You might actually be asking yourself, “WHY would I want to register my business on Google Places?”

Well, for starters, it makes it easier for your customers to find you! You also have better control over the information ensuring that the most accurate info is being displayed in Google Search and Google Maps. And, the best reason yet, it’s FREE and takes about 5-10 minutes to register!

When users type in a localized search for a topic, Google will display the matches for businesses and groups listed in Google Places for those search terms at the top of the page. By the way, Google Places used to be known as Google “Local Business Center” until about 2 weeks ago.

For example, as an exercise, type the keywords “web hosting collingwood” into Google… What do you see?

Convinced? Here’s a quick synopsis of how set it up.

In Google Places, you’ll need to enter in your Google login info. If you don’t have a Google account (what century do you live in?), you can quickly create one. Don’t groan, it takes 2 seconds and quite frankly, you should’ve already had one by now anyway! Hotmail is so last year (see our article on professional mail)!

Once logged in you can add basic information about your business such as:

• Business name
• Address
• Phone
• Email
• Website
• Hours of operation
• Videos/photos

You will need to verify your listing (either by SMS, phone call, or snail mail). Once this is done you will have a listing that will look something like this:

Yes, that’s a pic of me and the boss chatting outside after a busy day, whilst enjoying a nice cuppa!

The benefits far outweigh the five minutes effort it takes to set it up!

• Free listings to add your business, location, and other pertinent information to Google
• Free updates to keep Google and your customers apprised of the latest information (Google despises displaying outdated information!)
• Free Reporting that shows the info such as the total number of times your listing has showed up, number of times a user has clicked for more info/url, and the top search queries

So, like Gwen Stefani says, “What you waiting for?” Register for Google Places here. If you get stuck, shoot us a comment below and we’ll nudge you in the right direction.

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