Free Place Pages - Google’s new tool for local businesses
If you run a locally based business, organisation or facility, you should use Google Place Pages. It builds on the Local Business Centre facility that offers you the ability to appear on a map in the Local Search results. Instead of just a pin marker on a map and a listing, you now have the chance to have an entire page about your business.
Search for something local in Google and click on one of the alphabetically named pin markers on the map in the local business results - if you’re new to this, just search for something like ‘Web Agency Cheltenham’ and you’ll see a map in the Google results.
You’ll then see a page with a list of Cheltenham web agencies on the left and a larger map on the right. Against each list entry there’s a ‘more info’ link which can display information like services, people, reviews, transport links and so on.
For businesses without a website this is a great way of reaching your local market at zero cost. You can display photos, videos, menus and almost anything legal. To get started go to the Local Business Centre and register. Google provides lots of helpful tips on how to build your profile and if this is anything like Google’s other search services, the more information you provide, the higher you’ll rank.


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