3 Reasons To Claim Your Google Places Listing is a post from: #1 Melbourne SEO Services Company

Get more visitors through Google Places.

Not claimed your Google Places listing yet? Tsk, tsk!

It really should be a priority for your online business to be doing the things that will get you noticed and this is one of those things. It’s becoming more important so stop putting it off and get it done!

If you’re not convinced yet then maybe we can persuade you with the following reasons.

1. Universal Search Has Taken Over

You have probably noticed how every week or month something changes with how Google presents its search results.

A major change was a few years back when they introduced their Universal Search system which, instead of just serving text results, started to include news, video, images and local listings.

Then maps were added – based upon businesses and their Google Places listings – and this represented a big shift that had the SEO community wondering what to do next.

Suddenly, with maps being listed, the top result on Google could take up all the space “above the fold” in the results (ie. before you scroll down); all the other organic results are then pushed downwards which, if that includes your site, is not good.

On the flip side, it means not only that you need to aim for number one but, if you achieve that, you can totally dominate the results with maps, video and images as well as the title and text.

2. Improves Your Local Search Visibility

Google has been tailoring its results to consider geographic locations more and more. This means that, if you are searching for a gym and you are based in Melbourne, they will deliver results first and foremost for gyms in Melbourne rather than any other city – as these are most relevant to you , obviously.

Google knows your location from your unique IP address (assigned to all computers on the Internet) and so is able to tailor the results even if you don’t add your city to the search term.

Local search is taken even further with Google Places. For example if you are in the Prahran area and you are searching for a pizza restaurant on your smartphone, then Google will assume that you want a pizza restaurant that is local to you and will list all those that are optimised with Google Places first.

Now – if you are a pizza restaurant in Prahran how important is it to you to be the number one Google local listing and to bring that customer in?

3. It’s So Easy!

For the minimal amount of work you have to put in to claim and optimise your Google Places listing, the benefits for your local search engine optimisation efforts are potentially huge.

All you need to do is check if you already have a listing – sometimes Google lists businesses automatically from their appearance in other directories.

If you don’t have one then claim it and verify that you are the owner by phone or mail. They will send you a PIN that activates the account and makes it visible to the world. Then it’s a question of completing all the contact details and other categories like service areas and opening times and optimising your listing by adding images and video too.

There are plenty more tips on boosting your online business when you’re first starting out in the Competition Crusher workshop. Just click here to learn more.

Get Quick Results For Your Local Search Engine Optimisation Campaign is a post from: #1 Melbourne SEO Services Company

While getting results from you local search engine optimisation can take time, Melbourne SEO Services have developed some cutting-edge techniques which have seen them get #1 listings for their clients in Google in only 2-3 weeks.

Click here to see an example of a successful campaign for a local Melbourne business.  We were able to get a very quick #1 listing in Google’s local business listing for this ISO consultancy company.

The fact is, we have achieved these results for many businesses, including like Integrated Consulting Solutions in Melbourne, and we can do it for you.  The process starts with a free 5 minute chat over the phone, with no risk and no obligation, guaranteed. Get our amazing local search engine optimisation methods working for your business today.

Your Business Needs Google Local Listings is a post from: #1 Melbourne SEO Services Company

Get Your Google Local Listings To The Summit Of The Search Engine With 10 Minutes Work

If you haven’t claimed your Google local listing as your own yet, you might be missing out on a great opportunity for your business to feature prominently in the Google search results.

As with anything (and for the benefit of our readers with visual minds), it’s always great to prove something with an example.  Please check out the Google search for “carpenter Melbourne” below.

The power of Google local listings is there for all to see. The first thing any browser will notice is the MASSIVE local business results with the map that dominates the page. It’s a proven fact through hundreds of eye tracking studies that they won’t go to the paid listings on the right of any search, they will home in on the top of the search results.

Even more powerful is the information conveyed. Any potential customers instantly know your location, the url of your website and a phone number to get in touch with your business right away.

Can it get anymore powerful than that? The answer is most definitely yes. A Google local listing can trump SEO efforts that might take a lot of hours of work to achieve.  This is a lot less clear cut than the other benefits… but I would argue that having a listing in the local business results is more worthwhile than having the number 2 spot in the search results occupied by the Carpenter Melbourne business. One thing is for sure, Google local listings are above the fold and most of the other results are beneath.

The case for using Google Local Search for your business couldn’t be any stronger.

This is all well and good but …

How Do You Get A Prominent Google Listing?

I’m sure you’ve heard of the old phable about the plumber or mechanic or whatever profession if can be applied to who “KNOWS WHERE TO TAP”. Well, this applies perfectly to getting a good listing in the local search results. There are certain variables that you can alter to improve your positioning when you go to the Google Local Business Center to claim your listings.

Here’s a few pointers:

1. Title: Use the business name that aptly sums up your business and not your official business name. You can try to squeeze your core services or products into your title as well.  So for example if you’re a dentist in Melbourne whose core service is teeth whitening you might choose:  ‘Smiley Dentist – Teeth Whitening Specialist’. It’s your chance to be a bit sneaky.
2. Address: Make this as simple as possible for Google by listing your full address, don’t leave anything out.
3. Categories: List all your core services in the categories section
4. url: Definitely include this if you have a website
5. phone number: Include this of course, this is a core benefit of the service
6. description: Include your business’ primary keyword in here alongside a couple of your secondary keywords. Also put where you are based in here.
7. GENERAL RULE OF THUMB: The more information Google has about your business the better. Include your reviews, any videos or photo galleries that display your business in a good light. The more there is, the more likely you are to feature prominently.

If you’re still not taking advantage of Google local search results then now is the time you turned the tables and put that right. It will improve the transparency of your business and brand on the web.

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