The internet has offered us unprecedented ways of finding and distributing information. We have gone past the information age straight to the information overload age. Google has set out to bring all of this information together into one place. You can ignore that fact, bemoan that fact, or use it to share your church with the world. There are lots of ways to use Google to help your church, but for now we’re going to focus on placing your church on Google Maps under the local business search.

Church Communications Pro lays out these four features you can look forward to by using Google Maps.
1. Enhance Your Listing with Photos
You can add up to 10 photos to your church’s listing. Now potential visitors searching for churches in their area on Google maps can see not only your location, but pictures of your church as well.

The other pictures will appear on a tab labeled “Photo” when the visitor clicks on the “more info” link. I’m sure you’re already thinking of all the photos that you would add to present a sneak preview of your church and ministries.

2. Custom Attributes
You now have the ability to add custom attributes to your listing. The description section of the listing is set at a maximum of 200 characters, just about enough for a couple of sentences. Now with custom attributes, you can add informations such as ministries, affiliations, or other locations.

3. Map Editing
The business owner now can change the location of the push pin on the map. Think about that, Google is letting you edit their maps. Actually, they are asking you to make their maps more accurate. Now you can drag and drop the pin to more accurately show your church’s location. Here’s a hint for this little feature. When you move the pin, switch from the default map mode to the satellite view, it’s much easier to see the exact location of the building.

4. Visitor Statistics
A very simple count of how many times the listing has been viewed in the last 30 days. You’ll need to log in to Google’s Local Business Center to see this stat.

It’s all about sharing your church and Google is here to help.
Go here to sign your church up (http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter).
Stay tuned for other ways Google can help you to Share Your Church