Google Places Generates The Most Inquiries For Small Businesses
11/27/2010
Google Places Ranking aka Google Local Business Listings
When a prospective customer Google’s for a product or service and they’re looking for it in a specific local area, a Google Maps box is most often displayed above the “regular” search results.
When searching from a smartphone, usually the local Google (Google Places) is the only search results returned.
Ranking high on Google Places these days is critical; more and more people are using smart phones and smart phones only show Google Places listings. But there are only 7 spots available! So how can you do it? Here are a few tips:
- Create a Google Places Profile if you haven’t already done so.
- Citations, citations, citations. Google Places has its own ranking algorithm, and this algorithm likes it when people are talking about you.
- If you can’t afford a full-service SEO, consider hiring one who offers a service just for increasing citations ( like Frederick Web Promotions for example)
- Increase citations by making sure you’re listed in every possible business directory.
- Increase citations by making sure your listing includes full contact information and full website information.
- Don’t forget to include some of all the types of citations out there: blog posts, social media profiles, reviews, links from other websites, etc.
- If you hire a full-service SEO, make sure they do all of the following:
1) Use the right keywords in titles, descriptions, and websites.
2) Make sure all names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses match and exist in full on all citations.
3) Make sure your website is listed with the appropriate categories.
4) Link your Google Places profile directly with your website, social media profiles, blogs, directories, and any review sites.
5) Be sure to include photos and an introduction video on your Google Places profile.
6) Businesses from select cities can pay to help optimize their ranking.
7) Keep up with the trends. It’s not just about Google anymore; Yahoo Local, Yelp, and Bing Local are all becoming critically important for SEO success.
8) We urge you to mention coupons, discounts, or special offers. When the economy is rough and competition is fierce, offering consumers lower prices or perks to shop with you is essential.
9) Don’t forget to include location keywords, MyMaps and GeoTagged Photos when appropriate.
10) Make sure your URL has a product or service keyword.
Working to put these tips onto practice can give your site the boost it needs. Just remember to keep working at it because the developments and rules are constantly changing!
by Joyce Kelly SEO Copywriter @ Marketing Agencies in Frederick Md
Google Places or Google Local Business Listing ranking
Our SEO battle testing is showing us that Google Places (aka Google local business listings) often are the ONLY search results that display on a smartphone! Not only that – some of our local SEO clients report earning more ROI per advertising $ invested from a Google Places ranking rather than an Organic Google ranking. We provide guaranteed ranking in Google places for our small business clients
Many small businesses come to us with excellent ranking in the organic listings (sometimes called the natural search results or the main body of search results) but they are NOT ranking in the 3 pack of Google Maps.
Increasingly people will start using their smart phone instead of a laptop, you need your company to rank in the top 3 or you will be virtually invisible.
Fee for top 3 ranking in Google Places and one listing in the top ten Google organic listings $2500 annually
Internet Advertising Agency in Frederick Md
by Frederick Web Promotions
785 Wembly Dr, Suite H Frederick Maryland 21701
