Kansas City Web Design, SEO, Local Search, PPC, Social Media, Email Marketing
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The Top, #1, Most Important Step to Improve Local Search Results
When 32 top experts on local SEO were asked to identify the most important factors for achieving greater visibility in local search, there was nearly unanimous agreement on what belongs at the top of the list: Claim and update your Google Places page. Assuming Google knows you exist, Google has already created your "Places" listing, including a dedicated page with details about your business, photos, reviews, and more. So where does this information come from? Unless you have claimed your own page, it comes from anywhere Google can get it, including submissions from random strangers and your competitors. So here's a quick why, where, and how to claim and update your page:
- The Google Places page may the first thing people see about your business, so you want to make a good first impression.
- A "claimed" page will actually rank better in search engine results—Google insiders have confirmed this.
- Claiming your page will protect it from inaccurate or malicious posting, since you will be the only one who can edit your business info. (Reviews, of course, cannot be edited or removed.)
- Once claimed, you can enhance the page by adding photos, videos, coupons, weekly specials, etc.
- If you don't already have a Google Account, create your free account at www.google.com/accounts.
- Go to Google Maps, search for your business name, and click on the "more info" link next to the name.
- If you see "Business owner?" in the upper right, click the link to begin the process.
- If you see "Owner-verified Listing" someone (either in your company or outside) has already claimed the page.
- If you did not find your business on Google Maps, go to http://www.google.com/local/add to add a new listing.
- Fill out the basic information about your business, including Company, Address, Phone, Website, etc.
- Be sure to use all your important keywords in the business description.
- Click "Next" to enter Categories, Hours of Operation, Payment Options, Photos, and Video.
- Use the "Additional Details" section to add custom information fields to your listing.
- Google will ask you to verify ownership via one of three methods: phone, text message, or snail mail.
You've done it! And it was easy and free! Now keep the listing updated, continuing to add timely information, specials, events, etc., and responding politely and professionally to reviews. And don't forget to check out your Google Places dashboard to view analytics on activity, impressions, actions, keywords and more.
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