Google Places Listing
A Google Places listing for your business allows it to appear on Google Maps. This is an extremely useful feature because it will help people find directions to your business and get relevant information, such as your contact information, hours of operation, and types of payment you accept.
Microsoft also allows businesses to put their company on the map at their Bing Business portal. It is very important to remember Bing's role in your online web presence. In the past, Google's market share was so large that it really didn't matter if you paid attention to Microsoft and Yahoo. Now, Microsoft Bing has a 30% market share, which means that nearly one out of every three people search on Bing. Having your company on Bing Maps will also put a nice map on your Facebook business page.
Do You Need a Google Places Listing?
Your business does need a Google Places listing. There are several problems that you'll face if you don't have one. The first is that Google automatically generates listings for a lot of businesses. They are very basic ones with incomplete and possibly incorrect information. The listings that Google generates are able to be edited by anyone. As the owner of the business, you need to claim the listing, which will prevent others from being able to alter it, and make sure it has all the correct information.
Another problem with not having a Google Places listing is the fact that your business probably won't show up on mobile phone searches. People with GPS on the cell phones use Google Maps to find businesses in the area. Google will only show a small number of listings, and if yours is not claimed or does not exist, no one will be able to find you. You will be missing out on valuable potential customers.
Do You Need Both a Website and a Google Places Listing?
Your business needs both a website and a Google Places listing. Your website exists to capture leads, provide people with useful information about your industry, and build rapport with potential customers so you can eventually turn them into long term customers. Your website is an extension of your business and needs to reflect what you do and your mission. The Google Places listing is for navigation and general information purposes. Together, they are a powerful way to get more prospects to pick up the phone and call you or visit you in person.
We believe that both a website and a Google Places listing are important to businesses, which is why we include the listings with each website we build. If you already have a website but need a Google Places and Bing listings, we will do those both for $47 (one time fee).
So if you don't have a listing for your business, call us today at (559)303-6555 and we'll put you on the map.
