Google Places Frustration

3 replies
There are so many Google Places courses, and they each teach something different. When you are a trying to learn a new skill, it can be very frustrating trying to figure out which way is up.

So here are a few sticking points for me:

1. Keyword Research: Is it the base keyword + modifiers = long tail phrases, or should you just pick one main keyword and go for it?

2. Photos: Upload directly, or third-party site (like Panaramio)?

3. Citations: Study competitors and outnumber them, or pick one main one (Super Pages, Merchant Circle...) do that one first, then do the listing?

4. Press Release: How to list the citation and where in the press release do you put it?

5. Charge client up front, or wait until you get to page one?

6. How do you get good at this?

Thanks in advance. :-)
#frustration #google #places
  • Profile picture of the author KingOfMusic
    Maybe you can watch some videos on the Google Places' Channel on YouTube to get a feel of what the business owners want to see in it and how it can advantage them.

    GooglePlaces's Channel - YouTube

    Maybe, outsource the service? :O
    Signature

    The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work. - Michael Jackson

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    • Profile picture of the author affirmwealth
      Hmmm....

      So my guess is that most are as confused as I am??? Judging by the poor response.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tiduslite8
    I'll try to answer as best I can, but right now Google is giving me major problems with a new listing. I've managed to get the client to Page 1 on Google for several of their terms (city + keywords) but haven't managed to get them into the local places box yet.

    1: It really does depend if on how closely their main keyword relates to the modifiers. An example is a lawyer. You also have attorney which can be used, along with various areas of practice (personal injury lawyer, personal injury attorney, immigration lawyers, etc). If it's a situation like that then it's not that hard. My headache right now is a client that has a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business.

    2: Upload directly. Also upload to other image sites and geo tag them there. The images you upload directly are immediately noticed and the geo tagged images can provide additional citations (be sure to put the business name, address, phone number and website information in the description box).

    3:Study the competition, try to get the main citation sources as the competition, and also try to get more. It might be best at this time (for a brand new listing) to go for the citations first before setting up the places page.

    4: Honestly? I've never used a press release for my clients, but all of the related information shows that there is a resource box at the end of the press release. This is where you should place the citation.

    5:Charge the client up front. Make sure the client is aware that it can take 2-3 months to achieve the goal. Some clients may balk at this, but at least try to get 50% of the money up front. It has happened in the past that you will have done all of the work and then the client will stiff you at the end of the term.

    6ractice, practice, review, practice. Make a point of setting aside some of your money to buy new places courses when they come out. This may seem like a waste, but Google has a nasty habit of changing their algorithm periodically. A new course just may contain one bit of new advice that can keep you going.
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