The Top Reasons to Claim Your Listing in Google Places

Marketing your business on the internet might seem like an uphill battle, however I have found that most business are missing the most important piece of the puzzle: claiming their listing in Google Places.
The confusion begins with the name, as “Google Places” is actually referring to the profile page of small businesses, which allow you to verify and partake in your online reputation. This information is essential when attempting to receive a high ranking in the map area that is seen when doing local searches via Google. This listing is completely free to every business, and the value can be immeasurable. Here are the just a few of the most valuable reasons to claim your listing in Google Places.
1. Verifying Your Business Information: While we can all admit that Google and its algorithms are amazing, these algorithms are only as good as the information a business owner provides it. While Google is stellar at collecting and scraping information about your business around the internet, your listing needs to be 100% correct. This includes the title, address, phone number and website. When this information is correct, Google will do a better job verifying and connecting the dots, and it starts with claiming your listing in Google Places.
2. Adding and Editing Your Google Places Page: A businesses Google Places profile page allows for a lot of information to be entered. This can increase the chances of your business being found a wider range of searches, which is the whole point of internet marketing. You will be able to add value to your listing with multiple photos, videos, and a description of what your business is about.
3. Puts You in The Running on Google Maps: If your business does not currently have a Google Places listing there is no way you will show up in the top local results. Your business will not even be in the running if your presence is non-existent in the eyes of Google. So when you decide to claim your Google Places listing but cannot find it, it is vital that you add your business as soon as possible.
4. Create Consistency: A consistent business profile on the internet is what will add validity and value to Google. When your Google Places profile is claimed and edited properly it will raise the chances of the search engine finding even more information that is pertinent to your business.
5. Prevent Stealing of Your Business Reputation: Believe it or not, ruthless and unscrupulous businesses and competitors have been stealing unclaimed Google Places listings and doing one of two things. Competitors have been known to sabotage the listing so it gets kicked out of the Google Index. Ruthless business directories have also been claiming these listings in an attempt to sell back the listing to the rightful owner, and at the very least creating havoc with its reputation.
6. Chance to Respond to Reviews: Recently Google has allowed business owners to respond accordingly to positive or negative reviews that have been posted. Claiming your Google Places listing gives you’re the opportunity to do this so people know how much you appreciate comments, or explain particular situations that may have occurred.
As you can see, your online business listing means so much to Google that it is worth spending time getting the basics done to help market and protect your reputation. Hopefully these tips will help you get on your way to the top of the rankings, and allow you to understand why it is so important to claim your Google Places listing. Dana Goetz