Here are some simple steps to get your business online on Google Places
Step 1: Register with Google
First, if you don’t have a Google login ID you would need to create one. To do this, go to https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount. If you already have an account move on to the next step.
Step 2: Find your listing…
After registering go to http://maps.google.com and search for your company. When your listing is found click on more info ».
Step 3: Are you the business owner?
After clicking more info » you will be on the Google Places page for your business. On the top right click Business Owner?. It doesn’t look like a link but you can click on it. We are assuming that you are the business owner or employed by the company to administrate the local listing. If not, it’s futile trying to take ownership because Google needs to verify your business by mailing a letter to the physical address (or call you by phone).
Step 4: Edit my business listing…
From the Add, Edit, or Suspend Listing page check Edit my business information. Before clicking Continue note the information about ‘Validating Your Listing’.
We’ll send a letter containing a PIN and activation instructions to the business address associated with your listing. After you validate your listing, you may edit your Google Maps listing at any time.
Although it makes it sound that you can not edit the listing, technically you can. Once the listing has been claimed all the updated information will appear on Google Maps and Places.
Step 5: Basic Information
On this page, the first section will need basic information about your company. In the following screenshot take notice of the many empty fields. Now is the opportunity to use them to make your company more prominent.
Tip 1: Company Name
You will need to enter in the full and official Company/Organization name. (
Tip 2: Address
The Address field is required and would be in the format you would use for a mailing address. (Street Address, City/Town, Postcode.) We recommend against using a post office box number.
Tip 3: Main Phone
The phone number is also required along with the area code . Click Add more phone numbers to add an 1800 number, mobile phone, fax, and TTY/TDD. TTY and TDD are used for those who have hearing or speech difficulties.
This information is not only important for customers to find you through Google Maps and Places; the address and phone number play a big part in the verification of your business listing at the end of the setup process
Tip 4: Email address
In the next box, enter your email address. This leaves customers with an alternate way of contacting you especially if your office is closed.
Tip 5: Website
Don’t forget about this! A website is a must. If you don’t have a website at least get facebook fan page. When your website has been completed you can return to Google Places to update your listing.
Tip 6: Description
The Description field is very important since you can write a little about your business and stand out among other companies who offer similar services.
Tip 7: Category
You will be asked to enter up to five categories that describe the business. Google takes these into account when a customer performs a search, and will make suggestions as you type. It is required to have at least one Google-suggested category, but the rest can be of your own choosing. Make sure it fits the type of business or describes a service offered and you’ll be fine here.
Step 6: Service area and location settings…
Choose if customers have to come to the business or if they can be served at their location. For example, “Yes” would be chosen if you make house calls for fixing computer issues or have a landscaping service.
Step 7: Hours of operation…
Next, choose to list hours of operation. These can be changed through the drop-down menus. One nice feature with Google Places is the ability to split a single day. If your lunch is around noon this can be entered so visitors know you will not be available.
Step 8: Payment options…
If you want to show methods of payments accepted, they can be chosen here.
Step 10: Videos…
If there is a video you want to play for the visitors, upload it to Youtube.com and then copy and paste the URL here. Up to 5 videos can be added to the listing.
Step 11: Additional Details…
Additional Details is a great section to create your very own custom fields. Use these spaces to include information such as awards, certifications, services offered, specialties, products; you name it!
Step 12: Important Note*
Before you click ‘Submit’, take a look at the information on the right side of the screen. This is how your listing will be presented once it is published on Google Maps and Places. Feel free to go back and change anything you feel doesn’t look good or fix errors! Click Submit when you are ready.