Search engine optimization experts are trying everything in the book and out of it, to gain a foothold in SERPs. Every website or blog is unique and there is no one fit for all where SEO is concerned. A company dealing in car title loans in California doesn’t require a worldwide audience. They need local audience and this is where Google Places kicks in.

What is Google Places?

It’s a facility by which your website is displayed in search results when someone enters a place, for example a city or state as keyword. If say someone is searching for a restaurant in Los Angeles, he would get a list of restaurants in this area. The location of the restaurants will also be displayed in Google maps. Lately even such details as the menu, working hours and discounts are shown. It’s easy to understand why Google Places has become popular with local businesses. A business dealing with car title loans in Los Angeles  would find this facility extremely attractive since only those who live in the vicinity would search for loans from the locality.

How to get listed in Google Places?

Google Places is great listing facility which is provided by Google and it’s free. Getting listed is fairly simple.  You have to register with Google and armed with a Gmail account you have to visit the Google places website. Once your business is registered, people can find you in Google map. Along with your location you can provide all kind of information about your business. You would be surprised to know that every conceivable business  is  using Google Places – florists, restaurants, plumbers, local malls and gift shops.

More facts about Google Places
  1. You would be surprised to know that ninety seven per cent of searches on Google are local. This means greater rewards and benefits to businesses that focus on local search and build their SEO strategy around it.
  2. Your website will benefit greatly in terms of optimization if your business is listed in Google Places. This is true for even keywords which are not related to specific locality or area. 
  3. Google Places gives tremendous value when used in conjunction with mobile marketing. Studies have shown that impulse purchases are mostly done through mobile devises. Finding or locating the right place to purchase is critical for buyers.
  4. Google has even changed its SERP layout to cater for Google Places. This shows how important this tool has become and the role it now plays in the overall scheme of things for Google.
Conclusion

Google Places has almost changed rules of the game – this time in favour of small businesses with local clientele. The trick is to hitch on to the bandwagon as quickly as possible. Google Places is an easy place to register and get going. Your website or blog not only gets a place on Google map but you can also provide additional details. Go ahead and go places. 
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Sarah Waters lives in Los Angeles and blogs on various subjects including tech and financial news. She writes to help consumers maximize their potential. She also writes for websites offering car title loans in Los Angeles and California area