Google Local or Google Maps

Confused about Google Local and Google Maps? No need to be. Google Places for Business looks after it all.

Is your business displayed on Google Maps. If so then you will have a Google Places page. You simply need to claim your page to start adding in relevant information about your business, including opening times, parking information, photographs and videos related to your business. You can also select categories for your business type.

If your business is not listed on Google Maps it is a very simple process to get listed, and the best thing is that it is a free service Google offers.

The chances are that there are a number of businesses in your local area offering the same services and being in the same category as your business. So how do you achieve higher ranking on Google Maps than other local businesses? Again, it is all about maths and Google's secret algorithms.

A NAP citation is your Name, Address and Phone Number. The more Google finds your NAP citation on the web, the more your business listing will receive relevance and credibility. This is when you can start utilising other online Internet directories. There are often a free listing available within most of these popular online directories. But be sure to have consistent NAP citation across these web directories.

Google Business places is a great way to engage with your clients. Actively encourage your satisfied customers to place a review on your Business Page. Have photos of your products and services. Include news stories about what is happening within your business. Remember Google Business places are an ideal platform to engage with your client, but your website is the place for conversions.