How to set up Google Local for regional branches?

[Aran_Smithson]

Hi our company is expanding and we are opening up branches throughout the UK. I want to register a Google Local for each of our new branches. How is best to do this?

My exposure to Google Local is somewhat limited, though I have set up single businesses before, I've never dealth with multiple addresses.

Any help or advice would be great!

Thanks

Aran

[MalcolmGibb]

Do you mean Google Places?

Set yourself up with an account from there you can 'edit a data file' and all you have to do is enter the multiple addresses in a spreadsheet and upload. More information on uploading multiple business addresses here http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=107528

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Aran,

If your business is going to operate 10 or more locations, I believe this is the page you're looking for:

http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=178024

This page describes the process of creating a bulk upload spreadsheet.

Alternatively, you can do each listing manually. Just be sure you follow all of the guidelines that Malcolm has linked to in the Google Places Quality Guideline page.

Does this answer your question? Please, just let me know if you intended something else.

[Aran_Smithson]

Yep Google places rather...Told you my exposure was limited!

I understand the mechanics of  the upload and set up. I think I may have worded my question incorrectly.

I'm looking for tips on creating 'well optimised' Google Places for each of my other business locations. Are ther any best practises to follow, or is it as simple as uploading the CSV and were done?

[MalcolmGibb]

The best practice for places is just to input as much detail as possible. For each 'place' page there is possibility to add images/videos/opening hours and more. Use as much of this available info as possible. You should maybe start with one business location and experiment with what info you can put into it through the place page.

Remember that the main aim of the Google place is for local users to find your business, you want these listings to show up with your [keyword] x [location].

[Aran_Smithson]

Thanks all for the info.

[MiriamEllis]

In addition to Malcolm's suggestions, just be sure you follow the guidelines to the letter to avoid penalties. That's very important.