Are you still doing the same old traditional advertising and marketing? Sure, I still believe you need to use several differnet mediums to connect to your target market but I am about to tell you a new way that is going to change how you market to your clients. Have you heard of Google Places? I know most of you have heard of Google, but Google Places is still unknown to most businesses. Most of us realize that about 80% of our business comes from a radius of 7 miles, which means local search is king. You see, Google realized that as well and they went out and created 50 million listings that range from all sorts of businesses. Have you claimed yours yet? My guess is probably not because as of this writing my research concludes that only 2% of U.S. listings have been claimed.

Now what exactly is Google Places and why should you care? Well, let’s answer the first question about what is Google Places. Google Places essentially is a local search engine run by Google. For instance, let’s say you were looking for a gym in Dallas TX and you go to Google and type in the search box “Gyms in Dallas TX.” Google then realizes that you are doing a local search and based on your current zip code that they have on file for you, Google then displays results for gyms in the Dallas area that are listed. You may have recognized this by the little tear drop and letter associated with the exact spot on the map. Now, I know what your thinking, “Okay, but so what, nothing too spectacular there.” Well ,it gets better I promise, which now leads me to why you should care.

Google Places is King and here is why you should care:

• Place search results will automatically start showing when google predicts you searching for local
• More information than typical organic results
• Sometimes have pictures or videos
• They show reviews
• Linked to directions and maps
• In many cases the search results are above organic rankings
• Maps drive sales
• Maps are the new “Yellow Pages”
• Maps are mobile
• To be effective in the future you will need to fuse mobile and search

And that is just the start of local search and Google Places. More and more people are using local search and social media to decide where they want to spend there dollars. Where else could you go and find reviews, pictures, and videos. Sure, you can have a website but people will need to know to typ in your URL or maybe you will be lucky to be on the first page of search, however, if you are listed in Google Places you show up regardless.

Now this is just the start like I said there is much more to be discussed and I plan on doing so in future posts. So, what are you waiting for, go claim your Google Places listing and start using local search to drive your business.

If you want to learn more how I can help you with your local search you can contact me here or sign up for my services where I can do it for you.

To your success,
Coach Dave