Oct 15, 2010

Benefit from Higher Exposure On Google Maps / Google Places

As a local marketing firm, we not only develop websites but help promote businesses with multiple technologies. One often overlooked area is to sign up for Google Maps / Google Places. Even those who are "on" Google's map, often doe not have their listing optimized for best results. 
For marketing and promotion help, including video production, simply call our firm at 877-858-0071.
Here are 7 Ways to get the Most Benefit from Google Maps / Google Places
Google has recently changed its algorithm for Local Business Listings by only giving the top spots to those feeding the search engine’s ever increasing need for content. Keep reading to learn what are Google Local Business Listings, what’s changed recently, as well as how to optimize so your local business is on top of the map.
Google Local Business Listings are different than organic or pay-per-click listings. They typically only show up when the user types a service oriented business followed by the city for their search. A map from Google Maps appears alongside 3-10 URLs with a phone number by each. If you need more than ten listings you can click in “More Results from ‘Insert City’ “ and you’ll be taken to a map with alphabetically lettered red pegs for each register business on Google Maps.
It seems over the last year being listed on Google Maps and/or Google’s Local Business Listings is becoming even more important since they are being displayed more often in search before organic listings even start.
How To Benefit from Changes in Google's Local Business Listings’ Algorithm (Google Places)
1. Photos -  Add as many photos as you can and a company logo.
2. Multiple Reviews - It’s important that these be from real customers. You can not have too many. Don’t fake them either, it’s easy to catch fake reviews. Just as with Amazon, people trust products with lots reviews that have kept above three stars.
3. Use Keywords in Company Description - They offer an area where the business representative can describe what the company offers.
4. Use Keywords in Company Name - Don’t be deceptive by changing your company name, but if your keywords are in the extended business name or LLC, make sure this is the name in which you register.
5. Add a Coupon – Google allows printable coupons to be added by your listing.
6. Create links to the listing – Add a link from your homepage to the listing and encourage current customers or website visitors to review your company.
7. Add Videos -- If your company already has videos on YouTube you can place them right there for free on your google local "places" listing. This is yet another reason why our Video Production services increase your profits through a video business profile.
We welcome the opportunity to serve you, so call us at 877-858-0071.