Google Maps Results Sample
Google just made some updates to Google Places. I was reading about it tonight and it reminded me of something I have been wanting to share on this blog for a while now. Run, don’t walk, to Google Places and claim your listing! What in the world am I talking about? When you ‘google’ a place or business often a map pops up with several business listings next to it. Trust me, you want to be right there!
WHY? Claiming your listing allows you to officially mark your businesses presence on Google maps which adds credibility and ensures that customers are getting accurate information about your business, straight from you. This includes contact info, hours, photos, services, etc.
HOW? Just follow these steps and you will be on the map in no time!
- Go to www.google.com/places
- Sign in with your Google username and password
- Click on ‘Add New Business’
- Insert your business information and click ‘Next’ (*if your business is already listed, it may give you the option of just selecting that existing listing. If it’s your business, do that. If not, move forward with creating a new listing)
- It will then walk you through adding detailed contact information, operating hours, photos, video, services and keywords. Add as much information as you can and then click ‘Submit’
- You will then have to validate your listing. You can choose to have them call you at the business number (it usually happens within seconds) or via a postcard in the mail. Either option will provide you with a code that you need to enter in order to complete the process.
- You’re done!
NEXT!
- Once you claim your listing, you can access it anytime through your Google account to make more edits and to add the very latest information about your business. There is even a space to add current promotions and specials.
- Check out Google Tags. This fairly new feature allows you to promote specific things about your business (ex: coupons, special offers, your website) by placing a bright yellow ‘tag’ on your map listing for about $25/month.
- Encourage your customers to review you on google. Notice that the listings that come up first have the most reviews. That is not a coincidence I am sure! And, it sure can’t hurt to have others who are searching come across all of those great reviews about you!
Have questions about claiming your google listing? Post them as a comment below and we are happy to respond with more advice!
Comments on this post
Jessica: this is what I want to know and why I have been hesitating to do Google Places… I run my business out of my home and don’t want my home address listed… can I claim my listing without having my home/business address made public? Thanks. ~ Claire
2. November - 6:24 amClaire,
3. November - 3:19 pmGreat question! Yes! You can still use Google Places as they do allow you to keep your address private. When you set up your listing, there is an area titled Service Areas and Location Settings. If you click on that, it gives you the option to choose ‘Do Not Show Business Address On Map Listing’. Then, it allows you so set your service area instead. For example, within 50 miles of Charlottesville. I hope that helps!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dan London, Beth Williams and Hot About Google, Jessica Sheffield. Jessica Sheffield said: Lots of talk at #isum10 about Google Places being a must have. Here is a little how to: http://tinyurl.com/32hcgkn [...]
18. November - 1:33 pm