If you operate a local, brick-and-mortar business, you will want to check out Google's Local Business Center (LBC). No doubt, consumers have learned about your business through a Google search, or found directions to your location through Google Maps, or both. In fact, the use of Google Maps has been rising quickly and steadily over the past several months, according to data from Compete.com. Increased usage means that it's critical to not only be listed, but that information is accurate and descriptive of your business. With LBC, you can take control of that information, and see detailed reporting about how customers are finding your business, where they are coming from, and more. By using this information, you can tailor your offerings, provide relevant experiences based on consumer expectations, even offer coupons. According to the official Google blog, here are a few of the options from Google's LBC:

• Impressions: The number of times the business listing appeared as a result on a Google.com search or Google Maps search in a given period.
• Actions: The number of times people interacted with the listing; for example, the number of times they clicked through to the business' website or requested driving directions to the business.
• Top search queries: Which queries led customers to the business listing; for example, are they finding the listing for a cafe by searching for "tea" or "coffee"?
• Zip codes where driving directions come from: Which zip codes customers are coming from when they request directions to your location.

Begin by claiming a new listing, or optimizing your existing business listing here.