Register with Google Places

Why we recommend using Google Places as your Business Directory entry

Millions of people search Google Maps every day. A free listing on Google Maps makes it easy for them to find you, PBN recommends this approach:

Use Google Places to create your free listing.When potential customers search Maps for local information, they’ll find your business: your address, hours of operation, even photos. It’s easy, free, and you don’t need a website of your own, although it is a lot more effective if you have one.

The availability of this service, which links locations, photographs and live links on the map to a search category outclasses other business directories such as ufindus or yell which offer ( as free ) only typescript like listings with no direct links and minute sets of information.

Search example

Search for example “ self catering Broad Haven, Wales” : this comes up as a map with flagged locations, and dotted locations, possibly several pages deep.

Clicking on the flags or dots shows data including a photograph, with live website links.

Clicking again on the highlighted entry brings up the full page description which you have entered in Google Places, with up to 5 photographs.

It is key that the classifications you define for your business will lead them to your entry, and a careful review of the top search queries on your Google Places account performance update will show if you have the best classifications defined.

Compare this with the also free ufindus listing, with no live links or email / website data at all. Compare also with the Yell result, usefully including distance from reference, but still with no live links. A basic free listing is available, enhanced listings on Yell.com appear to start at £90 pa, or £33 pa in Yellow Pages for a simple listing. Yell.com mobile application for iPhone may improve the search experience, but still provides no live links unless one subscribes for an enhanced listing.

How to register with Google Places

Type into your browser http://maps.google.com, click on the legend “ put your business on Google Maps” then register your business and follow the clear instructions. You will need an active email account to confirm registration.

Paul Woolman – PBN. www.pembrokeshire-business.net! June 2011

Example:

Google Places Example