Google Places Introduction

Google Places is all about getting local businesses found, getting ‘on the map’ so to speak. Yes, we mean Google Maps but it’s so much more than just a dot on a map. Your Places page should now be ‘your’ business focus because your customers are making it ‘their’ focus.

If you’re new to Google Places or would just like to give your business more of an edge, then take a look at this introductory video from Google Places.

Say goodbye to the phone book and hello to local search

The yellow pages and white pages phone books have been around for some time. In fact a very long time but now with the internet, the ‘phone book’ has finally breathed its last breath. When was the last time you used it? I know I certainly can’t remember the last time I used one. Perhaps because I’m always online but more likely it’s because it’s so easy to look for something online, even if its local.

That’s what Google realised back in 2009 when it developed its local search idea which we now know as Google Places or Google Maps. The idea was to help local businesses get found for people who are searching for local products and services. Google realised there was a huge need for this and so Google Maps was born. Now I should point out that when I say Google Places and Google Maps, I really mean the same thing.

Google now puts local listings very often ahead of the organic search results. You can see in the image below what I mean. I did a search today for ‘b&b pembrokeshire’ and got the following results. The results I’ve marked in red are the Google Places pages. You can always recognise them because they have the small ‘teardrop’ with a letter from A to F. These listings often appear either mixed in with the organic search results or before them. So Google is actually placing their importance ahead of the regular organic search results.

Here’s what a typical Places page looks like:

This is one that a local business has claim and updated. It has complete and up-to-date contact information, links to their website, the correct categories and photos of the business. Most importantly, it has customer reviews on their page. Now these reviews are put here directly from customers who log into Google and then leave their review. This is probably the number one most important aspect of any business’ place page. Reviews are what new customers base their buying decisions on and they can see these reviews even before they arrive at your website.

Reviews, ratings, photos, maps and referrals are all what we call ‘local search’. It’s here to stay and gaining momentum every minute of every day. Therefore, it’s vital that you pay attention and claim your Google Places page.

It’s not just Google

There are other players in the local search game now. Yahoo Local and Bing Local are on the rise too. Although here in the UK, they are still in development mode. You can’t directly apply for a Yahoo Local listing except through their current service contractor. Bing Local is not yet available in the UK but will not be too far away.

How this affects your website’s search engine rankings

Your business can no longer get both a local listing and your website listed high in the search engines. Most likely if you have a business that relies mostly on local customers, then your Places page will appear on page 1 of Google and not your website. True, local listings are not showing for all search queries as Google tends to mix up the results on a regular basis but it’s more likely than not that these Google Places pages will appear first.

If your business has been around for a few years then it’s highly likely that Google has already set-up a places page for you. How can they do this, you may well ask? Well, they scrape information from all over the web and put together what they have about you and create a Places page. You can then claim your Place page and update it with accurate information. If you’re a new business then chances are there won’t be anything listed yet and you’ll need to start from scratch.

Why it’s important to claim your Google Places page

As I’ve said earlier, these Places (Maps) listings are appearing ahead of regular search results on Google, so your customers are seeing this information about your business. If you haven’t claimed your Places page and updated your information, then your customers are seeing outdated information, if anything at all. So it’s vital that you claim your Places page and keep it up-to-date.

Reviews, reviews, reviews

Most likely if you are in the businesses of hospitality or food, you know all about reviews and how important they are to growing your business. Well, customers can leave reviews directly on your Google Places page. All they need to do is log in and go to your Place page and leave a review … good or bad! This is then read by all future customers, so it’s very important that you know what your customers are saying about you.

Reviews are important for ALL types of business and not just accommodation and food. They are just as relevant to musicians, therapists, dentists, garages, piano teachers, literally anything. Your customers are talking about you and are leaving reviews online. One of the most important things you can do as part of your online marketing strategy is to be aware of what your customers are saying.

Local Search is the future

So this is just a brief introduction into Google Places and local search but it is clear that local search is the future for small business and the internet.

If you would like to talk about how to get your business found locally, then get in touch with us on 01348 874 539.