7 tips for getting your small business found online using GOOGLE* Places Help!

When was the last time you used a phone book?

Chances are you’re more likely to grab it as a makeshift booster seat or doorstop than to look up a business!

Online search has quickly replaced the yellow pages.  Now many cities are looking at requiring an opt-out option for phone book delivery.

With about 65% of market share, GOOGLE™ is undoubtedly the “Big Daddy” of search engines and they’ve just made it easier for small businesses with Google Places.

Formerly known as local maps, the Google Places page provides a free listing containing contact information for your business. It uses this information to serve up results for local search and place you as a “pin” on their maps. In fact it’s not unusual to see the Places page listing showing higher in the rankings than a company’s own website. (For more details check out the article on What is GOOGLE Places for Business?)

*GOOGLE is a trademark of Google Inc. This article was written based on research and professional experience. This author, company, and website are not endorsed by or affiliated with GOOGLE Inc.

Claim Your GOOGLE Places Page

The first step is to see if your business already has a Google Places listing.

Just open a Google search bar and type in your business name, city, and state. If you don’t see it listed with a red map pin next to it then go to the left side bar and select “More” and then “Places”.

If you find your listing just click the link to view the actual “Place Page”. This will take you to the web page Google has created for your business. To the right and above the map you should see “Edit This Place” followed by either “Owner Verified Listing” or “Business Owner?” in blue text.

An example of a places page is shown to the right using the term internet marketing Clermont FL.

If you already show as Owner Verified you can skip the next step and move to optimizing your listing.

If you have a listing that says “Business Owner?” you need to verify your listing.

Can’t find your company listed at all? That is perfectly normal for a new business so you will just need to start the next step from scratch.

Verify Your Business Listing

In order to get optimum results you will want to verify your business. Google wants to be sure the listing information is accurate and that only the actual business owner is editing the information.

To verify or create a new listing sign into the Google Places area by using an existing account (like Gmail). If you don’t have a Google Account or want a separate business account just follow the steps to create a new one.

Once inside Google Places complete and optimize the following field:

• Business Name – The legal business name or d/b/a you use for your business in the offline world. Don’t add taglines or extra keywords to your business name in this section.

• Address – Enter a physical address where you can receive mail. Google specifically states you must NOT use a P.O. Box or UPS type box. They are looking for an address where customers can locate you. If you are a home based business that means using a personal address or executive office address. You will have a chance later in the process to select a service area if you want to hide a home address from public view.

• Local Phone Number – Enter a local number with area code rather than a toll free number.

• Website URL – The home page URL for your website (for example http://www.mydomainname.com)

• Business Email – It is best to use an email that goes with your website URL (for example info@mydomainname.com).

• Business Categories – Be sure to use all 5 categories that are allowed. It is best to use categories that already exist.

• Description of Services – Tell users what you do and what makes your business special. This is an excellent place to use keywords in a natural way that is both user and SEO friendly.

• Service Areas – Google understands that not all local businesses serve their customers from a brick-and-mortar storefront. For example, some businesses operate from a home address. Others are mobile and have no central location.

• Hours of Operation – Enter the days and hours your business is open.

• Payment Options – Select the payment options for your business.

• Photos – Add up to 10 photos of your business, screenshots of your website, or other photos that relate to your industry. Use SEO keywords in the photo title tags to boost your results.

• Videos – Add up to 5 videos by uploading them to YouTube and then just copy and paste the URL to the listing. Use geo codes and keywords when creating your videos to improve results.

• Additional Details – Use this section to add custom information fields to your listing. Just be sure to follow the guidelines for custom attributes.

You will have the chance to preview and change your listing. When you are satisfied then select whether to verify your listing by phone or mail. You will receive a PIN that must be entered to finish the verification process.

The phone verification happens within seconds so be sure you are available to answer the automated call.  The verification by mail can take 7-10 days for the letter and PIN to arrive.  Don’t be alarmed if the only option provided is to verify by mail. This usually happens if you are creating a new listing rather than claiming an existing page.

