optimizing your google local listing for search

OPTIMIZING YOUR GOOGLE PLACE LISTING FOR SEARCHKristin Miller

WebpageFX

20% of Google searches are for a local business.

PLACE LISTING VIA GOOGLE PLACES Free, local platform from Google The answer for location-based local businesses! Help You Appear in:

Global Search Results Mobile Google Earth GPS

97% of consumers search for local businesses online.

20% of Google searches are for a local business and 40% of mobile Google searches are for a local business.

IMPORTANCE OF A GOOGLE PLACE LISTING

A high-ranked Google Places listing is essential for driving business to your storefront

PLACE LISTINGS WITHIN SEARCH RESULTS

Search for “salon new york city” Map Listings Under Map Listings Under/Above Organic Results

ANATOMY OF A GOOGLE PLACE LISTING

Optimized Listing Example Address, Phone Number, Website Correct Map Marker on Map Categories Hours Transit, if applicable Update from owner Description Photos and Videos Offers Reviews

OPTIMIZING YOUR PLACE LISTING

Go to: http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter

Add Your Business Fill out Everything!

Description: keywords you’d like your listing to rank for 5 Categories: stay relevant, try to use keywords Photos & Videos Additional Details: keywords

Citations!

CITATIONS

Mentions of your business name and address across the Web to validate your listing and increase Google’s confidence in it

Examples: Yelp, Urbanspoon, TripAdvisor, Yellow Pages, Local Chamber of Commerce website (some free, some paid)

Start with your website! Getlisted.org

Evaluates your citations and gives a to do list Top 50 US Citation Sources

GET GOOGLE REVIEWS

ASK Link to your listing on your website Offer an incentive (discount, gift card, etc.)

for those who write a review on your Google listing

Solicit reviews on marketing materials Newsletters Feedback forms

EVALUATING YOUR LISTING’S SUCCESS

Analytics from Google

EVALUATING YOUR LISTING’S SUCCESS

Word of Mouth

EVALUATING YOUR LISTING’S SUCCESS

Offers

Reviews

Consider your Google Local Listing a beneficial extension of your website and online presence – keep it fresh!

Update When You… Change locations Add a special offer Remodel Add or remove a service Change your business hours

UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!

QUESTIONS?