Google is trying harder than ever to ensure a good user experience. This means an increased focus on returning local search results that are relevent.
This has meant that Google Places has gone through one more update and now you'll see a raised number of 'blended' Search results. This is where you now see Google organic and Places results mixed on the front page of results.
This suggests that it is even more important to ensure that small businesses are set-up in a way to maximise the advantages of this service.
Action Plan
1. Claim your Places page
If you have not already, make sure that you claim (or add) your business page.
2. Complete the set-up
Make certain that you correctly complete all of the information, being aware to exploit the different fields available to help folks find you. You need to make sure the entry is 100% complete.
If you find any mistakes in the present data and/or duplicate Places page, ensure you correct/get the duplicate page (s) deleted.
3. Reviews/Reputation Management
Check to determine if you've any reviews. If you do, and you find bad reviews, take action to contact the person who left the poor review and attempt to resolve their concern. Likewise, inspect your business and ensure that any deficiencies in your service which will have caused the bad review are addressed.
Get into the practice of asking your clients to add reviews. If you don't ask you don't get!
4. Citations
Work on your digital footprint, mentions of your organisation across the web (known as citations). The more sources Google finds of your firm name, address and (phone) number (NAP), the more credible to Google.
Drawback is for Google to see a match, the NAP must exactly match your Places page. So take care when adding your details to directories, sites, and so on. It is also worth looking and cleaning up old incorrect entries to gain more benefit.
Summary
Google Places is crucial. Make sure you take the time to maximise the benefit.
This has meant that Google Places has gone through one more update and now you'll see a raised number of 'blended' Search results. This is where you now see Google organic and Places results mixed on the front page of results.
This suggests that it is even more important to ensure that small businesses are set-up in a way to maximise the advantages of this service.
Action Plan
1. Claim your Places page
If you have not already, make sure that you claim (or add) your business page.
2. Complete the set-up
Make certain that you correctly complete all of the information, being aware to exploit the different fields available to help folks find you. You need to make sure the entry is 100% complete.
If you find any mistakes in the present data and/or duplicate Places page, ensure you correct/get the duplicate page (s) deleted.
3. Reviews/Reputation Management
Check to determine if you've any reviews. If you do, and you find bad reviews, take action to contact the person who left the poor review and attempt to resolve their concern. Likewise, inspect your business and ensure that any deficiencies in your service which will have caused the bad review are addressed.
Get into the practice of asking your clients to add reviews. If you don't ask you don't get!
4. Citations
Work on your digital footprint, mentions of your organisation across the web (known as citations). The more sources Google finds of your firm name, address and (phone) number (NAP), the more credible to Google.
Drawback is for Google to see a match, the NAP must exactly match your Places page. So take care when adding your details to directories, sites, and so on. It is also worth looking and cleaning up old incorrect entries to gain more benefit.
Summary
Google Places is crucial. Make sure you take the time to maximise the benefit.
About the Author:
Simon Wilks is a website designer with many years experience providing a variety of design and wordpress hosting services.
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