Map Locator
When filling out the listing, you will be asked, “Does the business location look correct to you?” Next to the question appears a map showing a marker where MapQuest pinpointed the business address.  Take time and make sure the location is accurate; if the location is incorrect, now is a quick and easy chance to fix it.

Use the business listing tool to move the map markers for your business location. The blue icon reflects the location of your actual building and the red icon is what MapQuest uses to calculate directions.

To get started, just click on the map. From here, you can drag the marker around until the correct location has been found. The marker can be placed anywhere, even if the location is a mile off the main road, the marker can go there. This is helpful for customers who may not know there is a long driveway or access road to the location.

Ensure Accurate Directions
Click the next button to edit the access point to your location. MapQuest uses this icon to calculate directions.  This is helpful if the road to the building is in an unexpected location or if businesses prefer to direct people to a parking lot. The red marker with the car can be moved, but unlike the Map Marker it has to be placed on an road.

MapQuest’s Map Marker Locator tool is ready for businesses to use and map out their location. Companies can update, move, and zoom until comfortable with the marker location and know that every aspect of their listing is correct. Improve and update your listing today at listings.mapquest.com.

What that means is a 25-cent-per-gallon price decrease saves the average driver about $4 per week, based on driving 20,000 miles per year in a car that gets 25 mpg. Depending on your car and driving habits savings could be even more.

MapQuest has a way to find the best savings with MapQuest Gas Prices. Just enter your address and it provides a map of your area with the current gas prices listing from lowest to highest. The results stay updated to show you where to find the best pump everyday. You can also use this site to check out the highest and lowest gas price in the U.S. or take advantage of the gas price calculator.

For more information on National Gas Trends go to AAA’s Weekend Gas Watch.

Getting Started
To get started on the Local Business Center, you must first claim your business. Make sure that MapQuest has the correct information for your business location, or choose to add a new listing if it doesn’t already exist. Once you have claimed your business, it is time to enter in your basic company information. This is your opportunity to obtain free marketing and show consumers why they should choose you.  Check out our short video tutorial for more tips on how to get started.

Business Listing Name
When entering the company title for your business listing you want to make sure it reflects what your business does. It should be the exact name of your company or organization – no “nicknames” or added tag lines are needed. When people are looking up business listings on the map, this is what will be bolded when they put their cursor over your business location.

Business Listing Details
The main key here is to have all of the company information correct and clear. Be sure to double-check the phone number, website, reservation website, hours, and credit card listings for accuracy. None of this information should be a part of the title; instead, it will be in the ‘more info’ section that a visitor will see when they want to view more details about your business. The time to be creative is in the business listing description.

Business Listing Description
This is the place to market your business and where you want to be creative and concise. The business description should have your competitive advantage, and explain what you do, who you are, and why customers should seek out your business. You want to limit the amount you write while also providing enough detail to showcase your business. This is where you need to take the time to add those SEO keywords about your business to add to your search engine ranking.

Success Story: Gasthas Eichler
Gasthas Eichler, a boutique hotel in Colorado, has all the key qualities of a successful business listing on MapQuest.com. It has a clear, accurate title and the listing has all of the important company information for customers including correct address, phone number, reservations site and website. It has a great description of the business with its competitive advantage and information about specific offerings and amenities.  This listing provides enough information to spark a consumer’s interest when booking a hotel.

In our next blog post of this series, we will give you more tips on creating your business listing.  To take advantage of this free marketing now, just go to listings.mapquest.com and enhance your business listing today!

Eventful supplied us with over 350 star spangled events for you to choose from; whether you want to head to a local event or plan a road trip, there is something for everyone. Once you have chosen your destination, you can get directions and send them directly to your phone, GPS or car using the ‘Send To’ option.

The 4th of July is a time to spend with family and friends so don’t miss anything by getting lost or stuck in traffic. You can view traffic conditions using the ‘Live Traffic’ option and find the quickest route so you can be front row for the parade and not miss the fireworks display!

We would love to here how you spend your holiday so don’t forget to share with us on Facebook and Twitter.  Hope you have an explosive 4th of July!