How important is Google Places for a local business?

Started by ellenwillss, 02-24-2012, 03:54:23

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ellenwillssTopic starter

Google places, what's the buzz about? How important is it for a local business? Is it important only for a local company or all companies around the world? What do you think guys?


shonmichal

Google place pages are very important for user as well as SE. Your client can find your exact location with help Google place listing and clients also write their reviews about server services. If they satisfied and write reviews in favor of you then it is positive point for your business. Second thing is that Google has been integrated Google place pages with organic results and if your place page has value then it will help your website for better ranking. Place page listing is very important for a local company as well as all companies around the world.   
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TM-Ali

Quote from: ellenwillss on 02-24-2012, 03:54:23
Google places, what's the buzz about? How important is it for a local business? Is it important only for a local company or all companies around the world? What do you think guys?

Local Business Listing will be beneficial for all companies. Local customers can easily find your business.

jerryvannorman

**Google Places** is a service provided by Google that allows businesses to create and manage their online presence on Google Maps and in local search results. It's a crucial tool for local businesses, but its importance extends beyond just local companies. Here's why:

1. **Local Visibility**: For local businesses, Google Places is essential as it helps them appear in local search results, making it easier for nearby customers to find them. This is especially critical for businesses with physical locations like stores or restaurants.

2. **Online Presence**: Google Places provides a business with an online profile that includes important information like address, phone number, hours of operation, and reviews. This information helps potential customers learn about the business before visiting or making a purchase.

3. **Customer Reviews**: Customers can leave reviews on Google Places listings, which can significantly impact a business's reputation. Positive reviews can attract more customers, while negative ones can deter them.

4. **SEO Benefits**: Even for companies that serve a global audience, having a well-optimized Google Places listing can improve their overall online visibility. It's an additional way to enhance search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

5. **Google Maps Integration**: Google Maps is used worldwide, so having a presence on Google Places can help businesses reach a global audience, not just a local one. This is especially relevant for businesses offering online services or products.

6. **Mobile Users**: With the increasing use of smartphones for search and navigation, Google Places is even more critical. When users search for businesses on their mobile devices, Google often displays results based on proximity, making it essential for local businesses to have an optimized Google Places listing.

7. **Google My Business**: Google Places is now integrated with Google My Business, a platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across various Google services. This includes posting updates, responding to customer reviews, and analyzing user interactions, which can be beneficial for any company looking to engage with its audience.

8. **Local SEO**: For businesses aiming to improve their local search engine rankings, Google Places is an integral part of local SEO strategies. It helps businesses show up in the "Local Pack" of search results, which is a highly visible and coveted position.

9. **Analytics and Insights**: Google Places provides businesses with valuable data and insights into how customers are finding and interacting with their listings. This data can help businesses make informed decisions about their marketing efforts and customer engagement strategies.

10. **Competitive Advantage**: Utilizing Google Places effectively can give businesses a competitive edge. Many of your competitors are likely already using it, so having an up-to-date and well-managed listing can help you stand out in search results.

11. **Global Reach**: Even if a business primarily serves a local market, having an online presence on Google Places can attract tourists, visitors, and new residents who are looking for local services. It's a way to tap into a global audience interested in your local area.

12. **Cost-Effective Marketing**: Google Places is a cost-effective way to market your business online, especially for small businesses with limited marketing budgets. It allows you to reach potential customers without the significant costs associated with traditional advertising.

13. **Trust and Credibility**: A well-maintained Google Places listing can instill trust and credibility in potential customers. When people see a detailed and up-to-date business profile on Google, they are more likely to trust the business and choose it over competitors with incomplete or inaccurate information.

14. **Local Advertisements**: Google Places can be integrated with Google Ads, allowing businesses to run location-based advertisements. This means you can target specific geographical areas and show your ads to users who are in close proximity to your business, increasing the likelihood of attracting foot traffic or local customers.

15. **Insights into Customer Behavior**: Google Places offers insights into customer behavior, such as the keywords they used to find your business, the actions they took on your listing (e.g., calling, requesting directions), and where they are coming from. This data can help you refine your marketing strategies.

16. **Business Photos and Videos**: Google Places allows businesses to upload photos and videos, giving customers a visual impression of your products, services, and premises. Visual content can be persuasive and help potential customers make informed decisions.

17. **Updates and Special Offers**: Businesses can post updates and special offers on their Google Places listing. This feature can be used to announce promotions, events, or any changes in business operations, keeping customers informed and engaged.

18. **Voice Search Optimization**: As voice search becomes more popular, having an optimized Google Places listing is essential for businesses. Voice assistants like Google Assistant often rely on Google's business data to provide answers to user queries.

19. **Customer Interaction**: Google Places allows customers to ask questions and receive answers directly from the business or other users. This engagement can foster a sense of community and provide valuable information to potential customers.

20. **Multilingual Support**: If your business serves customers who speak multiple languages, Google Places provides the option to add information in multiple languages, making your business more accessible to a diverse customer base.

