Beth Bacon

Local Search: Google Places

Hello! I’m from Zoyo Branding

Why branding, not marketing?It all starts with brandingBefore you do anything… clarify what

makes you differentWhat’s the sum of your

products and

personality?

Who is your

audience?How do

you compare with your competito

rs?

What’s happening

in the market?

Branding comes first

Looks boring.

But it’s the most

important part of

marketing.

All other marketing follows “brand”

Today, let’s do something usefulSocial Media… yikes!It’s not the maze you think it isTake it one step at a time

First step: register on Google Places

Remember this?

Now we use this

Regular Google Results Page

Google PlacesFor quick access to LOCAL products and

servicesGoogle knows where you are!Kicks in when you search for a “thing” and

a “location” like… 

Anatomy of Google Places

Map

Link to “Places”

pageMap

“pin”

Link to other review sites

Address and phone

Select “quotes”

Google assumes we want to know: location, contact info, reviews

Places page

You can influence the Places PageGoogle puts it together automaticallyBut YOU can influence how it looksPlus registering helps with your Search

Engine ranking (maybe… Google won’t reveal their algorithm)

In your control Photos

Contact info

Hours

Categories

How to registerBefore you start:Gather up 3-5 photos or videos of your

business or products that you’d like to share on Google

Label the photo files with your category, company name and descriptor (e.g. name of photo should be: FlowersBainbridgeBloomers-ValentineBouquet.jpeg)

Know all of your company info (phone number, address, etc) or have it handy

(Label your photos!)

How to registerGo to google.com and type in “Google

Places” Under “Get your business found” select

“Get started”

Fill in the blanksGoogle Account

neededEnter user name

and PWOr register new

Account Enter your

informationAdd photos,

videos, categories, etc.

How do they know it’s you?Google needs to confirm you are the owner

of this businessIf your number is established, Google will

call youBe ready! Within minutes, you’ll get an

automatic call. Enter that number in the form Otherwise they’ll mail a card to you with a

code numberIt will come in 5-10 working daysIf not, request another

Then on to the restSocial Media: You don’t have to do it all. What’s

appropriate?Twitter (literary agent)Facebook (gardening store)Linked In (consultant)Blog (any expert in your field)

You’re a turtle not a hare: update regularlyIt’s a dialog: Respond to your audience

Know your brand… help your staff know your brand… be your brand!

Questions? Beth@ZoyoBranding.com