7 Tips to Help GOOGLE Places Optimization

Just like organic search there are some things you can do that will help the ranking of your places listing. Be sure to use these 7 helpful tips:

#1 Complete The Full Listing

Make sure you’ve utilized and completed all areas outlined above to their full extent – like adding coupon offers, selecting 5 categories, and uploading 10 photos and 5 videos.

#2 Utilize Keywords

Incorporate the keywords or SEO phrases a person would use to find your services in the descriptiven areas.

#3 Follow the Policies and Quality Guidelines

There are some “do’s and don’ts” you will want to follow as published by Google. While the main ones have been highlighted, it is a good idea to read through them using the link at the end of this article.

#4 Add Offers

Once your listing has been verified you can add an offer or coupon.

#5 Encourage Reviews

Ask customers and users to provide reviews. If you don’t yet have customer reviews ask someone to review your website or give a personal review. This will help build your trust factor and rankings.

#6 Build Citations

Obtain listings from other online directories paying close attention that all entries for NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) are an exact match for best results.  For more information check out this article on How to Optimize GOOGLE Places Rank With Directory Listing Citations including a list of the top 20 online directories to help get you started!

#7 Google Places Help and Optimization Services

If you plan to take the “Do-It-Yourself” or DIY approach and want more information you can visit the following links for help:

Google Places Login Get Started at http://www.google.com/places/

Google Places User Guide and Policies at http://www.google.com/support/places/

Google Places YouTube Video Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/GooglePlaces

Google Places Help Services If you prefer to have a local search expert handle your Google Places Optimization and SEO we invite you to contact us at 407-374-2924.  We provide effective and affordable services that will improve your rankings starting at just $99!

There are still many business owners that haven’t yet claimed, verified, or optimized their listing. That means now is the time to take action! Don’t get left behind…claim the Google Places Page for your small business today!

Want to improve your local search page rank and optimize GOOGLE Places™?

Then it’s time to build citations using these top 20 directory listings.

What are GOOGLE* Places Citations?

A citation is a reference to your company that exists online. It usually contains information on your business along with a link to your website.  Since Google Places are map based the citations are most valuable when they contain a reference to your Name, Address, and Phone Number (or NAP for short).

Think of a citation as a vote of confidence.  The greater number of citations the more popular or relevant your business appears to search engines.  If this all sounds similar to backlinks, you’re right.  The main difference being citations also contain a matching NAP reference that plays a big role in ranking for local search in map results.

In the past Google Places showed citations at the bottom of the Place pages.  That made it easy to see where top Place pages were getting their love. While these have been removed from the results, they still play an important role in ranking. So in addition to claiming your Places page, adding photos, uploading videos, offering coupons, encouraging reviews, including keywords, and using geo-coding, it is also essential to build citations.

Why Build Directory Listing Citations?

Most small business owners are looking for effective yet low cost ways to market their company and find customers.  Creating directory listing citations fills this need and provides three big benefits:

1.  Improves ranking and optimization for Google Places Page in search results.

2. Generates direct traffic and calls from people searching for local companies in individual directories.

3. Creates valuable and relevant back links to your website that help improve organic search results in the major search engines.

How to Create Directory Listing Citations

The best place to start building citations are the top online directory listings and internet yellow pages.  You may find that your business already exists in some of the directories and you just need to claim and update the information.  Keep these important pointers in mind:

• Pay close attention that all entries for NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) are an exact match for best results.
• Set up a separate email box for creating these listings using gmail, yahoo, or some other free email account.  This will make it easy to find the verification emails that some directories send and help reduce your regular inbox from a deluge of future spam.
• Be prepared to take phone calls and handle the PIN verification for the directories that require a phone verification.  While this is time consuming it helps protect the ownership of your listing and indicates you are dealing with a reputable top level directory.
• Stick with the basic free listings as they work fine for building citations to help Google Places Optimization.  For small business marketing, this money is better spent on a targeted local PPC campaign then it is paying for enhanced listings on all the directories – plus it can really add up.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to add photos, taglines, categories, and descriptions using keywords and other SEO techniques, provided it doesn’t incur a cost.
• Create a spreadsheet to keep track of login information so listings can be updated easily in the future.

