If you’re looking for a way to rank on Google, there’s no better way than with Google business listings. To get the top seven packages ranking, your Google Places profile must be fully populated and optimized. For the past few months, Google seems to be prioritizing local listings and having a 100% complete profile is one of the steps to getting the higher ranking you are looking for.
To get started with listings, you must first claim your business name or establish one if there isn’t one. Then follow the steps below to complete your profile:
1. Fill in the company name
Fill in your company or business name exactly as it appears in the offline world. The name you have listed in the yellow pages and other business directories, post office address and other places is the one to use. Avoid using your keywords in your business name as this violates Google’s terms of service.
2. Add your phone contacts
Add the phone number of your business or company. This number should be the number you prefer for prospects to contact you. A mobile phone number is the most important here. When someone is walking around the neighborhood and needs a sushi restaurant, it is easier for them to contact you through a mobile phone number. Also, add any toll free fax numbers you have.
3. Website and email address
Add your preferred business contact email, for example “[email protected]”. A personal email address should only be used if it is your primary point of contact with customers. Also, fill your website in Google Places profile. Be sure to include http:// to allow customers to quickly access your website from their profile page by clicking the link you create.
4. Categories
Indicate the categories in which your business falls. Look for more specific categories as well as general categories. The more categories you indicate, the better.
5. Office hours
Indicate the hour in which your company operates. This will let customers know when it’s open so they can stop by. If you offer your services at customer locations, there is an option to indicate this. You can even hide your address if you don’t want customers to see it. However, it is generally advisable to leave the address visible as it makes your business appear more legitimate.
6. Payment methods and additional information
Indicate the payment methods you accept and other additional information about the company. For example, there is an option to indicate if parking is available. These give customers information in advance about what to expect when they arrive at your business premises.
7. Photos
Photos are very important in your Places profile. You can also upload videos if you have. Places allows users to upload up to 10 photos to their profile. The photos can be about anything, maybe your office, building, products, etc. Use the photos to promote your company or your products.
8. Reviews
Google Places allows customers to write reviews about your business or services. After setting up your Page, send a quick note to your past and current customers and ask them to write a review on your Page. Also, keep in mind that Google also fetches reviews from other websites like Yelp. So it helps if you have a quote there too.
The 8 steps above will help get your listing onto the coveted seven pack listings.