The value of a Google local listing has hit and businesses are competing hard for a top ten spot in this coveted area next to the Google maps that shows on so many pages.  It’s no surprise since Website owners discovered several years ago that text ads next too pictures got more clicks than other links.  Being top ten means getting valuable business and not being there is a lost opportunity.    Unfortunately there are a lot of myths out there about how to get into this space.

GoogleOptimizing.com puts forward the following two myths.

“There are other outside factors that you and not us must handle. Such as becoming a member of your local chamber of commerce and being on the online local area phone directory if you are not already. If you are already then your not looking at any additional cost factors.”

The truth is that neither of these are requirements.  It doesn’t mean that they aren’t possibly good ideas for your business but they aren’t the factors that will make or break your listing.  GoogleOptimizing states  “Our fees for this service [Google maps listing] is $815.00″   Of course, $299.00 of this is for another myth they’re putting forward whic is a Yahoo directory listing.  That’s right this is a myth, you don’t need a Yahoo! directory listing to show up on page 1 of Google Maps for your business.