One of the services we offer is getting your business listed on Google. We always tell clients that Google Places is free and that they are welcome to add their own listing at no charge. Many choose to use our services to save time and the hassle of getting listed. We also know how to get your listing a 100% ranking which to new Google Places users might seem frustrating and time consuming.
So if your curious about how to get your business listed this short guide should help explain the process. Before starting you'll need to gather the following:
- Business Phone Number (you'll need to be able to answer during the process)
- Business Address
- Service Area
- Hours of Operation
- Methods of Payment
- Photos and Video (optional)
Once you've collected these things you'll need to open your web brower and go to www.google.com/places/. Click on the "get started" button on the bottom right side of the page to claim or add a business. If you already have a Google account such as Gmail you will be able to register using that account. If not you will need to create your free Google account first.
Once logged in you will be asked for your business phone number. This should be the main phone number to your business that a customer will call. Google will then try to match that phone number with any information they already have in Places. After clicking "find business information" you will be taken to the main Google Places entry listing.
On this page you will add the rest of the information you gathered at the start. You'll need to add your address. Google Places only allows for one business per address. Having separate suite or unit #'s is O.K. so long as they are separate addresses. For example you cannot have a tire store and a shoe store using the exact same address. You'll also need to input your hours of operation. Make sure to check the "closed" box for any days which you are not open.
Listing all of your available payment options is next followed by photos and videos. In order to achieve a 100% rating on your Google Places listing you must add pictures and video. Now its time to start back at the top of the page and review each of your entries. You want to make sure all information you've provided is 100% correct and are able to answer the main business phone line.
After double checking your entries you will click the "submit" button where you will be asked to verify your listing either by phone or by postcard. Verifying by phone is the fasted and easiest method. After initiating the phone call to your business, Google will call you and give you a PIN #. Make sure to write down your PIN for safe keeping. Using the pin provided enter into the box and your listing is verified, congratulations. Verifying with a postcard is similar but you must wait for the card to arrive in the mail then log back into your account to enter the PIN #.
It can take a few days for your listing to start appearing in Google Places. The benefits of having a verified listing are that your business will come up on Google Maps and other popular searches. Most smart phones use Google maps in their applications exposing your business to millions of mobile web customers. We hope this how to guide has been helpful in explaining the verification process and infomation needed to get your business listed in Google Places. If you'd like more information on any of our services please contact us.