Google Places Optimization for Indian Businesses

Indian businesses aiming for a prominent spot in the search engines should implement Google places optimization technique. A prominent SEO practice, Google places optimization method helps businesses reach their local clients efficiently.

What is Local Search?

Why is it so important for a business?

Local markets are very important and a top visibility in the local search gives you a better chance to do business in the global market.

How to make your prospective clients aware of your presence on the local platform (area)?

Local search is nothing but a location-specific search, creating a local listing will help your business in the best way possible.

• 43% of search queries on Google are local (source: Searchengineland.com)
• 61% of successful transactions are due to local searches(source: TMP/compscore)

I can list few more points like these, but for the time being, let’s move on and learn more about Google Places optimization.

Do you have a local listing for your business? If not, follow these simple steps and find your way to local customers.

Steps to be followed for Google Places Optimization

• SIGN UP
  • You have to perform the most basic step, which is to sign up and create an account, so visit,
  • http://www.google.com/localbusinesscenter
• ADD 1 OR 2 LOCATIONS
  • An option to add new businesses will be given once you create an account.
    • i. Click Add – For a single location
    • ii. Upload (data file)- For 10 or more locations
• EXPLAIN ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
  • As you add a new business screen, start creating your business listings along with addresses and contact information. Once the address is entered, a map will visible on the right side of the screen, zoom on your location and build the listing.
  • In the last section, you will be asked to fill out a 200-character description about your business. To make sure that Google Map is precisely locating your business, use appropriate (strong) keywords.
• CLAIM THE EXISTING LISTING OR ADD A NEW ONE
  • In the next screen, you can either add or claim your listing. It means usually, local businesses will be listed in the phone directories and Google Maps access these directories for basic information.
    • i. The claim listing – if your business is already listed
    • ii. Add Listing- If your business is not listed
• ADD KEYWORDS AND DETAILS FOR YOUR SEARCHERS
  • Include everything that represents a professional business. The hours of operation, payments options and make your business stand out from the rest. It would be definitely a smart move if your list of details includes information about,
    • i. Categories – Either you can choose from the options or input your choice of category. Research for keywords and input them to have a greater reach for the potential customer group.
    • ii. Videos- Put your business in a spotlight by uploading high-quality videos of your store (business).
    • iii. Images/Photos- Introduce your potential customers to your company logo, staff, and products through photos.
    • iv. Additional Details- If you have any special service or information about a major product line don’t forget to mention about it.
• VALIDATE
  • To make sure that you are the owner, the (information) listing provided should be validated (either through phone or email). Google will make use of your phone number/address to verify the information provided by you.
  • Suppose you go with the option to use a phone for validation, you will receive your PIN number to activate the listing and that will provided through an automated phone call. The PIN should be entered for your listing will be available for local customers (within few hours).
• THE DASHBOARD
  • The access to the analytics is possible once you are associated with the Google Local Business Center. You can study and analyze the,
    • i. Impressions- The number of people who saw the listing through the local search result.
    • ii. Actions- How many people requested directions for your store, or how many people visited the other sections of your website?
    • iii. Search Queries- What words/terms are directing towards activity?
• THE COUPONS (Don’t Forget to add them)
  • Why should customers buy your products or do business with you? Are you giving them any sort of privileges? It’s natural to see people getting tempted towards products with coupons, so add them!
  • An easy to use dashboard allows you do that. Also, coupons through a feedback mechanism allow people to easily find you through the local search.