Did you know that only 3% of businesses have jumped on board the Google Places Bandwagon? I’m telling you straight up, if you are a local business owner, you are crazy if you don’t utilize your place page. Here’s why:
It’s free!
Hellooooo? You heard me. It is free to claim your place page and while we are on the topic, if you don’t claim your page, someone else can and may and they will probably be your competitor. Is that cool? No. But it happens.
Way cool features for small businesses.
Cool Stuff-
The place page gives you an online website essentially, that turns up in local searches in your business category. It features all the important information like your business name, phone number, web address (if applicable), location, hours, directions to, accepted methods of payment, a place to display photos and video, and a description of your business.
Cooler Stuff-
Mobile Coupons – Within your place page there is an option to offer a special to attract and motivate prospective customers to take action. What most people don’t realize is that this feature is really a MOBILE COUPON which is the hottest new marketing method sweeping the nation! Yes. Mobile coupons are huge and look real nifty on mobile phones which by the way is what most folks will be searching for your business on. Notice the “View Map” and “Phone Number” buttons at the bottom of the coupon. It has click to call technology built in and a link to the Map.
Boost ADs – This is a new feature like PPC (pay per click) ads, but now for your place page. Great way to expose your business to more customers if you don’t have a website because you can direct traffic to your Place Page instead. Only available in certain areas.
Updates – There is a sweet little box on your place page where you can post instant updates like happy hour specials and/or special hours due to an event etc. This is kind of like a status update for your neighborhood business.
Coolest Stuff-
Send to – I’ve been using Google Maps for a long time but I didn’t notice for a while that when you click the button to get directions, there is a feature that will not only send directions to your email BUT it can send directions to your phone, your car, or your GPS!
QR Codes – Have you seen them? Within your Google Places dashboard you have access to your very own QR code which can be snapped by smart phones and it directs to your place page listing. You can use QR codes in creative ways like including them in your print ads or on business cards. Additionally you have the ability to create QR codes for your special offers as well, and direct people to your mobile coupons.
I could go on because there are lots of great reasons you should be utilizing your place page but the most important point is, your place page gets you found by local customers looking for your business services everyday! Now go get listed today!
