The instant age of information we are in means that consumers are only a click away from providing your business with a sale.
The main issue that will prevent you from making that sale is a lack of information available when the consumer needs it. It is important that your business information is readily accessible, accurate, and geared towards pleasing a potential customer.
Google Places takes the information about your business and adds it to search engines so consumers can retrieve the necessary details. This may include your physical location, directions via Google Maps, your hours of operation, and basic contact information. When your business is visible online and customers can see it, find it, and gather the necessary details, they are more likely to choose it when it comes time to purchase a product or service.
If you have a Google+ account and are properly registered with Google, your business information can be listed in the Google database. This provides a definite benefit when it comes to being recognized in your local community. For example, a potential customer running a search for an Ottawa business will see your company name and information pop up near the top of the search results list because of your proximity, particularly when competitor’s listings are outside the immediate geographic location.
Local recognition and a prominent place in the search results will have a positive impact on your brand. Even if you choose to branch out and reach a wider audience in the future, having a solid place in local results will increase the effectiveness of your SEO when you begin to expand your efforts to reach consumers outside the community.