Google Places can help generate local business

2/23/2011

The web has traditionally enabled many small business owners to extend their reach nationally, but it has been less useful for reaching local audiences. However, as of last year, Google updated its Places services to better support small businesses trying to generate exposure among consumers in their physical vicinity.

As Small Business Computing recently observed, Google Places is a free service that companies can use to generate local exposure. These listings will show when users search for nearby businesses, such as "Los Angeles doctor," and will be displayed on a map alongside potential competitors.

"Google Places pages shown in search results are accompanied by a red push pin that shows the business' location on a corresponding map," explains the source. "From the search results page, Google users can click to go right to a business' website, access reviews of the business or read its Places page."

As Western Capital Consultants recently advised, entrepreneurs should take advantage of the easing small business lending practices to invest more in their marketing campaigns. Google Places is free, and should be one of the first places small business owners start.