Google Places...What Does It Take To Be In The 7 Box?

[DNChamp]

I think I may of saw a post on this but my search did not find it. Here is my issue.

Put my client into Google places about a month or so ago. Have his full address contact info, video, logo all info filled out and verified.

Now he is ranking good for the keywords I have him set up for in fact one of his most important for getting new clients is at #2.....But that is #2 under the 7 box. If that damn 7 box was in in place more people will see that he is truly #2

Now my question is WHAT does it take to get in the 7 box. I know he needs testimonials and I have no way to know if the ones above him used fiverr or f they are real. Is there a good site to go to that advises us what it takes to be in the 7?

Thank you

[mollusc_limited]

@DNChamp
Looks good to me.
I dont know of any resource but I will keep an eye on this post for future replies for my own reference.

I think the citations are important - mentions of the name address and phone number elsewhere. Look at competitor listings you will likely see citation sources at the bottom of their places page. I also think you can backlink the citation pages created in support of your places listing in order to boost them which in turn boost your places listing.
HTH.
VBR,
Shane

[DNChamp]

Anyone else care to share some 7 box knowledge?

[Catalyst eMarketing]

Depends on the city + keyword and how you search.

Most core keywords pull the new blended algo which is 90% based on organic SEO. (Not # of reviews and citations like the pack style rankings do)

If your client has good organic SEO but their site and Place page are disconnected so they only rank down in organic and not up in the pack, then it could be due to a recent algo change I dubbed the proximity lockout algo. On my blog I explain all about how the blended algo works and the problems the proximity lockout algo causes.

[Woolztradamus]

Originally Posted by Catalyst eMarketing

Depends on the city + keyword and how you search.

Most core keywords pull the new blended algo which is 90% based on organic SEO. (Not # of reviews and citations like the pack style rankings do)

If your client has good organic SEO but their site and Place page are disconnected so they only rank down in organic and not up in the pack, then it could be due to a recent algo change I dubbed the proximity lockout algo. On my blog I explain all about how the blended algo works and the problems the proximity lockout algo causes.

I ran in to your blog a few days back and Thank you SOO much! Saved me some major stress and confusion!!! Do you know the most effective way to get around the proximity lockout algo without moving the map marker to center of city? Thanks!

[dadamson]

It's also very much like general SEO. Link building from local and related websites will push him up in the top 7.

Reviews on his Google Places page (whether positive or negative) will influence his rankings here and get him higher up.