Google for Business: 3 Reasons You Should Be on Google Places

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If you have ever spent time searching Google for local businesses, then you have seen Google Places.  Google provides a place for businesses to set up a profile explaining who they are, where they are, and more - most importantly providing a place for locals to review the businesses that they love most.  If placing your business on Google Places doesn't seem like a necessary step, here are a few reasons why we think it is.

1. It's Free.
• It’s free!  There is absolutely no reason to not take advantage of a business-focused tool set up by the most-used search engine on the web.  Google made it specifically for local businesses, and it is FREE.  Bottom line is that any business not creating a Google Places page is missing an opportunity and falling behind of its competitors.  
• It's so easy to get started. Just go to Google Places and click "Get Started" to sign up your business.  If your business already happens to be indexed by Google Places, it will give you the opportunity to claim and verify your ownership so that you can update the company profile and provide additional, specific information about your company.
• Tip: Be sure to use a local phone number and address connected with your business.  This is an important Google best practice, as they want to make sure that the company is authentic and local to its city.
2. SEO
• When a Google user places a search on local businesses, the Google Places search results appear at the very top of the search listings.  While you are working to optimize your website listing, Google is already doing this for your Places listing. Additionally, it provides your company's website with an easy inbound link.
• Tip: Be sure to optimize your Places profile with 3-5 of your company's keywords that you are already implementing in your website's SEO.
3. Google Loves Google Places
• Google is growing and expanding every day, adding new technologies and continuing to advance their existing products.   
• Google Places listings appear at the top of any local search.  Since Google has merged their Google Places search results with its organic website listings, not placing your business on this platform is a missed opportunity. 
• Tip:  Keep an eye out for future growth and connections between Google products.  I personally am eager to see how Google might integrate its new Google Plus with Places in the future -  could it be a Yelp competitor?