Improve Google Places Ranking With These 5 Optimization Tips
Posted on February 18, 2011 by Darryl Delong
Improve Google Places Ranking
If your business is already listed with Google Places, or you’re planning to do it, these 5 optimization tips will help boost your local listing ranking on Google.
#1 – Make sure each available field is completed when adding your listing to Google Places. Leave no field blank.
There are around 20 fields available when completing a Google Places listing. I recommend taking the extra time needed to input information in each field, as neglecting any of the available fields can have a negative impact on your Google rank.
The more complete the listing. the better your rank will be for targeted keyword phrases.
#2 – Select each category option available and relevant to your business listing.
Google requires at least one category be selected from the list provided, but allows as many as five. Or you can even create a new category. It’s possible to have your listing rank for additional search terms based on the category names selected.
I will caution however, not to stuff your “write-in” categories with multiple keyword phrases. Instead choose only one keyword phrase per category field. Otherwise, your listing is at risk of a penalty and a significant drop in ranking may occur.
#3 – Up to 10 images can be added with your business listing; use all 10.
Google permits the option of adding up to ten photos with your business listing. I suggest finding ten photos and using each one as this will enhance the listing and may help boost your rank. The photos could be uploaded first to Picasa or Flickr to geo tag them with relevant keyword phrases. Example: new hampshire home inspection services
#4 – Google Places allows up to 5 videos with your business listing. Make sure to take advantage of this.
I realize it takes a significant amount of time to create a video if you don’t already have one, but this will further enhance a business listing. Some people really like videos and if done correctly, they can make a great intro and first impression of your business offering to potential clients.
If you need a quick and inexpensive video made, try using Animoto.com. This site allows a free 30 second video clip to be created using your own photos. I’ve used the site before and my video clips come out looking very nice. Or for $249/yr, an unlimited number of high definition videos can be created for your business.
#5 – Ask for reviews and create as many citations as possible.
Your listing is likely to rank better with more positive reviews. So be sure and ask satisfied customers to leave a review on your Google business listing(s).
What is a citation?
A citation is any type of online reference to your business. For example, it can be a review, business name, phone number, address. It can be a link to your business site or other business listings, but doesn’t have to be a link in order to be considered a citation.
Citations support local business listings and affirm to Google that your business is in fact a real one. The general consensus is that the more citations a local listing has, the higher its rank will be.
To be most effective, it’s important for the citations to closely match the details found in your Google Places page.
Here’s a list of free sites to use to generate citations. By no means is this a complete list, but it will help you get started.
https://advertise.local.com/Default.aspx
http://www.supermedia.com/business-listings
http://listings.local.yahoo.com/basic.php
http://listings.yellowpages.com/Services/ServiceClaimSearch.aspx
http://www.ibegin.com/business-center/submit/
http://www.expressupdateusa.com/pages/Add.aspx
http://www.magicyellow.com/Add_Your_Business.cfm
http://www.merchantcircle.com/corporate/
https://ssl.bing.com/listings/BusinessSearch.aspx
http://www.hotfrog.com/AddYourBusiness.aspx
https://providers.matchpoint.com/register.htm
To further promote your Google Places listing, read our blog article “Google Tags and How To Use Them To Enhance Your Local Business Listing.”
