The Hilltop Blog

It's possible that you've never inspected one of the most popular ads for your business. A default Google Local Business Center listing likely exists for every business and organization. That listing is what shows up on Google searches and Google maps, both of which are increasingly used by people on the go thanks to the proliferation of smart phones like the iPhone.

After a few steps to claim your listing -- by going through a short verification process -- a listing can be customized with a description and hours, even photos and video. New features report back how many times people are requesting directions and from where potential customers are coming.

Google suggests the following tips:

• Include optional information like images and videos to help your listing stand out.
• Add information like opening hours, payment types, and additional details to help users choose among search results.
• Make sure that the location of your business on the map is correct so users can find you. Remember, you can always drag the map marker to the exact location of your business.
• Make sure to list your authoritative business website as your homepage, since Google uses information from your homepage to help improve search results.
• Of course, be sure that your business name, physical address, and phone number(s) are correct in your business listing.

In Montgomery County with Toby Beach: Social Networking Explained from Tom Wanat on Vimeo.

Social Media experts Tom Wanat (Hilltop Consultants, Inc.) and Tony Marciante (Visions Restaurant) join In Montgomery County's Toby Beach for a look at the latest in social networking, including Facebook and Twitter.

Do you know someone with a cookie-cutter Web site? Or worse, no Web site? <gasp!>

An increasingly common entryway for viruses into Windows XP computers has been via a visit to an infected Web site. Recently some big name Web sites have been compromised, including Variety and Coldwell Banker. A Google security blog recently said it was tracking more than 4,000 Web sites that were distributing malware.

Tom Wanat is going to be famous!  Well maybe not famous, but he will be on Cable TV. 

Tom Wanat and Chef Tony from Visions Restaurant will be on Comcast Public Access Television as guests on "In Montgomery County" with Toby Beach.

They will be talking about using Social Networking as tool to grow your small business.  This show will be taped a few days before Chef Tony, Tom, and I are moderating the Social Networking discussion for the Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce.    We will post a link to the video for those of you that do not have Comcast.