Google has created another tool called Google Places. Google Places helps business by getting the location of the business online. Now to get better rankings in Google, businesses must have an accurate Google Places listing. Google Places and the Google search engine have been combined for most search results.

You, as a business, can manage your Google Places presence to stay a step ahead of your competition.

Your Google Places Listing
Every business should create their Google Places listing. This can all be done with the Google Places for Business dashboard. Make sure you have a profile for your business. It is very important to make sure all of your business information is accurate. Delete any duplicates that exist for your business location. Most importantly, make sure your web site address is included in your listing.

Pin Location on Google Maps
Google Places also allows business owners to change where the location pin is displayed on the map. Make sure the pin location on the map is correct.

Add your location to Google MapMaker; this may affect whether your Google Places profile comes up when using certain search terms.

Does Your Business Really Exist?
The main ranking factor when it comes to Google Places is verification. To verify that your business exists Google will send a letter to the address included in your Places profile. This letter will include a PIN number that you will use to verify your Places listing. It is important to have a physical mailing location. We have had problems when a business had a PO Box only.

Google Places will usually rank profiles which are claimed and verified by having the business information match up on multiple sites. Yes, it helps to have your business listed in other sites like the Yellow Pages, Facebook, Merchant Circle, or Youtube.

Customer Reviews
Customers can leave reviews at your Google Places listing. Reviews posted can positively affect Google Places rankings.

The new tools made available by Google, and the fact that Places are usually one of the top three results to show up in a Google search, makes having an accurate Google Places listing very imprortant for all businesses. Google has simple instructions for creating a Places listing on the Google Places website.

If this all seems confusing, give us a call or email and we can do this for you. We're here to help.