You know you need to be on Google’s extended networks. You know you want people who search you to find you via Google. So, what’s most important? Well, we recommend you make sure you are pinned correctly on Google Places for Business and that you are using Google+, at least a little bit. Then build from there.
Here are our Google priorities for you:
1. Google Places for Business – or call it Google + Business – Is your business located in the correct location when you Google it? Do you use Google maps on your phone? Login with your Google account, agree to the Terms of Service and make sure your business is pinned on Google Places and verify it. Start here. Don’t forget to optimize your listing with photos, keywords and encouraging reviews.
If you think you already have a listing, try searching by your phone number. (That’s what the Google support guy told me).
Is your business pinned wrong? Ours was. Google was very helpful in fixing it. Just follow these instructions.
Remember Google+ Business gets you in front of local users and on Google maps.
2. Google+ Page – Your G+ page works like your Facebook page. You have a personal profile and you manage your business page. It is Google’s social network and yes, you need to be using it. Your G+ page needs to be public for maximum visibility and greater shareability.
WAIT! Before you set up your Google+ business page, make sure you are logged into the gmail account that you want to own that account. Each G+ page can have one owner and multiple managers. Changing ownership is possible, although it requires some extra special attention and finagling. Directions here, if you already did this. And don’t set up an extra G+ page for your business, that’s not fun to manage either.
Remember one Google+ page created by the owner with multiple managers is the best way. Don’t forget to verify your account.
Once you verify your G+ local page, Google will recognize and merge it with your Google Places listing and your combined features will be included in your Google+ local account. You can’t force this to happen, only follow the first steps above to make this happen.
3. Google Authorship – Your Google authorship should be tied to this account. Follow these instructions to make sure that as you post blogs. This will tie your personal G+ profile to your website, something you can’t do for your G+ business page, but definitely worthwhile and search helpful.
1/31/2013 – I spent some time on the phone with a Google representative today, and I learned some new stuff, which is updated in this blog post.
Need more help with digital marketing? Idea Marketing Group is here for you!