Recently, Google Local Business Center changed its name to the more appropriate Google Places as any place, not just businesses, can have a listing. It made me wonder how many places have actually claimed their page on Google, so I did an experiment. I searched for local businesses in the Indianapolis area and discovered some shocking results. Only one in five has claimed their page!

To determine if your page has been claimed, go to Google Maps and search for your company by name. When you find it, click on the "more info" link and it should take you straight to your Place Page. In the upper right hand corner, if it says "Owner-verified listing" somebody in your organization has claimed your page. If it says "Edit this place" or "Business owner?" it is unclaimed.

If your business hasn't claimed your Place Page yet, here are five reasons to get the ball rolling:

1) Details and Posts
This is the main section with basic information such as hours of operation, address, phone number, and public transportation routes. Be sure to thoroughly fill out the description field with your main keyword phrases. One cool feature you will find here is the ability for business owners to post to the Place Page. Posts are limited to 160 characters, but it gives Google users recent updates about your business whether you're promoting an event or selling new products.
 
2) Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are a great way to enhance your Place Page. Only business owners who have verified their business can upload photos and videos, but they can also come from various sources on the web. Businesses are limited to 10 photos and 5 videos for each listing. It's always a good idea to have a picture of your logo, an exterior shot of your location, and a few smiling faces.

3) Coupons
Coupons are great for turning potential clients into customers. This feature lets you publish online coupons - with or without the scissors. When you add a new coupon to your Place Page, by default it will be available on mobile devices with a specially-formatted page displaying details for redemption. Users are welcome to do it the old-fashioned way with ink and paper as well.

4) Reviews
A positive review can do wonders for your company. In Google Places, reviews can come from Google Map users, third-party providers (like Trip Advisor or Urban Spoon), and can also be collected from the web. Of course, you need to prepare yourself for potential negative reviews, but you do have some measure of control over the content once you claim ownership.

5) Nearby Places You Might Like
Google doesn't limit suggestions by similar characteristics, instead listing places you might find interesting. For example, I use Google Maps to find movie theaters on vacation. If I find a theatre next to a McDonald's, and a theatre next to a Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I'm going to the one next to Five Guys.

Google's Place Page is an amazing tool for your business - and it's free! Invest some time and energy and turn your Place Page into an asset for your business.