Why do you need to claim your businesses location on Google Places?
The short answer is – it will give you extra exposure online.
The long answer is that Google tries to promote local businesses where possible and has been giving higher priority to the Google Places Listings for the last 6 months or so.
Even if you have great Search Engine Optimisation and a strong organic ranking (but have not claimed your Place on Google) your site will be pushed way down below the map listings where it will be harder for people to find you. That being said, having a Google places listing will improve your SEO and therefore your ranking for when searches are performed which do not include a location identifier. A Google Places listing helps establish your business and therefore your website as a real business in Google’s opinion, which helps to improve your overall ‘Google Quality Score’.
So, how do you claim your listing?
- Add or claim your business on http://business.google.com/
- Verify your business via postcard or phone.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Make your listing as complete as possible – answer all questions and use keywords where you can (just sprinkle keywords throughout the listing – do not overdo it).
- Include your full business address in exactly the same format as it is written in on your website – this helps Google connect the dots between your site and your listing because they work together to improve your rankings. If anything changes on one, be sure to change it on the other as well.
- Select 2-3 relevant business categories. You can use custom categories, but you should use at least one existing category Google suggests.
- Add images and videos to your listing.
- Encourage people to leave reviews on your listing – make sure that they are positive and relevant reviews that accurately reflect your services.
That’s it! Get going and if you have any questions about the process, do not hesitate to ask!
Why not give us a call today on 1300 884 865 and get BSO Digital to claim your businesses location on google or click here to fill out a form.