Google Local Business Center Now Renamed Google Places

If you’re running a local business online consider using Google Places. It used to be called “Local Business Center.” People used to search the yellow pages to find local business listings however this has occurred less and less due to the accessibility of the internet. Instead of wasting time sifting through countless yellow pages simply enter your main keyword phrase into the Google search box to receive a number of local business websites you can contact.

To make sure you’re listed create a Google places account. If you already have a Google account (ie gmail, google reader, etc) just login and create your local listing.

Google Places Video Introduction

Stats & Facts

According to the Official Google Blog

“Four million businesses have already claimed their Place Page on Google through the Local Business Center, which enables them to verify and supplement their business information to include hours of operation, photos, videos, coupons, product offerings and more. It also lets them communicate with customers and get insights that help them make smart business decisions.”

• 20% of searches on Google are related to location
• There are 50 million Place Pages.
• Place Pages are viewed millions of times each day

New Features

Service areas:
Businesses that travel to serve customers can now specify the geographic area served. Home-based businesses or those without a physical storefront can also now use Google Places and opt to keep their address private.

A new, simple way to advertise
If you want to make listing stand out from your competitors you can use Tags for a flat rate of $25/month. Tags help businesses to highlight a specific aspect of their business. This is achieved by highlighting a link that points customers to photos, videos, website, coupons, directions, menu or reservations sign up. This enhancement will appear in search results on Google.com and Google Maps.

QR code generator
Business owners in the U.S. can download a QR code that’s unique to their business. These QR codes can be placed on their business cards, marketing materials, or on their storefront. Customers that use Android-powered devices or iPhones can be taken directly to that business’ mobile Place page to learn more about their offerings and read reviews.

Favorite Places
Google places can mail out window decals with customized QR codes. It shows the places Google users most frequently seek out.

Business photo shoots
Local usinesses in select cities can request a photo shoot of the of their business interior. This will supplement their existing photos on Place pages. The photographs will help customers by displaying a business’ offerings, layout, merchandise, and services. For more information on Business photo shoots and participating cities visit: maps.google.com/businessphotos.

Live updates
Live updates can be made by business owners to promote a sale, a special event, a limited-time promotion, or anything else that provides relevant, timely information.

Personalized dashboard
The dashbaord offers statistics to monitor the performance of your listings. It includes:

• how many times a listing has surfaced as a search result
• the different types of interactions with the content
• the keywords that lead customers to the listing
• the zip code where customers originate

Mobile coupons

Coupons are a great way to advertise special offerings related to your business. They can be printed from your place page. You have the option to have your coupons specially formatted for customers to redeem simply by using their mobile phone. They won’t need to print out the coupon.

Local searches are becoming more frequent as more people use the Internet to search for products and services offered locally. Make sure your business is listed with Google Places before your competitors find out.

****************
Get a Professional Website designed for your
local business by visiting: Professional Web Design