Google Places for Business – How to Take Start?

Are you exploring to read information about google places for business? With the rise of smartphone use in the US (Google Android and iPhone are currently reporting roughly 500,000 activations a day ), it’s more important than ever to have your Google places listing up to rush because when people use voice search on Android phones, the first results they see are from Google local.

Let’s start with a few facts. Did you know that?

• 73% of all online activity is associated with local content. (Google)
• 82% of local searchers catch up with a phone call or show up on your doorstep. (TMP/comScore)
• 66% of Americans use local search to locate local businesses. (ComScore)

Another aim to take Google Places seriously is the recent changes and enhancements that were rolled out. Now you will notice the map with local businesses rises above the ads on the right side. Also worth noting is that the local listings rise above all organic search results and have taken up more space, pushing the organic listings further down the page.

With the fresh Google launch of Hotpot, Google is entering the local recommendation space. Hotpot consolidates Google Places, the places you like, and the places your supporters like making it even easier for people to make decisions about which local businesses to patronize.

Not surprisingly, marketing on Google Places has become very competitive. It used to be you could fill out your business listing on Google and see it in the seven-pack a few weeks later. Now, if your listing doesn’t have a 100% score, you can skip about being listed in the first seven local businesses that Google presents for local results.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is the dashboard where you can control all the information Google provides about your company when the public looks for it or the services you offer in a Google Search or Maps. In a nutshell, it’s what people concerning about your business when they search for your business, or companies like yours, on Google.

From the kind of business you are to a phone number, website, directions, pictures, and reviews, Google helps you get exposed locally (and anywhere, really). It’s a free and single way to attract visitors and build your credibility as a business. Think of it as more than just a company listing; however, it’s also a place where you can connect and engage with customers and prospects. Best Google Map CITATION Service

Just as you spend time making your physical business engaging to visitors, you need to do the same with your online “shop window” — and Google My Business helps you do it.

By going through some easy steps to claim and verify your business, you can keep your company information updated and manage its online presence more effectively. That way, anyone typing your company name into Google search will quickly see your complete profile and accurate information.

What is Google Maps?

Most people who’ve ever used their smartphone to get directions are familiar with Google Maps and its navigation feature. You’ve probably also experienced the frustration of “arriving” at your destination only to realize you’ve been led down a creepy and deserted dead-end road. Or is it just me? Recalculating!

When you claim your business listing utilizing Google My Business, you can edit your business information, including your correct address, contact information, and even photos. When someone accepts the Google Maps feature, they can find you more easily.

Tips for Setting up Google Places for Business

Setting up your Google My Business profile in conjunction with Google Maps is very easy; it’s free, and there’s only one place to edit, update, and add all the data about your business! The first step, though, is to sign up and verify your business listing.

Once that’s out of the way, you’re probably wondering, what information should I enter in Google My Business? Everything! Remarkably: the more, the better. You want your prospects to find you and get in touch with you as quickly as possible.

Make sure the following data is included on your Google My Business profile:

• Hours: Registering your business hours, including the days you’re closed, is critical! You don’t need your visitors to wonder if you’re open or, worse yet, call your opponent because they don’t know if you’re available.
• Phone number: Include your original number, plus mobile if applicable, for your direct marketing/PR or business development contact.
• Address and directions: Your address will be represented on Google Maps by a pinpointing precisely at your building. Google’s directions feature allows anybody, no matter where they are, to follow the fastest route right to your location in one click. You can upload a photo of your company, so people know they’re in the right place.
• Website and details: Following the Info tab of your account, make sure you include your website so visitors can quickly learn more about your company and its products and services. All your other business details are listed there as well, so fill out as much knowledge as you can.
• Categories: You can help narrow people’s searches by accurately categorizing your business. Choose the main category, but also select others that describe your company. For instance, our primary Google category for any group which is Marketing Agency, but we’re also listed under Web Design, Marketing Consultant, etc. You’re limited to picking from categories that Google has listed and can’t create your own. Choose wisely because, while you can edit it later, it may need verification again.
• The categories you select in your Google My Business info are also crucial for Maps when people are searching for businesses like yours near them or in Wisconsin, for example.
• Pictures or virtual tour: Listings with photos and a practical tour are twice as likely to generate interest, according to Google. Enough said.