21. **User-generated Content**: Google Places encourages customers to leave reviews and ratings. Positive reviews can act as powerful endorsements, attracting new customers. Moreover, actively engaging with reviews, both positive and negative, can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

22. **Local Insights**: Google Places provides businesses with insights about how users discover their listings. You can see whether customers found your business through direct searches, discovery searches (related to category or similar businesses), or branded searches (specifically searching for your business name). This information helps you tailor your marketing strategy.

23. **Mobile Optimization**: With the rise in mobile device usage, Google Places listings are often the first thing users see when searching for local businesses on their smartphones. Ensuring your listing is mobile-friendly and well-optimized is crucial for attracting on-the-go customers.

24. **Booking and Appointment Integration**: Depending on your business type, you can integrate booking and appointment scheduling directly into your Google Places listing. This convenience can lead to increased conversions, especially for service-based businesses.

25. **COVID-19 Updates**: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Places allowed businesses to share important updates about their operating status, safety measures, and other relevant information. This feature demonstrated its adaptability to changing circumstances.

26. **Competitive Analysis**: By monitoring your competitors' Google Places listings, you can gain insights into their strategies, customer reviews, and customer engagement. This information can inform your own business decisions and help you stay competitive.

27. **Analytics Integration**: Google Places can be integrated with Google Analytics, enabling more in-depth tracking and analysis of user interactions with your listing and website. This integration can provide a comprehensive view of customer behavior.

28. **Local Events and News**: If your business participates in or sponsors local events or activities, Google Places can be used to share information about these events with your audience, helping you connect with the local community.

29. **Voice Search Optimization**: As voice-activated devices and voice search continue to gain popularity, having an optimized Google Places listing becomes even more crucial. Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant often rely on Google's business data to provide location-based answers and recommendations.

30. **Geo-targeted Advertising**: Google Places can be integrated with advertising campaigns, allowing businesses to create geo-targeted ads. This means you can precisely target potential customers based on their physical location, increasing the relevance and effectiveness of your ads.

31. **Customer Insights**: Google Places provides valuable insights into customer demographics, such as the age and gender of those interacting with your listing. This information can help you refine your marketing strategies and tailor your offerings to your target audience.

32. **Accessibility Information**: For businesses that prioritize accessibility, Google Places allows you to provide details about wheelchair accessibility, restrooms, and other facilities that accommodate individuals with disabilities. This information can attract a wider customer base and promote inclusivity.

33. **Localized Content**: Businesses can use Google Places to share localized content, such as neighborhood-specific promotions or events. This helps you connect with your immediate community and build a loyal customer base.

34. **Integration with Other Services**: Google Places can integrate with various third-party services, such as reservation platforms for restaurants or booking systems for salons. This seamless integration can streamline the customer journey and boost conversions.

35. **Social Media Links**: You can include links to your social media profiles within your Google Places listing. This encourages customers to engage with your brand across multiple online platforms, fostering a stronger online presence.

36. **Cross-promotion**: Collaborating with nearby businesses can be facilitated through Google Places. You can tag other businesses in your posts and listings, promoting a sense of community and potentially attracting each other's customers.

In summary, Google Places offers a wealth of features and opportunities for businesses to enhance their visibility, engage with customers, and adapt to changing consumer behaviors and technologies. It's a versatile tool that should be leveraged by businesses of all sizes and types to stay competitive in the digital age.
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Rauny

Google places is in my opinion more important than SEO for a new local business. Well it is SEO just not in the traditional web sense. For my local clients we have quicker results in getting google places set up and correctly optimized and it gets ranked pretty quickly.


rickyswann

The the the search engines locations, what exactly is contemporary about? How essential is it for a regional business? Is it essential only for a organization or all organizations around the world? What do you think guys?
newbielink:http://www.lcb.ac.uk/course-detail/hecm/civil-engineering/178 [nonactive]
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John23

Generally, local Google place is created for local customers who can reach easily to your business. From local listing people will aware about your business services or product throughout your town.
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robinhood005

Google locations is in my view more essential than SEO for a new small business. Well it is SEO just not in the conventional web feeling. For my regional customers we have faster outcomes in getting the search engines locations set up and properly enhanced and it gets rated very easily.
newbielink:http://www.ictinsite.com/seo-preston [nonactive] | newbielink:http://www.ictinsite.com/seo-liverpool [nonactive] | newbielink:http://www.ictinsite.com/seo-manchester [nonactive]
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AnnaKovac

hello
well!!
Google Places is the new name for their Business Center. Using this service, you can "claim" your business in Google and customize your listing on Google Maps and other important services.
Google is the largest search engine, with an estimated 75-85% market share. Most of your online efforts should be focused on making sure your business has a prominent presence in this search engine.
While this can be accomplished by creating a website for your company and using search engine optimization techniques, it could take several weeks or even months before your site ranks well and starts to see significant amounts of traffic.
The best way to make sure your company has a strong presence is through the use of Google Places. If you have ever done a search for a local business on Google, you've probably noticed the Google Places listings at the top of the search results. They appear before the standard results, making them especially lucrative. It is very important to make sure your business has a presence here!
thanks
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Abbey14

Google places is very important because it navigates the exact address and direction of your business. In this way, clients or customers are easily find your business location and how to go there.
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