Google Places for Businesses

Getting yourself on the biggest directory map in the world!

In a previous article I talked about how to get more people to come to your website (you can read it here, if you missed it). This week I'll go more in depth about how to get yourself into Google's map database, and maintain your listing there. They just changed how it works, yet again, and so this may be new to you, so listen up!

If you haven't already set yourself up with Google Places, or as they call it now, Google+ Places for Business, you should set aside some time right now to take care of it. It's critical. If you want MWW to do it for you, let me know, and we'll work it out. Montague WebWorks will have at least one University class per year on how Google Map Places records work. Look for the next one coming soon.

First, check to see if you're already in there

Go to Google and type in your business name. If nothing appears on the right, like a map with your information, then you're probably not in their map database. Try a few variations to make sure.

For example, I did a search for Maniatty Real Estate, and this is what came up:

Note that they have a map entry on the right with buttons for Directions, Reviews and an opportunity to Follow them (if you have a Google+ account). They also link to their Google+ and Facebook pages, and include the street address and phone number. Well done!

Setting up a Google Business Place

First, you should go here:  https://www.Google.com/business/placesforbusiness/

If you already have a Google+ account (essentially just a gmail.com account) then you're already partway there. If you don't, you'll need to set one up.

[More to come...]