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UPDATE: Google is now merging Maps, Places and Google+ into what they’re calling “Google+ Local”, so all features can be found in one place.[/box]
One very important tool that your business should have in its Internet marketing arsenal is a Google Places listing. Not only is Google Places free and easy to use, but it is also one of the most prominent and powerful entities on the web when it comes to business advertising. As a matter of fact, it is safe to say that Google Places has completely taken over the yellow pages market, making that bulky book a thing of yesterday. Your business should be taking advantage of all Google Places has to offer, and that begins with a complete listing. Want to know how to get the most out of your Google Places page? Here are seven requirements of a Google Places listing:
A Google account. Before you can set up a Google Places listing, you must first have a valid Google account.
Your business name. It is required that you list your business name exactly as it is on your business license – no exceptions. This means that you cannot place keywords into your business name, no matter how tempting it is.
Business address. Your business address must be listed exactly as it appears on your business license (or, how you would list it on any business correspondence).
Business telephone number. You must list a valid, verifiable business phone number. Be sure to include the area code.
Proof. Before Google will publish your Places page to the web, you must provide proof of the accuracy of your business information. This may be in the form of a business card, an advertisement, or a verifiable phone number.
Compliance. Google sets some stringent guidelines when it comes to content, and you must comply with these guidelines, or else risk being blacklisted by Google altogether. Google Places content guidelines address everything from copyrighting laws to pornography, and can be accessed through Google Places support (on the website).
Completeness. Although it is not exactly necessary that you complete each and every space on your Google Places listing in order to publish the page, it is absolutely necessary that you fill in all the blanks (even the optional ones) if you want to score a 100 percent. A perfect score is necessary to earning a high Google search engine ranking, so make sure your listing information is complete.
Take advantage of everything Google+ Local has to offer! Visit http://kenivey.com for details.
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