Have you claimed your Google Places Page yet? If you have, is your business within the top 7 results of Google Places? If it is your business is in the coveted top seven local places listed on a Google map and displayed within the organic search results when someone searches for that type of business.
Below is a snapshot of what it looks like when someone searches for “mortgage brokers santa barbara” on Google.
Google Places Top Search Results
How does a business show up in the top 7 search results?
First you’ll need to claim you Google Places Page, which helps with local seo. Then you’ll need to make sure that its filled out and completely optimized with the right description, keywords, images and categories. Once this is done you’ll need to actively ask your Customers to submit reviews while you seek our local directory citations to build up some of your authority. A healthy combination of reviews, directory listings and anchor text backlinks are key to getting to the top of a Google search. (Think of this as “votes” for your business, each link and review is a “vote” for your business and the more “votes” you have the higher your rank.) With 97% of consumers using the Internet to do research on local businesses before buying it is essential for small business owners to focus on this shift where local shopping is shifting online and focus on local search and Local SEO.
All of this takes time and does not happen over night. If you post fake user reviews, buy backlinks from a link farm or stuff the directories you run the risk of getting flagged and demoted like JCPenny did in January.
If the steps above seem like too much for you to handle your businesses local search marketing Patina Marketing can do this for you. If you need your Google Places Page set up correctly and want someone with experience to do it email us or call us today at 805-380-5494.
