Want your business to come up next to the Google Map when people search on your keywords in your local area? Increase your presence in local Google search results by creating a listing in Google Places (formerly called the Google Local Business Centre.)
If it is important for your business to appear in local search results, watch the video to find out how to create your Google Places account and get tips to maximise the value of your listing.
Tips for setting up a business listing in the Google Places:
- Create your account. To create a new listing go to www.google.com/local/add. Either sign up or if you have an existing Google account, sign in
- Select your keywords. You can list your business in up to 5 categories. Do some research to find out what keywords other companies are using for their Google Local Business Centre listings in your local area. Use your least competitive keywords for each category.
- Add as much information as you can. Add as much information as you can to increase the significance of your listing, for example add relevant photos and videos
- Create a listing for each office address. If your business has more than one address, create a listing for each address
- Verify your listing. If you are using your business phone number in the listing, create your account during business hours when you or someone else is available to answer that phone. This way you can validate your account immediately. (If you’re not the person who answers the phone, let that person know that a recorded voice from Google will be ringing and that they need to write down the verification code that is provided) Otherwise you either need to use your mobile phone number in the listing, so that a verification code can be sent via text message to your mobile, or wait 2-3 weeks for a verification code to be sent to you via mail.
If you find that your business is already listed, you can claim the listing and make any updates that are required.
Search-Mel
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