We talked in our last post about how getting one of the top seven listings in a Google Places page can be a great way to get your business and services found by people in your local area.
In fact, Google Places can be quite powerful for one important reason: Google Places results often are listed above Google’s organic rankings!
Many of the techniques you use to get at the top of Google Places are similar to organic SEO: making sure your site has frequent updates. For Google Places, this could include — but is not limited to — customer reviews, information on discount offerings, DIY tips, notification of sales, contests, and so on. You even can upload videos and photos of your business to your listing.
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You’ll also want to be sure to ask your happy clients to submit positive reviews and praise to sites such as Kudzo or Best of the Web. Offer to write their review for them — be sure to show it to them before posting, of course — and then post it to these review sites yourself. Be sure you have a link to your site, of course.
Backlinks, as usual, are imperative. In fact, getting backlinks from locally authoritative sites will go a long way to promoting your Google Places listing. What are “locally authoritative sites?” These are directories from local trade associations, your local chamber of commerce and other review sites.
If you’re in an area where there are plenty of, using the example above, divorce lawyers, those seven top Google Places slots could be filled quickly. This is where it will pay you handsomely to pay attention to details. Fill out your Google Places form completely (Google gives preference to those who do). The service allows you to place up to 10 images, so be sure to get 10 images. Post videos of yourself on YouTube talking about your business, showing off your staff, talking about your product or business. Be sure to place links from your video to your Google Places profile.
Getting a good slot on Google Places is a terrific free way to help new customers find you. GoMarketing.com can create a listing for you, and shoot video, etc. to help your listing rank high. Contact us today; we look forward to hearing how we can help you grow your business and your revenue.
