Comment: Google Places Listing (Google Map)

A relatively new concept in Internet Marketing is getting an account within Google Places and placing your business on the Google Place listing or even sometimes on the Google Map listing.

Actually, it's a great idea.  There are just some things to consider.

I think that every business should do it.  It's free, and often you will notice that Google Places and Google Map listings are ahead of the other organic (free) results.  This is not always true, though.

Here are a couple of examples of searches within Flint:

Notice that Google Places listings are first, in this case.  Also, see the map on the side with all of the markers.  You can get these listings for free.

It can get even better, though.

Notice that the Google Map listing is first AND entirely visible.  If you're looking for anything CLOSE to that, you'll be getting the call.

Also, notice that this is a SEPARATE listing from your actual website.  In this case, Flint Bishop International Airport is listed first in the organic search results, even though it is also listed first in the Google Map listing.


Some people are trying to make a business from placing other people on these maps.  This is a great idea; however, it seems that Google is making it harder for you to verify someone else's business.

I'm guessing that there are a lot of unscrupulous people placing businesses that do not really exist on the map.  Sometimes, a business can place its competitor on the map, only to switch the name of the business or phone number later.

Theoretically, someone can do the same thing with a website, but there is a lot more work to doing that.  Plus, it's a lot easier to track the owner of a website than a simple Google Places listing.

Conclusion:  Google Maps are great, and you should try to get one.  You might be able to make a business of it, but beware that it will probably not be as easy as it looks.

More tips to follow.

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