People ask me all the time what is one of the top ways to enhance their online presence? The first two words that come out of my mouth is Google Places, now called Google Local or Google+ Local (Thanks Google for making that easy to explain).
Google Places is simply the local listings on Google Maps. You have probably seen them 100 times and either never really noticed them or didn’t know that was actually a Google products called Google Places. What Google Places allows you to do is to essentially create a Yellow Books listing (remember when those things were popular) so when people search for a product or service that matches your business, it will show up.
Now you may be surprised to know that you already have a Google Places listing on Google Maps, and while that is great you need to make sure YOU verify and claim it. By simply claiming the listing you can attach it to your online presence. After Google recognizes that you have claimed the listing and it is attached to your website you will see the benefits from it right away!
For starters, it helps having another platform attached to your website. So not only does Google analyze your website, but also will analyze your listing that is attached. Second, you make sure that all of your information is correctly displayed the way you want it to reflect your business. You may find that you have duplicate listings and this will consolidate it one. And finally it will actually place the Google Places listing under your URL in Google search results. This means that you are taking up more real estate on the page and really stand out.
I HIGHLY recommend anyone that has a business and/or website to create or claim their Google Places listing today!
Ben Theis