Top Directory Listings to Optimize Google Places With Citations

In case you are just getting started we have compiled a list of 20 directory listings utilizing NAP to help optimize your Google Places page.

You can claim these yourself, assign to a staff member, or hire the SEO experts here at Local Internet Marketing Tools!  We provide a directory listing service that includes the top 20 below plus 100 additional listings to improve your rankings for just $199 (Google Places Services also available for $99).

If your ready to “do-it-yourself”  here is a list of the top directory listings sorted by alphabetical order. For your convenience, these will open in a new browser window when clicking on the Title Link.

Angie’s List – Create a storefront and manage your reputation on Angie’s List which allows members to rate and review contractor and healthcare services.

Bing Business Portal – To obtain this Bing Local listing you will need a Windows Live ID or use the free signup process to create one. Once the information is completed it will require a PIN verification process either by phone or mail.

City Search – City Guide (City Search & Insider Pages Listings) Create an account but do not enhance the listing or provide credit card information at the end if you  just want the free account.

Cityslick – Register a local business profile to reach customers via the map or coupon search tools. Currently the free account is closed to new registration but membership plans start as low as $3.99 per year and max out at $99 for the Diamond lifetime plan.

Foursquare – Accessing the Merchant Platform enables you to claim your venue on this social directory for mobile devices.  The phone verification process provides a 4 digit PIN to enter into the site for activation or opt for the mail process. Start a campaign to attract new customers or reward loyal customers that check-in online.

Hotfrog -  Scroll to the bottom of the page to select “Add My Business” to create a free online profile. Validate the listing through email verification then complete with photos and coupons.  An AdVantage program is offered for $19.95 a month offering ad-free profiles and enhanced visibility with featured ads.

iBegin – Submit a free business listing for inclusion in the iBegin network then verify by phone using the PIN provided.

Local.com – Register for a free account with the option to upgrade to a premium listing for $49.95 per month. It’s easy to select the premium listing by accident so read the prompts carefully.

Localeze – Register with Localeze to claim a free basic listing in WhitePages.com, YellowBot.com, and over 100 distribution networks for local search.  Requires phone validation, entering the  PIN into the site, and the completing activation with an email verification. Enhanced listings  with photos, taglines, and additional information available for $297 per year.

Manta – Select “Add Your Company” at the top right to initiate the free listing then verify by calling the phone number and code provided online.  Manta also offers upgraded listings ranging from $29 to $49 per month.

MapQuest – Creating a MapQuest Merchant Account through the Local Business Center will place your company on their map system.  The Basic account is free with the option to upgrade to a Premium account for $8 per month. The manual phone verification process can take up to 90 days but is waived with a Premium account.

Matchpoint – Signup for a free account to add your business to the Match point directory. then verify by email to complete the registration.

Merchant Circle – Follow the steps to setup an account for Free Online Advertising for local businesses.  At the end of the setup process you will be offered optional additional services for a monthly fee.

Super Media – Select “add a free listing” to be included in the Super Pages directory by Super Media. You will also be offered options for pay per click packages, enhanced listings, or extended coverage for additional fees or select “No Thanks” to continue.

Yahoo! Local Listing — Yahoo offers a free basic local business listing that works fine for the purpose of building citations.  They also offer an enhanced listing for $9.95 per month that allows additional features such as photos, logos, coupons, and longer descriptions.  Sign in with your yahoo account or create a new one. An email is sent confirming the submission for inclusion.  It is important to note these local business listings are different than the Yahoo! Directory which can get pretty pricy at $299 per year.

