What is Google Places?
Google Places is a brand new innovative service that works in conjunction with Google maps. Google Places basically let a business post an advanced listing regarding information on their company to the place point in Google maps.
Another good point is that it’s free and doesn’t take a great deal of knowledge. A business owner can add a listing to their company on Google maps and then anyone searching for them will find them, along with all the information they could need in the listing details, such as address, phone number and even directions.
Google Places can do so much more than that though! A business owner may even add a coupon on to their listing that users can print off and bring into the relevant corporation. For instance, a restaurant may post a coupon such as this “Come and enjoy the finest garlic bread that Lancashire has to offer, for free! This coupon is valid for one free side order of garlic bread when bought with any of our pasta dishes”. These coupons can be made valid for specific dates or durations of time at different venues.
In addition to the coupon addition, Google Places can provide the business owner with vital information on their customer base. For example the owner can obtain information about where the customers are travelling from to get to their business. They can also find out what their customers are looking for most and what their customers are looking for to find them. This can allow the owner to cater their menu, service or even location to meet their customers desires through having the advantage of smarter business decisions. Through this information, they can find out what their customers want most based on their searches.
This very useful tool can be used to overcome the difficulty of attracting new local custom over the big named competitors you might have. 82% of people use Google over other mediums to find local information, so it makes obvious sense why you would want to take control of your own listings and be in Google. It’s a very simple method to do this as well as letting your customers know what you’re all about. Every detail, even down to your menu can be placed into the Google Places listings. There is full customisation in how you’re business is listed, you chose what information is listed and what isn’t.
Main advantages of Google Places
The listings are local and users are searching locally – nobody will search for something they’re going to have to travel far for. This is a great way to attract local custom.
It’s on the most popular and most powerful search engine in the world, 82% of people use Google before anything else such as the yellow pages.
All of the relevant information on the business can be found in one spot. Users don’t have to search the web for different sections they’re looking for.
Helps build awareness of the business and drive traffic to the company website.
Google Places listings appear on page one, and not only that but they dominate page one of Google
The results are also displayed in Google maps and can be accessed on people’s mobile phones.
There’s a great customer review option
In the next few years, National seo search will more or less completely replace mediums such as the yellow pages and so it’s better to get ahead of the competition now.
