If you have not, and many of you have not, claimed your Google Places listing, here are five reasons you should claim your Google Places listing today!
1. This Google quote, “97% of consumers search for local businesses online.”
2. Google’s Universal Search results
In today world of Google’s Universal Search results, nearly every time a potential customer does a Google search that contains your community’s name (or the region where your business is located) and the type of product or service you offer, they will see a Google map with pins on it, and a list of businesses represented on that map. Is there a pin for your business there? There is no easier nor quicker way to improve visibility in Google SERPs, than claiming, and using your Google Places listing.
3. Make sure your listing is accurate and thorough. Did I say thorough?
You may add photos and videos; custom categories like your service area, brands you sell and how to find parking; and coupons to encourage customers to make a first-time or repeat purchase.
4. Customer Reviews
Google and prospective customers both love customer reviews. You don’t have to do many test searches using Google to see that websites of companies who have several reviews on their Google Places pages, do very well in Google SERPs.
5. It is easy, and takes a very few minutes.
You may verify your phone number, address, and add business hours. After you have claimed and verified your Google Places listing, you may go back and take advantage of the features.
To make sure the basic information you submit is accurate, Google will ask you to verify it first by entering a PIN that will be sent to either your business address or phone number. (We recommend using the phone number. It automated and is nearly instantaneous as opposed to weeks.)
Now, go claim your Google Places listing!
Here is some help from Google:
Getting started with a local business listing on Google Places