Google Places Optimization

These are the 7 Google Map listings that appear when doing a search for local businesses. According to Google, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online. Listings are free for any business that has an actual physical location that they publish. Only businesses that make in-person contact with customers qualify for a Google Places listing.

Google Places listings will appear in addition to your normal website listings. You can see an example of this in the image below (green boxes). Best of all, your business listing is free. Go to Google Places to get started on your business listing.

How to complete your Places Listing

1. Business Name: This should be your legal business name. Avoid trying to use extra keywords here.
2. Business Location: Use your actual physical address. Do not use PO Boxes. Do not create multiple
3. listings if you service multiple areas from one location. Instead designate service areas.
4. Phone: Use a local phone number that connects to your business location. Avoid using toll free numbers.
5. Website: Provide only one website that best services your location.
6. Categories: You can select up to 5 categories that best describes what your business is. Start by selecting the best categories from the drop down. You can use your own keyword driven categories, but try them first by doing a Google search followed by your city to make sure a map listing will appear for that keyword.
7. Description: Use the description fields to include additional information about your listing. It is OK to use keywords here. You can do the same with the custom attribute field.

Make your Places listing as complete as possible. Answer all Questions on the entry form. These include hours of operation and methods of payment. Upload images (up to 10) and videos (up to 5).

If you would like us to complete your Google Places listing for you and then optimize it, we will do this for $497.