Raise your hand if you still use a yellow book to look up phone numbers….
No one? Well than what has replaced this staple in our everyday lives? We all know its Google. Google has become more than just a $190B company– It has become a verb synonymous for internet searching. Googling is our go-to method for finding…anything.
When someone googles a business, one of the top 2 results is usually the Google Places Page. This page is available for every business that has been indexed by Google. Brand new businesses may not have one yet. Google Places is the new improved “yellow book listing” for the internet age. This is where people go to find your contact information when they are interested in doing business. But who creates this page and who’s responsible for its accuracy? The answer to both questions is… You do.
You need to take control of your Places Page, and if you haven’t yet, somebody else can and will— and they might not have your best interests in mind.
In order to ensure accuracy and prevent competitors from sabotaging your page, Here’s How to Claim Your Listing:
- Find your Page: The first step to claiming your listing is to Google search for your company and click on “more info” or “places page”. Here you will see what information Google has defaulted on your page, and if someone else has already claimed it. There is no easy way to get control of your page back if some else has hijacked it, so it is important to get control of your page as soon as possible.
- Log In: To claim your page you need a Google account (gmail, youtube, ect.). If you don’t have one yet, create one. Once you’re logged into Google and on your unclaimed page, click “Owner?” and follow the prompts.
- Get your Pin: Next, Google will send a postcard to your business address with a pin number you’ll need to confirm you’re the owner.
- Edit your Info: Once you get your pin in the mail, you can start editing the content of your listing. You can add a detailed description, photos, links, and categories that describe your business.
Remember, this page is usually the first thing people see when they are interested in your services. Make sure to deliver a concise, clear message with no spelling errors. This page is free advertising— put some time into what you’re communicating.
