Google+ how to optimize [best practice tips]

[gina_m]

I would like to learn more about Google+ optimization to help the brand and rankings, etc of the company I work for but I do not know where to begin.  Anyone with advice?  Or links to this type of information? The website is www.stillfrisky.com

Thank you,

Gina

[Marcus_Miller]

Your listing plays a huge part in local SEO, so it is vital to optimize your listing correctly with as much detail as possible.

Step 1: Claim your listing! Google may have already created a places listing for your business so the next step is to claim your listing and verify your location.Before you verify your location, make sure the NAP (Name, Address & Phone Number) are correct and are consistent with any citations you may have already done. Consistency is critical for businesses wishing to rank well in the local organic search results, as it helps google understand your business and its location. If google hasn’t created a places listing for your business, go ahead and create one yourself! To verify your location, Google usually give you the option of having a postcard sent to your listed address with a pin number for you to enter online.

Step 2: Tell Google Everything! The whole point of having a places listing is for google and your audience to fully understand what your business does, so tell them everything! To get the full benefit of having a listing on google you must give as much information as possible, so make sure you include things such as:

1. Hours of operation

2. Website link

3. Contact Information include phone numbers and an email address

4. Photos & videos

5. Payment options

But on top of all of that, the two most important thing you need to do is correctly complete the keyword category. You need to find the correct keyword that matches what you do or offer as a business. This can sometimes be difficult to do as google does not list every job title, but to overcome this problem i advise you take a quick peek at your competitors Google listing and see what they have put as their keyword. This can give you a rough idea and possibly be the one you are looking for. By adding all of this information along with a valuable description of your business, Google will be able to understand your business and help point the correct traffic towards your listing.

Step 3: Keep it maintained! After completing the previous 2 steps, your listing should be complete with everything you need… but you need reviews! Your goal is to get as many positive reviews as possible, not only does it make your business look trusted and professional but it also helps you outrank your competitors.

Step 4: Communicate! A lot of people create a places listing to help bring in traffic, but many people leave it to rot away once verified..Don’t be one of them! Keep your listing updated by correcting any changes that occur in your business, whether it be the hours of operation or the location! Don’t forget to blog, create a blog post every week to keep your customers informed on any news. Regularly upload pictures or videos and let the customers know of everything happening in the business. Now your never ending mission is to get as many +1’s as possible, this will help your business expand.

Hope this helps!