Google Places: 5 things you should do.

Tools:
Computer
internet access
YOU WILL NEED A GOOGLE ACCOUNT


1.) Claim your Google Places Listing
How do you do that?
Search for your business, if it shows in the local listings group click on the link,  otherwise click map.
Next find the write a review and click. Above map on right should see  Business Owner Click that.
Next you need to Verify your Google Places listing with a pin number that is given by telephone, or via postcard

EXAMPLE Search for:  eugene aesthetician
Why Claim?

  • One of the best ways to get your business found on Google.
  • Ensure Google contains correct information about your business.
  • Increased activity for local searches
  • Link your website to your Google Maps listing.
  • Allows customers to easily create step by step driving directions.
  • Allows customers to leave reviews and interact with your business.
  • Allows you, or others, to add pictures to your listing.
  • Gives you a competitive advantages over other, non-claimed, listings.
  • Keep it from being sabotaged! 

2.) Google's Places - Online Reviews

Why?Increase the trust of your business online and a great way to trump your competition in local search resultsYou can Bet Google is taking your reviews serious even if you don't even know your getting them

Study by SEOMOZ People Naturally Gravitate to the Local listings (Google Places)
heat-map.jpg

When you do ask for reviews, try and ask if they can be descriptive as possible in the first sentence.  Name Droppers, please go review the business in the group you have worked with!


3.)Location based keywords in your listing

Using our example "eugene aesthetician"
Add the keywords :

  • eugene aesthetician
  • waxing
  • facials
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Local owned and operated
  • Liz Sake
  • skin care
  • etc.  

Careful not to keyword stuff. Sprinkle them throughout your discription too.Make sure it reads well for a human or it maybe too spammy for Google, and you may get penalties.


4) Create Keyword Rich links back to your Places Page
where: On YOUR WEBSITE,  review sites, yellowpages, merchantcircle.com, yelp, angieslist, and on FB business page, LinkedIn, etc.


5.) Add video if you have it and Images with keyword alt text and/or name of photo  up to 10 images.
Display before and afters for services, images of location, food, design work, products etc.