do they work for Google?
  4. Can the Business Referral Representatives who visited me help me with Google products like Gmail?
  5. Is the Maps listing really free, or is there a catch?
  6. I haven't been visited by a Business Referral Representative yet - can I request a visit?
  7. I know someone who'd make a great Business Referral Representative. How can they sign up?
  8. AdWords sounds interesting – how do I get my $25 coupon try it?
  9. Who do I contact with questions or comments about the Business Referral Representative or the program?

  1. What is the Google Local Business Referrals program? How does it work?

    The Google Local Business Referrals program helps local businesses gain more exposure and customers through free online listings on Google Maps. As part of the program, Google Business Referral Representatives visit businesses all over the U.S. to collect key business information and take a few photos.

    The representatives then upload that information to Google, and we send businesses a postcard with the information collected so they can verify its accuracy. After verification, the information will appear for free on Google Maps. You can update your business information and photos at any time online through the Google Maps Local Business Center.

    Google Maps lets people search for and locate businesses on a map that also shows information such as address, phone, hours of operation – and even photos of the business.  If you run a business, all you have to do is verify the information the representative collects and your listing will go online for free. No charge, no commitments, and nothing else to do.

  2. Why is Google doing this?

    Google wants local businesses to be easily discovered by people using our products. And we want their information to be accurate and complete. That's why we have a team of Google Business Referral Representatives visiting businesses to collect their information. These representatives also help businesses learn more about how they can use Google to gain more customers and greater exposure online.

  3. Who are the Business Referral Representatives? Do they work for Google?

    Business Referral Representatives are not Google employees; they are contractors who live in your area and want to help businesses get the most out of Google's local business offerings. They will collect your business information so it can appear free of charge on the searchable online Google Maps product. They'll also share printed information with you about Google Maps, and about our targeted Google AdWords advertising program that can help you promote your business online.

  4. Can the Business Referral Representative who visited my business help me with other Google products like Gmail?

    Our representatives may have some knowledge of Google products, but they're not trained to provide support or assistance. Their role is mainly to collect your information and briefly introduce you to Google Maps and Google AdWords.

    For additional information and support about any Google products, visit the Google Help Center at http://www.google.com/support/ or email the support team for that product. You'll find a 'Contact' link on the product site.

  5. Is the Google Maps business listing really free?  What's the catch?

    Yes! It's totally free. And there's no catch. You don't even have to be an AdWords customer to get your free listing. All we ask is that you help our Business Referral Representative collect accurate information about your business (such as hours of operation, address, phone, types of payment accepted, etc.), and let them take a few photos for use on Google Maps.

    After that, we'll send you a postcard with your information – once you verify that it's correct, we'll add your business to Google Maps, and customers will start finding you more easily. That's it!

  6. I haven't been visited by a Business Referral Representative yet - can I request a visit?

    We may not yet have a Business Referral Representative working in your area yet, but could have one soon. In the meantime, you can go online and add your business information to Google Maps by visiting http://maps.google.com and clicking the "Learn More" link beside "Add or Edit your business" on the left side of the page.

  7. I know someone who'd make a great Business Referral Representative. How can they sign up?

    Please have them visit www.google.com/local/referral, where they'll find everything they need to sign up.

  8. AdWords sounds interesting – how do I get my $25 coupon to try it?

    Great! Once you've received your postcard with your business information for verification, visit the coupon page and you'll find all the information you need to redeem your $25 coupon for AdWords.

  9. Who do I contact with questions or comments about the Business Referral Representative or the program?

    If you are a business, please tell us about your experiences with our Business Referral Representative by emailing us at lbr-feedback@google.com. You may also email us at lbr-business@google.com if you have additional questions or comments about the program from a business perspective.

    Queries from prospective representatives should go to lbr-support@google.com. Answers to common questions about the program (for prospective representatives) can be found at http://www.google.com/services/local-business-referrals/repfaq.html.