You can find your business listing in a number of search engines, but it is your Google Local Business Listing optimization that matters. Google is part of the “Big 3” search engines that also includes Yahoo! and Bing.
The three combine to make up 95 percent of local business searches. Google commands two-thirds of that traffic, so it is important to optimize your Google Places listing.
A map typically accompanies your Google Places listing and it drives traffic to your business from a specific point that indicates your business on the map. The map listings differ from the organic listings below the map or the Pay Per Click (PPC) listing that appears to the right and above the map.
Your business can list on either www.google.com or maps.google.com. Prospective customers type in one or a series of keyword to find local business.
For instance, if someone wants to find an organic grocery store in a specific location, he or she will most likely type into the search box the city, the state, organic, grocery, and store.
You want your local business listing to appear on the first search result page. Most customers refer to this page to find local businesses. Customers will click either “reviews” or “more info” to find a Google Places listing.
They will then review the information that you present about your business. This information is the anatomy of a Google local business listing optimization. As with human anatomy, each part plays an important role in the overall body of work.
Basic Business Information
The first section is perhaps the most important section, yet many business owners neglect to complete all of the fields or they input incorrect information. You must accurately complete basic business fields, such as business name, physical address (no P.O. boxes), local business phone number, email address, and website URL.
You also must choose which category or categories you want to place your Google Places listing. You have up to 5 category choices.
Details
You should provide as much information as you can about your business within this section. Information such as how long you have been in business and the types of products and services that you offer enhance your site’s SEO. The Details section also culls information that Google pulls from trusted Internet content providers.
What People are Saying About…
Google compiles third-party reviews from trusted content providers to give visitors an overview of how customers perceive your business. The reviews in this section of your Google local business listing are divided into topics that pertain to your business category. A bar graph provides an overall depiction of customer satisfaction.
Photos/Videos
YouTube’s popularity makes this an essential section for your business. Search engine rankings now include video and photograph keywords. You can upload up to 10 photographs and 5 YouTube videos. Make sure you upload the maximum number of photographs and videos permitted by Google.
Review
Google breaks down the reviews by source, which include Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google reviews
Nearby Places You Might Like
Similar local businesses are listed here. If you operate a hardware store, Google may present a nearby construction company’s Google Places listing.
More About This Place
This section gives you an idea about other websites that refer to your business. The listings can come from your organic website, one of your blogs, and independently operated websites. The ranking of your Google local business listing depends somewhat on the keywords used from other Internet sources.
User Content
Any additional information that supports your Google Places listing appears here.
You should have only one local business listing for every address. Claim your business listing before inputting all of your information. The most important part of the entire process is when you verify the accuracy of the information presented on your Google local business listing.
