Google Plus Local pages can be a confusing topic when you first find out that there are Google+ brand pages and they aren't the same thing. Don't worry, you aren't alone.
For this example we'll walk you through creating a Google+ Local page for a local IT services company that serves Bradford, PA and Olean, NY. Omnis Technologies already had Google+ page...but it was a brand page, not a local business page. Because Omnis Technologies serves a specific local area, it's important to appear when someone is searching for a local solution. A Local Google+ page is different from a brand page because it allows you include your business’s contact information and reviews. These pages have the potential to appear in Google Search and have the potential to help you attract more customers.
The Google+ Help Page explains Local Google+ as the following:
“Local Google+ pages are unique from other categories of pages because they have features that allow customers to easily connect with that business’s physical location. For example, local pages include a map of the business’s location and feature its address, phone number, and hours of operation. Local pages also share the functionality of other Google+ pages -- you can create and manage circles, start and join hangouts, and share content like posts and photos.”
If that explanation is not helpful enough, Amanda DiSilvestro explains that “Google+ Local for Businesses is all about the social aspect of search. This is where you connect with customers and/or others in the industry by putting them in your circles (similar to "friends" on Facebook or "followers" on Twitter).”
Simply put, anyone with your business in their “circles” can see your business’s updates, blog posts, commons, and reviews. This is another opportunity for you to control the information that customers and potentials customers see. So if you think your business could benefit from a Local Google+ page (and it definitely can!), we'll show you how it's done step-by-step!
Now let's Your Google + Local Page Created
Note: you will need to sign in to Google+. If you do not have an account, do not worry. You will be prompted by Google to create one and you just need to know your name, gender, and age!
After logging in or creating your account, you will go to your Google+ homepage and click on the "home" button:
A drop down menu will appear and you will click "pages."
This will take you to the following page:
The following page will give you options for setting up business pages. Click "local business or Place" to get started:
Now you will be shown a map to identify your business's location. You much agree to the Terms and Conditions before continuing:
Now all you have to do is type in the name of your business and your location:
As you can see, none of the results match our business so I clicked "none of these match":
Now you will add your business by entering your basic business information:
The next step is to verify your business. Google gives you the option to verify either now or later. I chose to verify the business now. Google will send you a verification code in the mail in the next couple weeks. Be patient and watch your mailbox!
Congratulations! You are almost done! Now you will be taken to your dashboard to edit the appearance of your page and start posting news!
This is what dashboard will look like:
Make sure you type an introduction for your business. This will help customers understand what your business does within a short glance.
Make sure you publish your business's hours of operation as well:
On the editing page you can edit your hours of operation, add photos, edit your business description, contact info, and location. It is always a great idea to add photos and be as specific as possible when you add your business introduction!
Don't forget to share your business's news!
And that is the basic set up for a Local Google+ page. Once you receive your verification PIN, you will have an official Local Google+ page. Now you can add people to your "circles" and start socializing with your customers! Good luck and if you have any questions, check out the following pages:
As always, feel free to contact us for more help!
How to Audit your Online Marketing
If you are executing digital marketing, congratulations! You are most likely already one step ahead of your competition, and making strides to meaningfully connect with prospects online. But, how do you know if you’re seeing continual success year over year, and improving your metrics?
Without the tools in place to analyze and benchmark your efforts, it is impossible to scale your online marketing and ensure continuous success.
