Google Maps has generated a lot of headlines over the last couple of years. The introduction of satellite images has allowed everyone with Internet access to view our planet in a level of detail that you’d previously only see on television. Street View advanced the technology still further, although not without courting some controversy along the way. Yet through all of this progress, as a business owner, the most significant change brought about by Google Maps is the way that it has pushed Yellow Pages to the verge of extinction. Despite the globalisation of business brought about by the Internet, people still like to buy from local companies. In fact, particularly in the service industry (dentists, restaurants, mechanics, etc.), customers will always have a need for businesses that operate on their doorstep. You’d be forgiven for assuming that this is good news for the online Yellow Pages, until you realise that Google Maps has successfully inserted itself into the search process, making – in my opinion – Yellow Pages redundant. Do I hear Google Maps for business? Before you think I’ve gone crazy, I’m not claiming that everyone searching for local businesses are visiting Google Maps over Yellow Pages, but it is true to say that people are so confident in Google’s ability to provide results, they are simply entering their local search terms into their favourite search engine. The result is that Google has been given the opportunity to steer people to Google Maps by inserting content directly into the search results. Now Google Maps changes all the time so for the latest updates be sure to visit: www.melbourneSEOservices.com

1. Map Crusher
Get your business found online.

2. Google’s
Universal Search
Includes videos, images,
videos, and maps.

3. Geographic
Searches
IP Address
User Search: Dentist Melbourne
Google:
What’s going to be more relevant to you -a. a dentist located in Sydney
b. a dentist located in Melbourne?
It gives an indication as to where you are.
Through your IP address, Google will tailor
the search results to your location. That
way, they get to serve the user the most
relevant information.

4. Google Places
helps business get found online.

5. GOOGLE PLACES
It’s in prime position
Indicator of
a Google Places
listing

6. Map results
are pushing down
the organic results
below the fold.

7. Users don’t scroll
very far down the
page; hence, it’s
important to get
Google Places right.

8. Getting Down to Business

9. Claim your listing (or add a new one)
Claim your listing and fill out all the information needed.

10. Use your domain email
Use an email account under your business domain.

11. ess
ucc
S
Use your business name
Represent your business the way it appears offline. No funny business: which
means no marketing taglines, as well as unnecessary descriptions & keywords.

12. Use real address
Use an accurate address for your
business location. Avoid placing a
pin marker on a spot where your
business doesn’t physically exist.

13. Select appropriate
categories
Select at least one category which depicts
what your business is -- not what it does
or what products it sells. Save those for
your description.

14. Load out as much info as you can
Important info such as hours, different contact details, as well photos and videos.

15. Verify your listing
Either via phone or mail.

16. HOW IT LOOKS LIKE
Real Address
Domain Email
Fitting
Category
Accurate
Location

17. THE ALGORITHM
What does
Google take
into account
when it’s
deciding on
what to
serve up?
> Address & Service Areas
- Where is the person searching from an
IP perspective?
> Coupons
- You can offer discounts to people who
come to your place’s page.
> Reviews
- Encourage your clients to write you one.
> Citations, Yellow Pages, Yelp,
& TripAdvisor
- www.whitespark.ca/local-citation-finder/search/

18. Citations
Tool:
Whitespark
Search:
Dentist Melbourne

19. ACTION PLAN
Claim your listing.
Encourage reviews.
Build citations.
Need help? Visit:
www.melbourneSEOservices.com

20. Want to learn more about how
your business can benefit from Google Places?
Visit:
www.melbourneSEOservices.com