If you've entered a search at Google.com.au, you've probably already seen a Google Places listing. You'll recognise this by the inclusion of a map, and a set of listings when you include a location such as a town, suburb or region within your search. These "Google Places" listings have been given priority in local searches, Pushing the “organic” listings down the page.

So clearly, the aim of a Google places listing is to get local exposure for your business. A places listing, just like your small business website, needs to have a good ranking to boost your sales. In fact not only does a Google places listing send a lot of traffic to a website, but the website conversion for these visitors is often higher than organic search visitors.

As the foundation for the SEO process, before any search engine optimisation work starts, plan with intelligent keyword research. Sub-optimal keywords will result in a fraction of the website traffic achievable with quality keyword research, for the same amount of effort. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to maximize the return on investment for your website or Google places SEO.
So how do we optimize your Google places listing?

1. Add relevant content!

As much as you can. Google Places allows you to enter certain details of your business. The more complete this is the easier it is for Google to decide how relevant you are to your local searches. Use your keywords where appropriate, but don't overdo it, it needs to read well to convert customers!

2. Physical Address

Include your full business address. Your location in relation to the center of the city or region is important, but if your places page and website rank well for your suburb you’ll show up for adjacent suburbs as well.

3. Website Address

Without a website it's difficult to rank well or at all depending on the competition. Your website ranking affects your place page ranking. It's important that your place page information is consistent with your website, to make the most of the link.

4. Business Category

Select 2-3 relevant business categories. You can add your own custom category, but Google will prompt you to use at least one existing one. Use your keywords here, but don't go overboard with variations of the same phrases (ie web design, web designer, website design, website designer). Do not put locations in custom categories! Google already has this information and may consider it spamming.

5. 10 Images

Make sure your images are square to avoid them coming up stretched - just add some white space or crop appropriately.

6. 5 Videos

If you have video's link them here providing more back-links (link-love) to your video's.

7. Reviews

Encouraging as many customers as possible to leave reviews is an important part of a local SEO stratergy. This addd content for Google, and confidence to prospective customers. Make it easy for customers by referring them to our article on How to write a google places review.

8. Special offer

 Ok here's one more: Google now allows you to add a special offer - make sure this relates to your keywords, to further boost your relevance to searches, and provide a low cost point of entry for new customers.

Need help with local search results? Check out our Local SEO Package which includes keyword research, an optimized Google Places listing and more.