By using Google’s free search tool for local listings, Google Places, you can climb to the top of search results for local searches.
Google Places lets you provide essential information about your business, as well as a brief description, images, and directions, so that prospective customers can find you more easily.
To use Google Places effectively, it’s crucial that you ensure the information in your listing is correct and up to date.
Here’s how to set up a Google Places listing for your business.
Step 1
Go to http://www.google.com/places/, find Get your business found on Google and click on Getting started.
! It’s important to use a Google business account, rather than your own personal account. Keeping business accounts separate from personal accounts prevents misunderstandings, as when local customers in search of the the location of your store end up knocking at your home door.
Step 2
Once you sign in with your business email, enter the phone number of the business, the one actually used at the physical location of your business. Make sure the phone number is valid.
Step 3
Enter your business as a new listing, or select it from the list.
Step 4
Next you have to fill out all the information related to your new listing. This is essential to boost local traffic with Google Places. The more time you spend on filling the listing information, the better the listing.
Consider the search terms that people may use to discover your business, and sprinkle them through the listing description. Try to think of the people who know your business exists, as well as of those who don’t, but who may be interested in what you have to offer.
- Add several relevant images and videos about your business. The higher their quality, the better. For each photo and video add a relevant description, preferably one which includes the keywords used by your business.
- Select multiple categories.
- Select as many payment options as your business supports.
Step 5
Verify your listing by mail or by phone. Verifying by phone is much quicker.
5 Tips When Using Google Places
- Sprinkle keywords throughout your business description.
- Don’t add a keyword to your business name. The name in the listing should match exactly the name of your business.
- Create a Google Places listing for each of your locations.
- Ask your customers to leave feedback on your Google Places page.
- Use Google analytics to monitor your Google Places business page.
Benefits
By setting up a Google Places listing for your business, you’ll boost your Google ranking for local searches, making it easier for locals to find your business. Hence, a significant local traffic boost is likely to follow, as a result of increased local searches. A Google Places listing will also consolidate your online presence, making your business look professional.
But even more than a local traffic boost, you’ll get more local customers: Google says that today, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online.