How to rank higher with Google Places

Are you still investing money in archaic search engine optimization strategies to boost your online sales? It’s high time you reconsider the online marketing tools for your business and optimize them for a high rank with Google Places results.

With the re-branding of Google Local Business Centre as Google Places in April 2010, the dynamics of local search engine optimization strategies have changed in a significant manner. Along with this re-branding, Google introduced a range of features to help local businesses to optimize their online presence. The resultant was a 7-pack listing on the first page of Google results and a Google map to show the location of the top listed businesses.

For internet users, Google has simplified local searches by integrating data from Google Places. However, for local businesses, this means an online war to get listed in the 7-pack for relevant keywords. To win this war and boost online sales, you require good understanding of the factors that determine the Google Places ranking algorithm. Given below is an example of a seven-pack listing. Read on to figure out how you can make it to this exclusive club.

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Check Google Place Listing

Ensure that your Google Place listing has accurate data related to your business. Check for location settings, contact details and name of the business. Include your business category as it will determine the pages on which you will get listed. Try to include as many information as possible in the Places profile of your business. Also, check your accurate location tagging on Google Maps.

Add Meat to Places Page

Google allows you to add photos, videos, website, blog and other information to your Places page. Ensure that your profile is complete to increase your probability of reaching the 7-pack listing.

Optimize Google Adwords

Optimize the use of Google Adwords to know highly searchable keywords for your business category. It is prudent to include the most relevant keyword with the business name in the Google Places profile. For example, if you are a lawyer, set the business name in Google Places as XYZ Law Firm in New Delhi or XYZ Kolkata Lawyer.

Prepare a list of highly searchable keywords for your business category. Optimize your web presence for these keywords. You can use keywords to post articles on article submission websites, online local directories and website content. For a sound SEO strategy for Google Places, try not to mix a range of keywords. Focus of specific keywords that are most relevant to your business and use them widely.

Local Citations

Local citations are crucial to score a high rank in the Google Places results. Citations refer to content available on external websites that work as validation tools for your business. Invest time in listing your business details with high ranking websites or blogs. For example, you can create a Facebook profile page for your business or create a profile with Yahoo Local. Leverage on websites that allow profiles for businesses, such as Yellow Pages, Kudzu, Hot Frog, Ask, AOL Local Search and Amazon. Remember, the higher the number of citations, the more Google will trust your Places listing.

User Reviews

User reviews for your business are like “testimonials” for Google. Positive user reviews and ratings have a definite impact on the chances of your business listing reaching the 7-pack. To ensure a large number of user reviews, you can set up a blog and encourage users to post their feedback in the form of ratings or reviews. Leverage external consumer-based websites that allow users to post their reviews about businesses and places.

Google also has a user review service for local businesses called “Google Places with Hotpot”. Encourage users to search for your business listing on Hotpot and add reviews or ratings.

In a nutshell, Google has a complex algorithm to determine the 7-pack listing. To make it to the 7-pack, you should focus on a range of measures to increase your web presence. A smart formula to optimize local listing coupled with traditional SEO strategy can do wonders.

Outsource the Process

While following the steps above will help push up your ranking on Google Places, the process itself is time consuming and involves a fairly steep learning curve. It might be easier to simply outsource this to a good search marketing company. Check out this list, or simply google for one in your area. This is one investment that is sure to pay rich dividends.