The Google map listings that show in search results are in response to a search that Google has determined is local in nature. The keywords may have included a city or zip code, but other techniques are used by Google to make this determination.

When the map listings show, you will want your business to be listed first! Like the website results, Google attempts to determine if your listing is relevant to the search and how much authority it has. But with local search it also makes a difference where your business is located. All else being equal, businesses in the center of the city get higher rank on searches that include the city name. Google will verify your address and they do not consider PO boxes. In fact the more consistent your address is listed in local directories, the better.

Due to the lack of speed in obtaining a Google Maps/Places listing, you should consider search marketing with AdWords. A search marketing campaign with text ads can often begin showing in 1 day! The ads from the campaign show at the top and right of the search engine result pages.

These ads can be targeted to show only to local searchers. Google automatically shows local map results and one of the ways it determines if a search is for local business is if the name of the city is in the search. So when you are choosing keywords for your AdWords campaign, you should include the city name with the keyword phrases where appropriate. This way your ads may show on pages dominated by map listings.

Consider also the services of a search marketing professional to create and manage your AdWords campaign. They will be able to organize your account for lower click costs, research competition, determine relevant keywords and write ad copy.

When you do finally obtain a Google Map listing, it may be buried at the bottom of several listings by your competition. Getting a better rank may be similar to web page SEO with the added impact of your place page. Certainly place pages with more content and reviews tend to rank higher. Be sure to take full advantage of all place page features, including uploading photos and encouraging clients to post reviews.