Yellow Pages by ATT – Registering for this account will add a free listing to the YellowPages.com ran by AT&T.  YP by ATT also manages AreaConnect.com. The listing will need to be verified by phone using a computer generated PIN or a $1.00 hold on a credit card before being activated.

Yellowbook 360 – Select “Request a Free Listing” and complete the simple popup submission form.

YellowUSA – Select “Add Your Business to the YellowUSA directory in the top left corner to find, edit, or create a free profile listing.

Yelp for Business Owners – If there is an existing listing you will first need to confirm by phone using a PIN verification process. If your business is not already listed you can select to “Add your business” and complete with an email verification.

ZoomInfo – Create an account to claim a listing in this business to business directory then confirm through the email verification to complete the business profile.

*GOOGLE is a trademark of Google Inc. This article was written based on research and professional experience.  This author, company, and website are not endorsed by or affiliated with GOOGLE Inc. or any other company/site listed above.

Keep Building the Link Love

You don’t have to stop at these  20 directories.   It’s easy to expand on this list by searching out local directories that cater to your area, city, industry or professional association for building citations. There are hundreds to thousands of online directories plus many more social media and bookmarking sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Diff, etc.) for creating traffic and optimizing page rank!

Just finished reading Outsmarting Google® – SEO Secrets to Winning New Business and wanted to share this SEO Book Review…

Want first page ranking for search engine results? Then you need Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to even get found online.

Of course there’s no shortage of SEO experts ready to dazzle you with their skills, but how do you determine brilliance from BS?

Is there a way to know what works, what is a waste of time, and even worse what will get you banished from results altogether?

These are the questions answered by Evan Bailyn with Bradley Bailyn in their book “Outsmarting Google® – SEO Secrets to Winning New Business” released in March 2011.

This book provides an easy to understand explanation of SEO condensed into 218 pages that is perfect for any business owner looking for the low down on search engine optimization.

Here’s a quick look at what’s covered:

Chapter 1: Trust – The Currency of Google*

Chapter 2: The Five Ingredients of Google Optimization

Chapter 3: How to Reel in Links

Chapter 4: Using Time to Gain Trust

Chapter 5: The Nuclear Football

Chapter 6: Google AdWords as a Complement to SEO

Chapter 7: Tracking Your Progress with Search Operators

Chapter 8: Google Optimization Myths

Chapter 9: White Hat vs. Black Hat SEO

Chapter 10: Optimizing for Yahoo! and Bing

Chapter 11: Converting Your SEO Results into Paying Customers

Chapter 12: The Intersection of Social Media and SEO

Chapter 13: The Future of SEO

Note:*GOOGLE is a trademark of Google Inc. This article was written based on research and professional experience.  This author, company, and website are not endorsed by or affiliated with GOOGLE Inc.

If you read just Chapters 2 and 5 you will be light years ahead of most people when it comes to understanding how to optimize a website for search.

Chapter 2 explains the five core ingredients of Google™ search engine optimization:

1. SEO Keyword Selection
2. Meta Page Title
3. Quality Links
4. URL Structure
5. Time

There are so many websites that just plain get this part wrong. Every day I’m asked to review sites by frustrated business owners only to find the web designer has done a poor job with their SEO page title, using only the company name and failing to work in even a few basic keywords.

The case studies show how easy it is to condense several keywords into a page title that is friendly to both users and search engines. With simple explanations and actionable instructions a website can use all 5 factors to increase their trust factor and rankings.

Of course the algorithms used by Google™ search and other engines are constantly changing but there is one unfailing constant.

Deliver quality content on a regular basis that fills the needs and wants of visitors.

This is the principal behind of The Nuclear Football technique, detailed in Chapter 5, that combines consistent quality content with the use of long-tail keywords.

Outsmarting Google – SEO Secrets to Winning New Business is a must read for anyone new to SEO. It cuts to the bottom line without getting bogged down in too much technical jargon. If you are a small business owner wanting to hire SEO services it will empower you with the knowledge needed to avoid getting ripped off.

