Google Places - How do we rank

[kayweb]

So, google places showing up on search results is great feature . . . But how can we get our results to the top?

I mean I can see some terrible websites appearing at the top of the google places with their places page having no activity whatsoever.

Is there a trick to this at all? What can we do to increase our ranking on Google Places because our old GOOD rankings are now appearing BELOW the map results

Cheers

[RyanKent]

Your question "How can we get our (Google) results to the top" is a good one. It is asked by webmasters all around the world every day.

The good thing is you have found the right place for your answers, SEOmoz. The internet is full of "SEO sites" which really are not helpful. The tools and resources here are very good.

With that said, you need to do the work. A great starting point is to read this link: http://www.seomoz.org/beginners-guide-to-seo

This site was built to answer your question. It simply cannot be done in any single forum reply.

[mattbeswick]

Haig,

It's all about citations and making sure that your 'place' is picked up from as many sources as possible with identical location data (this includes everything from the business name, address, telephone number, etc.)

There was a great tactic posted by Rand a few weeks ago which is extremely easy to follow and, more importantly, will give you the results you're looking for:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/one-dead-simple-tactic-for-better-rankings-in-google-local

The most important thing to remember from this is to be consistent with your information so be sure to take your time and don't try to rush things

• Matt

[AaronSchinke]

This is great advice. Also be sure to fill out your listing as completely as possible. Add max amount of tags, pics, vids, etc... Also make sure your description is concise and keyword optimized (not stuffed).

[mattbeswick]

Aaron - great additions

[SEM-Freak]

Great advice from Matt and Aaron - also make sure you have no duplicates. Two listings for the same business means you lose trust.

All the citation stuff Matt is on about is Trust - show Google your listing is for a relevant, functioning business and you will make it in the local results.

Also try getting your business listed on the sites recommended on http://getlisted.org/