Google Places & Marketing

Are you utilizing Google Places? If yes then kudos to you, if not keep reading. Google Places, you may not recognize the wording but you recognize the search function. It looks a little something like this:

I am sure most users of Google Search have seen a Google Places profile now and again. What good is it though? Well for starters:

• Provide custom information for a business to be displayed in search results boosting SEO
• Designate a location for a business to be found on Google Maps
• Embed images into the profile
• Link to a current website and Youtube videos
• Create "offers" for visitors which work like coupons
• Track statistics

There are many more benefits of creating a Google Places profile but one key thing to remember is that it is free and increases web traffic visibility. It serves almost as a very basic website itself, providing relevant information to visitors efficiently and quickly. Poke around a Google Places profile of your choosing and see all the various types of information that can be displayed.

So you are convinced you need a Google Places profile, but how difficult is it? In short, it is quite simple. Creating a business listing is as easy as filling in the blanks and uploading some images if you choose. The only somewhat tricky part is the final step to publish a listing, the verification from Google. You are given two options, one is to receive a postcard from Google with your pin number on it, the other is to receive an automated phone call to the number on the business listing. Choosing the phone call is instant, so  have a pen and paper ready as soon as you hit submit. After you input the pin you are set!

Utilizing Google Places in any marketing strategy only makes sense. You are given a page to fill with great info that increases search engine standings, and it is free. The only reason not to create a listing is if you DO NOT want to be seen in searches and well, who knows what kind of business that is. For some more info on Google Places follow this link to the Official Google Blog.

If you you are interested in marketing with Google Places and need a hand, please feel free to contact Spring Above Marketing, we would be happy to help.