This is a series of videos that walks through the setup of a business in Google Places(tm). While much of this setup process is intuitive, there are a few things that must be done a certain way to maximize the results from Google Places.

Click on the links below for a high-resolution version of each video, and I’ll also quickly note what is contained in each video…

Google Places Help – Video #1

Contents of Video #1

  • Introduction and discussion of who should use Google Places, URL to get started
  • Logging in if you already have a Google account, or creating one if you don’t
  • Country and phone number – and importance of consistency
  • Other company and contact information – again, consistency is very important
  • Importance of description



Google Places Help – Video #2

Contents of Video #2

  • Category – mandatory to choose one of Google’s categories before adding your own
  • Service area discussion – do people come to your location or do you travel to them?
  • Importance of not declaring too large of a service area



Google Places Help – Video #3

Content of Video #3

  • Hours of operation, payment options
  • Discussion of photos and videos – get at least one photo uploaded even if you have to take it with your camera phone
  • Google may still be offering to come out and photograph your business when you read this, if so, take advantage of it
  • Didn’t mention it in video, but Animoto.com is an easy way to create a video for your business
  • Additional details section – entering more info about your business.  Take advantage of this area to show number of years in business, BBB rating, etc.



Google Places Help – Video #4

Contents of Video #4

  • Validation of your listing – phone or SMS if you are lucky, but probably via letter
  • Taking around 10-12 calendar days now, a little quicker than it used to be
  • Offers – create a simple coupon
  • Importance of reviews

Google Places is a Trademark of Google, Inc.