Google Places Optimization

All businesses need one crucial ingredient to survive, they need a steady flow of new and returning customers. The old way of advertising your business in places like Newspapers, magazines and flyers wont bring you much success anymore.

Why is this? and what’s the best way to expose your business to new and returning customers? Google is the largest Search engine in the world with a market share of 85%. This means that of all the people in the world that search for something on the internet, 85% of them use Google. Not yahoo or Bing, only Google.

Now consider the fact that almost every person has a smart phone which has a easy accessible search function for them to receive information on the Go.

Google has made it so easy for users to receive information about almost anything but especially local business information.One of the core Functions for Google is to streamline and optimize local businesses. These include business information, contact details, the business address, videos, and most importantly, customer reviews.

However, you as a business owner will not be able to access this information or respond to reviews, unless you have optimized your business for Google Places. Let me show you an example.

For this example we are looking for a popular Restaurant in New York. Let’s say for example, the restaurant Nerai comes highly recommended from various sources like Facebook, Twitter, family or friends. The very first thing someone will do is google the name of the Restaurant to gain further information like the address or telephone number to make a booking or perhaps to read some reviews. Now take a look at the image below.

The image on the left demonstrates a business that has been well optimized for Google Places. This business listing has 63 images showcasing the restaurant, a street view and a map to its location.

The three blocks highlighted in red are the most important information Google Needs from your business for its google places submission.

The first Block tells google that this business has 46 reviews and a 4.4 Star Rating.Those star ratings are very important. Google gives more attention to business that show a positive rating from customer reviews. The second block gives the customer quick access to your website and directions.

Take a look at the third block, which holds the most valuable information about your business. It has the address, business hours, telephone number, a link to any page on your website and a option to make online bookings.

It also show reviews from Third party Websites like Facebook or twitter.

How does  Google Places Optimization for Business work?

When we optimize your business for Google Places, we insure that your business information is displayed properly when found through Google’s search engine. This Will ensure that your business receives maximum exposure by directly connecting your customer to to the physical location of your store.

The customer will also have direct information for your website, telephone number, business hours and a option for customer reviews.

This will encourage the customer to engage more with your business because a wealth of information is displayed for the customer to engage with, providing a incentive for the customer to contact your business directly. This immediately verifies your legitimacy to your potential customers and businesses that are optimized for Google Places, boast the highest conversion rate among local search results.

Take a look at some more examples

Take a look at the four examples below. In the first example, the business [Company Name removed to protect Identity] has not been claimed for Google Places. Notice the bad review which is also the first review. The owner of the business cannot reply to the review because the business has not been claimed. This business has lost tons of business because of this one review. Have a look at our online reputation management service to see how we deal with this problem.

The rest of the examples shows a business that has not been claimed and two business who have no presence for Google Places. This means they cannot rank for the Google Snack Pack and basically leaving money on the table.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews on your Google Places listing provide potential new customer a greater incentive to contact your company. Online reviews are the cornerstone or the final decision making before a customer contacts or purchases a product or service from a company.

Studies have shown that this method can be more effective than traditional advertising as human nature will seek additional assurances before making a decision.

Target Locally

Its Important to know who your potential new customers are and where they located. If you are not visible in the location of where your target consumers are , then you are wasting lots of money on advertising or receiving no traffic to your business. We will research all keywords relating to your business and the customer locations and optimize your google places for those keywords.

Google Places on Mobile Devices

Everyone has a smart phone and everyone uses Google  to search for information and in this case local businesses. This is important to understand. When we optimize your Business for Google Places your business will show up on mobile devices.

You will have exposure on mobile devices and your business on Google Places will create a strong online presence that will go a long way towards gaining new customers.