I understand that small operators can struggle for time and resources to register a domain name and build a simple website, but in this case it may be costing them business. An inexperienced web user could easily be confused and click the web address associated with the ad rather than ring the number of the business they are seeking. Once this sort of confusion arises it is hard to predict the outcome.

The visitor may get very frustrated because the business in the ad is well out of the area covered by the map. I’m not sure of the distance between Croydon (Rainbow Educational) and Matraville (Sand and Stories) but it represents a considerable commute.

Even if yours is a very local, very small, very low budget business, you are, more than likely, appearing on a Google Map and your details will be shown. Here is the minimum you should be doing:

• you need your own web address, which you may already have with a Facebook page or other low cost / no cost service
• claim the Google Plus page for the business and add the web address

Of course, more sophisticated options are available, but costs are involved. Other than set up costs, it may be possible to have your own domain name and simple website for as little as $50 / year. A small price to pay to prevent the loss of potential customers.

Related articles:

• Free websites aren’t all they are cracked up to be (blog.midboh.com.au)
• Every business SHOULD have a website. Are there exceptions? (blog.midboh.com.au)
• Check everything - even the Google Map on your site (blog.midboh.com.au)