Get Found in the New Google Places

In the ever-changing world of SEO, and the constantly changing world of Google, local search has taken a front row seat. The past year or so has seen a growing emphasis on local search engine optimization and businesses being found in search engine results pages (the SERPs as we like to call them) in the area known as the Maps section (also known as the 10-pack, the 7-pack, or the 3-pack, depending on how many local listings Google decides to show…).

Announced this month, Google has made some changes to their Maps service, now known as Google Places, so read on below for some tips on how to make your business appear there!

1. Claim your listing! The simplest way to get started, type your business name or address into Google Maps and verify that you are the business owner so only you can make changes to the account.

2. Fill in all the blanks. Once the listing is claimed, make sure you fill out all the form fields they are requesting – the more info you can provide, the better.

• Description – Provide a nice description with your service or product offerings, and anything that sets you apart from your competitors.
• Category – Fill out all 5 categories, and split them up between categories Google has provided and the ability to create your own category.
• Photos and Videos – Have them? Add them! Add your logo to the photo section, and any other images you may have. Pictures inside your local spa? Restaurant entrees? New car models available on your lot? Have you created a how-to video you’ve posted on YouTube? Get ‘em in there! NEW – if you don’t have images, Google now offers free photo shoots for interior buildings in select cities. You can apply for that here.
• Additional Details – this is where SEO can play in. If you know what keywords your website wants to get ranked for, and the location you want to be found in, add those in there. Some examples might be:
  • Services offered: Restaurant Delivery, Chicago Food Menus
  • Locations Served: Chicago, Illinois
  • Cars Available on Lot: BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series

3. NEW! Service Areas and Location Settings. Google has changed this section to allow businesses to not show their location address, but to show the distance from a certain location or to list areas served. This allows businesses that don’t have a brick and mortar location, but serve certain areas, the ability to be listed in Google Places.

4. Add a QR Code to your location. From your Google Places Dashboard, you can download a QR Code, which is a bar code that is unique to your business and can be placed on business cards, marketing materials, etc., and scanned with a smartphone, taking a visitor to a mobile version of your Places page. You can get a QR code here.

5. NEW! Real time updates. Google has now given the ability to add real-time updates to your Places page – for example, promote a sale or special event. You can also switch out coupons whenever you want, right from your Places dashboard.

6. Review your analytics. Take advantage of the analytics reporting Google Places offers, and make adjustments to your verbiage based on who is coming to your page, and if they are taking advantage of your special offers.

Now go get found!