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Google Places

by WarForNom
7 replies
I would like to get what value I can out of Google Places. My concern is that it may be too geo-specific for me.

I cover a geographically fairly large, two county area in my (offline) business. If people see my map pin "way over in that other county" they may be hesitant to call, preferring to start by contacting someone just around the block if possible.

In my terms, to drive an hour to an account is of little consequence but I know some folks feel as though they should pack a lunch when they leave their own ZIP code. To them I might seem too distant.

Besides only being presented to people in my target area, I would like to presented as being available throughout the area.

Any ideas for either making Google Places work on these terms or for other, comparable venues which might serve me better in this regard?

Thanks.
#approximate geolocation #google #places
  • Profile picture of the author skoh
    I have seen where a business has had a map pin on first page listing in completely different geo-targeted search phrases. For example, A first page listing for the actual physical address of the business and even first page for the town over. I know this is possible to do and I have been trained on how to accomplish this myself.

    This was in a large city for a big niche market

    If your on the first page, you never know how effective it would be until you try. At least you'll get some exposure for your search phrase.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    When you get to the area where it says you go to them or they come to you there is a space to choose the area you service both locally or can spread over quite a distance.

    Google places is just a very small part of an overall strategy so I would not sweat it too much.

    Quentin
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    • Profile picture of the author skoh
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      When you get to the area where it says you go to them or they come to you there is a space to choose the area you service both locally or can spread over quite a distance.

      Google places is just a very small part of an overall strategy so I would not sweat it too much.

      Quentin
      Well the overall strategy is to drive new leads, I can't think of a better way to do that outside of a 10 box spot in disparate geo-areas for targeted search phrases.

      Other than PPC

      You can get on first page for terms like "dog training" etc. etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author WarForNom
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      When you get to the area where it says you go to them or they come to you there is a space to choose the area you service both locally or can spread over quite a distance.

      Google places is just a very small part of an overall strategy so I would not sweat it too much.

      Quentin
      That sounds good; wonderful in fact, if Google places the "map pin" at ground zero of the search term location in cases like this.

      Do you know whether this is the way it displays.

      (pardon my laziness; I can go and do a test but perhaps the answer will be of interest to others as well, if you happen to know)
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  • Profile picture of the author bhopkins
    You can define service areas and then make sure you have the area names in your listing. I have done this for quite a few clients that I work with and they rank for multiple area searches
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    Bruce

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    • Profile picture of the author WarForNom
      Originally Posted by bhopkins View Post

      You can define service areas and then make sure you have the area names in your listing. I have done this for quite a few clients that I work with and they rank for multiple area searches
      Worked like a charm. Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author skoh
    WarForNom,

    People actually use UPS mail boxes, which are physical addresses to appear multiple times.

    VERY GREY HAT! So just be careful.
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