For the intermediate practitioners of SEO it will reaffirm your knowledge and possibly provide a few new ideas. While there’s not much new here for the advanced it will hopefully make a few reconsider the use of any Black Hat SEO techniques that can temporarily boost rankings but hurt their clients’ sites in the long run.

Bottom line, this is a solid handbook for anyone wanting to learn how SEO truly works. We’ve helped sites get first page rankings and know these SEO tips and tricks get results. You can pick up a copy of SEO Secrets at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.

If you need any help implementing these strategies please feel free to contact us. We provide local SEO services along with a complimentary analysis of your website and keywords.

So you might be wondering… “Just What is GOOGLE Places™ Anyway?”

Even more importantly, “Will it help my small business with internet marketing?”

and “What does it cost?”

So here are the most common GOOGLE* Places FAQ we receive plus how you can claim your page for free!

What is GOOGLE Places?

It is a standalone web page created by GOOGLE Places to provide a listing for business locations.

The listing shows basic information about the business including the name, address, phone number, and category.  It can also show enhanced items like photos, videos, reviews, hours of operation, and details on types of services.

If you’ve ever searched for a local business then chances are you noticed the red balloon or map pin.  This is tied to a GOOGLE Places listing that feeds results for GOOGLE Web Search, GOOGLE Maps, Mobile search, GOOGLE Earth, and even the 1-800-GOOG-411 voice directory search.

To see this in action for your own location just open a Google search bar and type in your “City State Restaurants”.

Of course these listings aren’t just for restaurants.  The plan is to have a Places Page to organize “all the world’s information for every place in the world!”  This includes all types of businesses, points of interest, landmarks, and cities, and etc.

Where Did They Get The Information For My GOOGLE Places Page?

The listings are generated based on information across the Internet including places like Yellow Pages, City Grid, InfoUSA, Superpages, Better Business Bureau, and others third-party providers.  They also pull user content and information submitted through the owner verification process.

Why Should I Claim and Verify My Place Page?

97% of consumers search for local businesses online – according to GOOGLE Places.  Since they hold the largest share of search engine traffic (about 65%) it makes sense to be seen by potential customers searching from their computers, smart phones, or other mobile devices like iPads.

You want your listing to represent your company as thoroughly and favorably as possible. In order to correct or add information to your listing you must first verify you are the business owner.  It is a simple process that you start online with GOOGLE Places performing the verification through either a phone call or a mailing.  Once you have the PIN you can enhance , optimize, and update your listing.

What Does Claiming My GOOGLE Places Page Cost?

Zero dollars…yes it really is free. To get started claiming your page visit http://www.google.com/places/

If it is free, why do people keep contacting me to buy services for GOOGLE Places?

Since the place pages are fairly new many SEO companies and internet marketing consultants are offering this as a paid service.  A business owner might be too busy or just not have an interest in doing it for himself or herself.  I could change my own oil and clean my own house but I prefer to pay somebody to do it for me!

What is GOOGLE Places Optimization?

These are enhancements you can make to your listing that give people more information.  They include up to 10 photos, 5 videos, service details, coupons, and other items.  There is not a charge for the business owner to upload these items.  There are also things you can do to enhance your listing outside of the actual page including citations, directory listings, geocoding, and encouraging customers to leave reviews.

Is there such a thing as GOOGLE Places SEO?

Most search engine optimization (SEO) is centered around targeting keywords customers are likely to use when looking for your company.  These keywords can also be incorporated in the Place Page comments, photo alt tags, and other allowable places – being careful to follow the GOOGLE Places quality guidelines. It is generally believed that fully optimizing your listing can help with rankings in the search engine results page and will certainly be appreciated by customers.

Where Can I Get GOOGLE Places Help?

If you want to take the DIY or “Do It Yourself” approach you’ll find GOOGLE Places Support has some great tutorials.  You can also check out our article on GOOGLE Places Help for Small Business.  If you prefer to hire these services done for you we also have packages starting at $99.  Feel free to contact us for details!

