Why Do You Need to Claim Your Google Places Page For Your Local Business?

Local customers nowadays rely heavily on Google to search for products and services. Google has integrated Google Places into its search results.  Google Search mobile landing page has followed the same path not long ago. Mobile users now can easily find local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, gas stations, etc while they are on the go. They can call the business or get the direction with just a tap of the finger.  No wonder fewer and fewer people are using Yellow Pages.

If you are a local business owner, I am sure you see the tremendous opportunities here.  In order to benefit from the trend, you first need to have your Google Places page or listing.

What is Google Places and what is Google Places Page?

Google Places works like online Yellow Pages and beyond.  It aggregates local information from Yellow Pages and reviews from Google users and credible sites like Yelp and City Search.  You can search for local businesses in your area, read customer reviews, get their contact phone numbers and locations.

Google Places allows business owners to update and manage their physical business location information.  To do this, you need to claim your FREE Google Places page or listing from http://www.google.com/places/.  On your Google Places page, you need to list your address, business category and hours of operation, upload some photos of your storefront or products. You don’t even need a website of your own.  However, it is strongly recommended to have your own website besides Google Places pages, especially in a competitive market.  Thank Google Places for the service, which opens a new marketing arena for local businesses.

Why is it so important to claim your Google Places page for your business today?  Because . . .

1. Local customers who are searching for your products and services can easily find you.
2. Having your Google Places page differentiate yourself from your competitors who do not have a Google Places page.
3. A good number of positive customer reviews not only build up your online credibility but also serve as an important factor for local customers to decide which service provider to use.
4. Google Places Dashboard provides you with data to analyze your traffic and marketing effort.  For example, how many times your business is found through different keyword searches.
5. Promote your business by adding photos and videos to your Google Places page.
6. Google Places page is mobile ready.  Mobile users can easily call your business number, get the direction to your office or check customer reviews from his smartphone.
7. You can create mobile coupons on Google Places page to promote your business.

The latest statistics show that only a small percentage of local businesses have claimed their Google Places pages.  However, the number is growing rapidly.  So grab your listing before your competitors do.  To learn more about how to set up your Google Places page and how to make it stand out among your competitors, please register to our Free Internet Marketing seminar.