Google Local Listings

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Why does your business need one?

If you don't currently have a Google Local listing for your business, you could be losing potential customers who are searching for what you sell online. Let's say that someone does a search for Mexican food on Google. Google Places then brings back a list of Mexican food restaurants in the searcher's local area, along with a map showing the locations of the restaurants. Also listed are phone numbers for the businesses, customer reviews, brief descriptions of the businesses, and sometimes even pictures and videos. It's a great (and free) way to promote your business to customers in your local area, and it's easy to set up.

Customer Reviews

Many prospects will look at reviews from past customers before making a buying decision. Using the Mexican food example from above, a potential customer can look at customer reviews to see whether the food was good and what the service was like. If your business is providing value and excellent service to your customers, then this will most likely be reflected in the reviews.

It's important to encourage your customers to leave reviews ...
... about your business. Offer incentives to get them to leave a review, like 10% off your next meal or Buy 1, Get 1 Free. Not only does this provide social proof about the value your company provides, it may also mean that your Google Places listing will rank higher than your competition.

Details

Put as many details in your listing as possible. Someone who has never done business with you wants to know what you do, what you offer, etc. If you're a restaurant, you can place a link to your menu. An auto mechanic could list the different services that he offers. Be creative and list as many details as possible to give prospects a better idea of what it is that you do.

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