It is a common misconception that if you do not have a website, you will be unable to make your presence felt on the internet.
The good news is that any bricks and mortar business has the opportunity to advertise their location, products and services through a very powerful advertising channel. This channel is known as Google Maps.
With so many potential customers using all manner of devices to access the internet, PC’s, laptops, smart phones and tablets to name just a few, creating a Google Places account really should be a no brainer for all business owners.
Getting Started
Getting up and running really couldn’t be much easier. All you need to get going is a Google account and once you have set that up, simply sign in, 
search for ‘Google Places’ and select add a new business.
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Google may actually have your details already, so it is important to do a quick check first just to make sure. Google will prompt you to do this anyway but if you don’t see your business among the results, click ‘Add a New Listing’.
Completing Your Profile
You will be prompted to add a number of details relating to your business and it is important to make sure that you do not skip anything, even if it is optional.
Your goal when setting up your account should be to make it as easy as possible for potential customers to find you, and therefore it only stands to reason that the more you can tell them about your business and its services/products, the better the chance you will pop up in search results.
Make sure that you add your hours of business (remembering to update if they change). Few things for a customer are more infuriating than turning up and finding the business is closed when it said it was open!
Showcasing Your Business
Your listing can be elevated to another level by including photos and videos as well. It can often be a stroke of genius to ensure that you include a view
of your shop front as seen from any direction so people can recognise it as they approach.
And of course, photos and videos are a powerful way to appeal to your target audience by showing them what they can expect from you – and how irresistible it is.
You may think your product or service is not visually appealing, but even photos of your staff looking friendly and approachable are valuable.
Taking the time to set up one of these accounts can make all the difference for your business, so if you haven’t got on yet – what are you waiting for??
To find out more about how the Footprint Web Design team can help you, please give us a call on Tel. No. 01883 372488 and we’ll be happy to talk through your options with you.
