Google has made it very easy for any small business to have a basic presence online with their Google Places profiles. These are pages that are linked from the Google search results and appear next to the map above the natural search results in either a group of 7 or 3 links called the “7 pack” or “3 pack”.
The links tend to appear when you do a search for a local business such as “hoboken dentists” or “jersey city locksmiths”. Google has already created a basic Google Places page for millions of small businesses, and it’s up to each business to owner to “claim” and optimize the content for themselves. By doing this, you will increase your chances of your business appearing in the 7 pack or 3 pack as well as on the Google Maps search results.
Claiming Your Google Places Profile
The steps below describe how to claim your Google Places profile for your business:
1) Go to the Google Places add business listing page directly at http://www.google.com/places. From here, click on the “Add new business” button.
2) The next page contains fields where you can specify details about your business. Fill this out as completely as possible. If you don’t have an email address or website yet, don’t worry. The more information you provide, the more Google knows about your business when determining whether or not to display it in the 3 pack or 7 pack. Click “Next” to move to the next page.
3) Google will try to match the information you provided with listings that they already have. You may see your business already, and, if so, you can click on the “Claim Listing” button. Or, you will not see you business, and you can click on the “Add Listing” button.
4) On the next page, enter more information about your business including service area (this helps determine for which geographic searches your business will appear), hours of operation, accepted payment methods, and additional details including any photos and videos.
If you have any photos or videos of your office or staff, definitely include them because they will enhance your profile and allow you to create a more personal connection with people who view your Google Places profile.
Click “Submit” to submit your verified business details.
6) The last step is to validate that you own the listing by requesting a PIN number either by phone or by mail. I recommend the phone option because it is immediate. For some, this option may not be available and you’ll have no choice, but to request a PIN by mail.
The phone number that will be called is the phone number that you provided on your Google Places profile. This is most likely your main number. When you’re ready, make sure the “By phone” radio button is highlighted, and click the “Finish” button.
A popup box will appear on the page requesting a PIN number, and your phone will ring. A recording will speak a 5 digit number. Enter this number in the field on the popup box, and click “Submit”.
You’ve now claimed your Google Places profile and verified that all of your business data is accurate and complete.
We can help you with this process as well as claiming your profile on other places on the web through our local optimization service. It’s important to make sure your business data is accurate and up-to-date so your business remains relevant in the local search results.
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nice post – good info on how, but how do you get seller reviews on google – i see so many sites where it says this many reviews ..its not on google places, its random search
For a business to receive positive reviews on their Google profile, it needs to ask for them. Most happy customers won’t leave a review on their own accord, but when asked or given something in reciprocity will be more than happy to review. This must be an ongoing process as unhappy customers will leave negative reviews without any prompting. Even if you deliver stellar service 99% of the time, the unhappy 1% can leave reviews that will tarnish your reputation.