Get Your Local Business Listed in Google Places

If you are a local business owner you may be overwhelmed with the thought of how to market your business just so people walk through the door. It’s true, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of ways to market your business these days.

One simple way to start marketing your business is by claiming your Google Places listing.

If you’re not familiar with Google Places, these are the business listings that show up within a Google search that are also on the map.

Verify Your Listing

To get started, go to www.google.com/places. Choose the Get Started option to get your business found on Google. You will need to sign in with your Google account but you can always create a new account if you don’t have one yet.

Enhance Your Listing

Help your listing stand out above the rest by adding as much information as possible.

1. Pictures – you can add up to 10 pictures. Take advantage of this! Tell the story of your business by showing your products and your people. One tip: pictures of smiling people will go a long way!
2. Videos – you can add up to 5 videos on your listing. Give people a tour of your business. Ask customers to provide testimonials.
3. Coupons/discounts – with Google Places you can create a coupon that will be found only on your Places page. This is a great way to engage with your customers.

Once your listing is complete it needs to be verified. You may have the option to receive a phone verification or receive a postcard through the mail. Once the verification is done your listing will be complete.

Extra Credit

1. Your customers have the ability to leave reviews of your business on your Places listing. The more reviews people see, the more popular your business could become.
2. Keep track of your reviews too. You have the opportunity to respond either privately or publicly to any reviews on your Places listing. Set up Google Alerts to stay on top of what’s being said about you online.
3. Check out Panoramio.com. You can add a picture of your business on this site (another Google site) and your picture may be chosen for Google Earth.

For more tips on using Google Places and other ways to market your local business, Spark Local Marketing has a solution for you.

Google Places · local business marketing · local internet search