Google Places is a feature on Google Maps that allows business owners to manage and edit their physical business location information. People use the internet to find businesses more than any other source, so it is vital as a business owner to utilize this free resource. This is an overview of how to setup your place page.
Claim your Business
The first step is to find your business listing on Google maps and claim it. (If there is no current listing there, you will have to create a new listing.) Once you have found your business listing, click on the “business owner?” link at the top of the page. You will see a page like this:
Select “edit my business information” and hit continue.
Optimize Your Business Information
Fill in your relevant business information into the forms. Try to include your relevant keywords where applicable. Be wary of trying to stuff keywords into your business name. Google has specifically warned against this unless the words are in your true business name. Google has information on their website outlining quality guidelines to help you stick to the rules. Try to read over these tips before completing your listing.
Verify your Listing
Once you have completed your listing, you will need to verify that you are the rightful owner. There are three methods to do this; phone call, letter by mail, and SMS. All three are not always available to a particular listing. There is no way to know which options you will be offered until you have created your listing and then hit the “verify listing” button. For example, if you open a new business in a location where a business resided previously, there is a high likelihood that their Google business listing is still active. Since there is a conflict, Google may only allow you to verify by postcard.
Manage your Account
Now that you have an account created, you need to stay current on the information provided. Check on your listing often and update as needed. If you are having trouble with your listing, utilize Google’s Support Page for assistance. Next week’s SEO Tip of the Week will focus on some of the advanced feature of Google Places.
