To claim and then optimize your first Google+ Local Page for a business, here’s the step-by-step process:
- Search Google+ Local for the business.
The first thing to do is to search Google+ Local to see if there is already a listing for the business. Google has already created basic listings for over 80 million businesses using data from Yellow Pages-like business listing services. If you can find the business listed, you can claim it in conjunction with business owner by having a PIN code sent to the listed business phone number or a postcard containing a PIN code sent in the mail to the listed business address.
- If a listing doesn’t not exist, create a new Google+ Local Page.
If a Google+ Local Page does not exist for the business, then you can create a new Google+ Page. Google will want to verify the businesses’ phone number and possibly the address also by sending a text message or a postcard with a PIN number on it to verify ownership.
- Complete the Google+ Local Page with all the requested information.
Whether you add a new business or update an existing listing, you will need to optimize the page by filling it out completely. You should complete the business name, address, phone number, add a description with business-related keywords, hours, products or service information.
- Add photos and videos of the business location, their products and happy customers.
Photos figure prominently on Google+ Local Pages so I recommend getting some professional photos of the business. Take advantage of the banner at the top of the profile to capture people’s attention since it is the first thing they see. Develop a strategy to encourage the businesses’ customers to share their images of the business location and products on the Google+ Local profile.
- Create incentives for customers to provide reviews.
Individual reviews can be left by any users who are logged into their Google+ account (which basically means anyone with a Gmail account). Get creative and develop a compelling incentive for customers to write a review on your Google+ Local Page. Reviews will help the Google+ Local Pages ranking but more importantly they will boost its visibility on Google’s search engine results and give the business more credibility.
- Engage with prospective and current customers by interacting with them and posting fresh content on Google+.
To be assured of a consistent ranking, Google wants to see regular updates. You should try to update the Google+ Local Page every week and make an effort to engage directly with your customers on Google+. Try to respond quickly to reviews or photos of the business that are posted on Google+.