*GOOGLE is a trademark of Google Inc.

This article was written based on research and professional experience.  This author, company, and website are not endorsed by or affiliated with GOOGLE Inc.

When SEO marketers talk local search they like to throw out statistics. You know something like 97% of consumers search for local businesses online. (If you like like the facts and figures check out the article on Local Internet Marketing Statistics).

These stats are all good and fine. But let’s put a face on these numbers.

Is it YOUR customer using local search marketing?

So I started thinking how this relates to my own family, which is fortunate to span four generations. Who is using the Internet and more importantly local search?

1) My 85-year-old grandparents are on the Internet.

He’s using it as a platform to save the US from the current political system and she’s downloading the latest recipes. But when they need to find a service in Zephyrhills Florida they use local search.

2) My 65-year-old mother is online.

During the summer she’s in the Palouse Wheat Country of Washington state. Up there they don’t need a Google Places Page to find you. It’s pretty safe to say in a town with a population of 85 they already know every local business owner personally. But when she heads south for the winter she uses local search like a woman possessed to route their stops, service the RV, or find a campground with decent ratings.

3) I’m online. I mean really online

No big surprise there! If you help people with local Internet marketing you eat breathe and sleep in cyber space. But like most people in our… um… “demographic” we no longer keep a phone book in the house. We are comfortable using the Internet and mobile devices for paying bills, managing investments, making reservations, finding a medical specialist, planning a motorcycle ride to Sturgis, or tracking down an Orlando FL plumber.

4) My 19-year-old college student is online

Oh please…when aren’t teenagers online? Oh yeah…. when they are texting. But they now have the power to make and spend their own money!

5) My 8-year-old niece is online.

Yes she has supervision. No she can’t drive herself to your store and pull out a credit card. But trust me…she has influence. In fact her powers of persuasion likely rank her as the best salesperson in our family.

So could you identify your customer somewhere in there? It’s pretty safe to say they are between the ages of 8 and 85, right?

It’s time to embrace local Internet marketing for small business.

If you are not enjoying page 1 rankings for your local search terms please ask yourself, “What is holding my business back?”

• Is it knowledge? Then check out our Learning Center.
• Is it cost? We offer affordable local Internet marketing services designed especially for the small business owner.
• Is it time? Request your free Internet marketing analysis by emailing me at Tracy@ExposureOne.com

Wondering if your small business really needs local Internet marketing?

Need some cold hard facts to analyze?

Here are 5 local search marketing stats you can’t afford to ignore!

5 Local Internet Marketing Statistics

Statistic #1

97% of consumers search for local businesses online.

(Source: Google Places for Business)

Statistic #2

Nearly all consumers (97%) now use online media to shop locally.

(Source: BIA/Kelsey and ConStat) Their survey results further reveal:

• 90 percent use search engines,
• 48 percent use Internet Yellow Pages
• 24 percent use vertical sites, and
• 42 percent use comparison shopping sites.

Statistic #3

Traditional printed yellow pages have declined for the past decade, shrinking 25.2% since 2003.

The industry is revamping its services with internet yellow pages for online local search (Source: Simba Information)

Statistic #4

83 percent of the people using local search sites follow up their research with offline action.

This action includes in-store visits, phone calls, e-mails or purchases. (Source: TMP Directional Marketing/comScore)

Statistic #5

While consumers search online the majority (64%) expect the business location to be within a distance of 15 miles.

(Source: TMP Directional Marketing/15miles & comScore, Local Search Usage Study Q3 2010).

The trend towards local internet marketing will only increase with the growing number of smart phones and mobile devices. According to Cisco Projects, the global mobile data traffic will increase 26 times between 2010 and 2015 with a pace 3 times faster than what traffic is growing from fixed locations like desktop computers. Source Cisco Visual Networking Index

Now more than ever a small business marketing plan must include a combination of local maps, internet yellow pages, google places, and a website optimized for organic local search.

Exposure One is here to help with your questions and affordable local internet marketing services.