Since the introduction of Google places, localised searches are becoming a topic of popular discussion within SEO; this is a new way to be found on Google. The online map directory has very quickly become a sort of yellow pages’ competition; search engines are already three times as popular! This has opened a new frontier for local businesses to market themselves. Despite this, it appears Google places is often overlooked by both businesses and SEOs.
Google places has many attractive features that can be optimised to meet your requirements, and improve your online presence. You will need to optimise your listings and make them a part of your SEO campaign for more effective results.
Attractive and beneficial key features
- Google places is now incorporated in the main search engine this shows the importance Google will continue to place on local searches. We’ve noticed some searches now have as many ‘places’ results as regular organic results, Making this an ideal way to promote online presence, particularly for small to medium sized businesses.
- Claiming your business is the first step. Using city and business keywords within the page title and listing is great for optimisation, resulting in a positive page rank. Your business may already rank so claiming it will only strengthen your positions especially after optimisation. This can really help close out your competitors as well as improve your overall clickthrough share.
- Google places also comes with a range of tools to help market your business better. Tags are yellow markers that allow you to promote individual aspects of your business, for example, special offers.
The image shows how Google places appears after you have entered a search query.
Mobile phone web users, when downloading Google maps app, searching for any place of interest will automatically bring up local results. This is something I personally rely on especially when visiting a new area in the city. With so many benefits and key features it is hard to believe you have anything lose!
