Google Places and Your Local Company

We have all noticed the changes in Google search engine results pages lately and if you have not claimed your Google Places entry you should do it today.  Google has been working towards dominating local search and the fact that Google Places entries are showing up in the regular results shows us the future of local business online. 

The updated Google Places entry now has evolved into an equivalent of a Fan page – almost.  .

Businesses can post descriptions of their business, photos and video and can post updates or special offers to their customers.  Customer reviews are posted and they can be responded to as well as both mobile and print coupons can be offered to bring in sales. 

The best part is it is FREE!
If you already have a Google account then you should claim your Google Places page to help get a better ranking and more traffic to your website.  If you don’t have a Google account then click here to sign upThe second part to ranking well is to have to optimize your Google Places Page.

How To Optimize Your Google Places Entry

1)      Add up to 10 images and at least one simple video.

2)      Create some custom fields that are relevant to your business

3)      List your business in at least a few directories.  Yelp.ca and HotFrog.ca

4)      Get reviews by your customers.  These can be done on review sites like Yelp.ca or directly on your Google Places page.

5)      Use the Places Posting feature to announce sales and events. Click on the Coupons tab in the top left corner of your screen, then click Add new coupon.

These are the basics every business should perform. If you would like to know more about how to drive traffic to your website call Web Wizards Inc. at 989-5664.