Your neighborhood is the geographical area that you can realistically work with. You might travel across the country for a decorative concrete job sometimes, but mostly you will want to work where you can go back home at the end of the day.

Setting up an account for your business (no charge) at http://local.google.com is one of your first steps to help people in your neighborhood find you. That account will get you on the Google maps with a description of your business and the contact information. As people use the computer or their smart phones more to retrieve directions or a phone number, being where they can easily find you is extremely useful. The guy they can find has a head start on getting the job. Plan to be that guy!

Google+ goes hand in hand with Google Local. I confess to being a beginner with Google+. I know for certain the profile is available, working for the account holder. There are many businesses who are working with their Google+ accounts to post images, updates and blog posts, just as we do with other social media sites. Aim for the target that you want — getting your profile out there in public.  The direct connection between Google+ and Local is still in development. However, savvy local businesses will be seeking connection with you and will covet a +1 rating from you. Some of them are potential customers who can give the +1 rating back to you.

Social media sites are connections for real people. They work best for your business when you put some networking effort into them. Getting your profiles built solidly is the place to start. Those profiles will work for you as much as they can with as much social fuel as you can give them. Turn them loose in your neighborhood.

If you have questions about your profiles with the Google options, please feel free to ask them at the comments area for this post. Or you can ask at our Engrave-A-Crete Facebook page. Engrave-A-Crete Decorative Concrete Engraving Tools & Supplies