If you have been considering using online video for your local business, then now is as good a time as ever!

Google have announced that they have added the ability to include YouTube videos into Google Maps and Local Business Listings.

The news was broken by Julia Li, Google Maps Strategic Partner Manager in the LatLong blog and she gives us an example of a bakery in San Francisco which has already taken up the feature. The example is shown below:

Li explains that “local business owners can easily add YouTube videos along with other content such as business details, photos, and descriptions to their listings. To do so, simply upload your videos to YouTube and ensure that the ‘embed’ option is turned on. Then, associate your video to your business listing through the Local Business Center.”

The videos are then displayed and can be viewed under the “Photos and Videos” tab.

This is certainly a great initiative by Google as it will no doubt add value for local businesses who have local listings in Google Maps, especially if you can include an independent video reviewing your business- a great recommendation opportunity.

If you are yet to harness the potential of a listing in Google Maps targeting your local area then why not try our Local Search Listing, which will not only have your business listed in Google Local, but also 45 other local search engines including Yahoo! Local, Yellow Pages & more.

Related posts:

• Americans Averaged 39 YouTube Videos in November
• The Secret Behind Popular YouTube Videos
• YouTube Finally Launches Video Statistics
• YouTube Launches Anti-Piracy Filter
• Google Coming to a Gas Pump Near You