You can be forgiven if you are already exhausted just thinking about how much work it will be to truly optimize your Google Places listing. The seemingly simple task of filling out the form for the basic set up of Google Places may be enough to end some plans to get this job done right.  Here then are the simple  basic, quick helps for Google Places that will at least take care of the obvious and maybe get you on the outside MAP in easy cities for easy keywords:

1.  Don’t mess around with the name.  Google wants the real name of your company.  Add one or two keywords if your company name has no keywords in it.  (eg.  Gabby’s is the real name and you are a yogurt store.  Use Gabby’s Yogurt.

2.  Google Places wants your real address and they will check to make sure it is the same everywhere it appears on the web.  Put the address on the front page of your website and on every page is best.

3.  Google Places prefers a local phone number, not and 800 number, and  it needs to be the same number that appears on the front page of your website and elsewhere on the web…just like the name and address.

4.  The first category for your company should be one that Google suggests for the top category.  The other four may be chosen from Google suggestions or you can make up your own.

5.  Use pictures.  The first one should be a picture that will look good as a thumbnail picture. It will appear on your listing as part of  the inside MAPS.

6.  Add one or more videos.  Google Places wants completeness.  The video does not have to be a video you produced.

7.  Come up with lots of additional information for the boxes at the bottom of the listing form.  The cool thing is that you  can use links in these boxes to your blog, menu’s, reservation forms, etc.

8.  Create a Coupon.  Can’t hurt.  Might actually get some sales from them

9.  Set up a New Google Account for your business.  Don’t use your personal Google Account, or another business Google Account, or even a 3rd party vendor’s Google Account.

10.  Get your customers to give you reviews.

This is only the beginning of doing a great job on Google Places Listings.  If you are in a difficult category or a competitive city, and if you want to rank in the 7-pack,  either read and completely follow the instructions elsewhere on this blog or hire a pro to do it for you.  In fact, hire us.  800-708-1748  Ask for Oliver.

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