If your business relies on local trade then it’s a no brainer to get your business listed on Google Places. If done correctly it will most certainly guarantee that you will receive top, page 1, listing on Google without having to spend any money on expensive pay per click campaigns or SEO companies. For example, if you Google ‘Bishops Stortford typing’ you will find that Arc Virtual Assistants gets top listing. Ooo er.
Another great feature of Google Places is that it allows you to create coupons which visitors to the page can print off. A great way to get customers through your door.
There is also a great dashboard which provides useful activity graphs, impression count and top search queries. From here it is also possible to post information about events, specials and more to your place page.
Google Places says
Local customers are already searching for the products and services you offer. Why not make it easy for them to find you on Google search and on Google Maps? Google Places is the place to start.
Whether you run a single dentist’s office or dozens of coffee shops, manage all your listings from a single account.
Use Google Places to edit your listing whenever and however you like. Your Google Maps results will be updated in a few weeks, not next year.
I’d love to read your comments if you have have used Google Places or is this the first time you have heard about it? Please comment below.
If you need help setting up your Google Places account please do not hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to help you.
Hi Alison, nice article you are absolutely right Google Maps is a essential if you are a local business. It is also important you now get a expert to do this for you as SEO is now a factor in your Google places listing since November last year, so if you are in a competitive industry locally you can quite easily lose a top 7 page 1 listing if your site has no SEO. It also gives you a competitive advantage if you know this as your competitors may not. Google are changing the rules weekly at the moment as they split test different things so it is important to consult an expert on this. Also watch out for Google Boost which is now being tested in a few cities in America, this will be sponsored map listings where you can pay a monthly fee to have a top map listing. Its highly likely they are going to roll it out everywhere soon.