As geographic searches are increasing via smart phones and updates to the google search website, it is critical that your business has an optimized and claimed Google Places page with up to date information.
Google places are now an important part of the search process, displaying on the search pages giving your business more presence on the web
The first step of the process is to claim your Google Places page. After you have claimed you page by either verifying/claiming a current listing or by creating a new one, the verification process is quite easy. You will have the option to verify your business by phone or by mail.
Barker Design's Google Places Page
Optimizing Your Listing
To begin, add your businesses basic information including the business name, address, phone numbers, website address, and other items like business hours and categories.
- Business Name – Add your business name as it is represented in the offline world. Don’t include taglines, phone numbers, URLs, or other words that aren’t in your official business name. Don’t try to be “tricky”. Learn our more by reading Google Places’ Quality Guidelines.
- Address – Add your address (no PO boxes are allowed). Use the actual address and not things like cross streets or local terms for your location. There are enough tools like directions to help the user find your location. If you have multiple physical locations create a listing for each location. If you have just one physical location but you service multiple areas or cities, there is an option to add your services areas. Do not create “fake” location for each service area.
- Phone Number – Add your phone number. It is better to use a local phone number rather than a call center number or 800 number. You can add these later as alternative numbers.
- Web Site – Add your website URL. If you don’t have a website you can still have a Google Places page. Don’t use redirect pages or special landing pages. Again, keep it simple and don’t try to get fancy.
- Business Categories – Select your business categories. You can select up to 5 categories. Make sure your first one is an option suggested by Google and is the one that best describes your business. Continue with the other categories with either a Google suggestion or your own keyword. The more accurate you are categorizing your business the better.
- Company Description – You have only 200 characters to write your business description. Include your services and try to use your keywords, but don’t use keywords to the detriment of being clear and concise. If someone asks you what your business is and does, your answer is what you should say in the company description.
These are just the basics to get your Google Places page started. You should also look at claiming or creating your location pages on other services such as Bing, Yahoo Local, Yelp, and other location based services.
Barker Design is experienced in helping your company create a successful Google Places page and creating great websites with mobile functionality to help convert visits to leads. Contact Barker Design at 303-843-0766 or send us an email.
