I had a couple of questions after my last post about Google places, so I thought I would discuss it a bit more.
OK…So you’ve done your research and decided that a Google Places listing is the next obvious step in modernizing your business’s marketing scheme. Now it’s time to set up your Places page and optimize it so you can get the best results for your efforts. There are a number of ways you can create a Places page for your business that will get noticed and that will yield customer return. Your Google Places listing should include these five things:
Your business name, exactly as it appears on your business license. Do not attempt to add keywords, taglines, or URLs to your business name in order to get more hits, as Google is smart to this practice and will boot you off for it. That means that if your business’s name is “Speedy Recovery,” you must list it as such, even if you know a title like “Speedy Document Recovery and Retrieval” might get more hits.
Your business’s location. You must use a physical address. Post office box listings will be removed by Google. List the exact address, rather than street intersections, and avoid including anything in the address lines that does not pertain to your address, such as keywords, URLs, or taglines. If you have more than one location, create a Google Places listing for each location rather than attempt to include more than one address in the listing. If you are mobile and have a service area rather than a business location, then use the address of the central office or business headquarters.
Contact information. Provide a working telephone number for your business, where someone can be reached during business hours. Additionally, include your company’s website and email address.
Business Categories. Google will allow you to choose up to five categories for your business, but you are required to choose at least one. Choose simple, general categories that will return the most hits. Customized category names are less likely to be included in searches.
Compelling business description. Take care in writing up your business’s description. Include keywords, but only in a way that will flow naturally for readers. Be sure to impart your business’s purpose, as well as what makes you stand out amongst others in your industry. Upload photos and videos to support the business description. Remember that the way you present your business on your Google Places page is what will either drive customers to your business or away from your business and to the competition.
Congratulations on making the smart decision to claim your Google Places page. Now you need to make the most of it. Contact us, businessname, where optimizing your Google listing is our specialty. We can be reached by phone, at 888-840-6414, or email: cheryl@crackerjack-consulting.com.
Google Places
Related terms: Google Maps, Google+ Pages, Facebook Places, Google Plus Forums, Google Positive SMB, Google+ Profile Picture Size, Google Places API, Google Places Categories
Related posts:
Twitter
CrackerJack Consulting
Facebook