Google Places – what is it and why is it important for small businesses?
Google Local, Local Search, Google Local Business, Google Places – whatever its name, it’s been around for a while now, although this year has seen many changes.
I was recently approached by Karen Skidmore of the WebTechClub with some questions from her members about how Google Places works, and whether it was important for small businesses.
The answer is a resounding YES, especially if people in your local area are searching for your types of services.
The main questions that the WebTechClub needed answers to are the following:
- A lot of people have heard about Google Places but have no idea where to actually go about finding it to set one up. Can you describe what we mean by Google Places and what they mean to small businesses?
- How do potential clients use Google Places to find you? (ie how do they end up coming up in internet searches)
- What sort of businesses should be thinking about setting up a Google Place … and aren’t they just for bricks-and-mortar businesses?
- What are the main things that a small business owner needs to actually do when setting up a Google places account to make sure it “works”?
The recording of my interview with the WebTechClub can be found here – although you do need to be a member to listen in.
Get Your Google Places Page
The main point to focus on is if you have a business that would benefit from local customers, and/or on the flip side, if your potential customers search locally for your services, then you need to get or review your Google Places page pronto!
Google is focussing more and more on showing relevant local results for relevant local searches, and the results returned are sometimes taking up nearly all of the space on page 1. So if you want to be found, you need a good Google Places page.
Getting a page is simple – you need a Google account and a physical location, and that’s about it!
Check first as to whether there is already a page for you (do a search for your business and your location in Google Maps – if you see your business listed with a red pin alongside, that’s your 
Google Places page). If there is, click on the Places Page link, then the Business Owner? link (top right of the page) and take the steps to verify who you are. If you do no
t currently have a page, go to www.google.com/places and set up your page.
Your next step is to complete as much information as you can for your business – take advantage of all the information you are able to add. Ensure you add relevant keywords into your description, and make sure you enter 5 categories – you can create 4 of your own if Google doesn’t have ones that are relevant to you.
And, critically, make sure the address you provide is the same as on your website (if you work from home and do not want your actual address to show on your Google Places page, you are able to hide it in the process of setting the page up).
Last year, I posted an article on how to get the most out of your Google Places page – however 2011 have brought many changes, so next week, I will be posting an updated article on how you can improve your listing and get the most out of it.
[UPDATE 13 Sep 2011: the updated article can be found here: Google Places SEO - improve your local business ranking - an update]
Get your listing sorted and set up now, and check back next week to learn tips on how to improve it and make it as good as it can be!
All the best – any questions, just let me know below, and I’ll be happy to help!
