Google Places Changes | Google + Local - Google Plus For Local Businesses

I first was introduced to Fireman Mike about a year ago through Main Street Marketing Machines and have appreciated the content that he has provided. In this video he brings us up to date on the most recent changes that Google has made to Goolge +.

In case you hadn't heard, Google Places is on its way out and Google has begun migrating Google Places accounts to Google+ Accounts. There is a strong emphasis on reviews and local search so you are going to want to make sure that you claim your Google+ page. And, yes, in order to claim a Google+ page you need a gmail account, so set one up just for this purpose.

If you don't see it when you search you can add a page yourself. Be sure to add relevant information about your business and include key words in your descriptions. Mike's video gives you almost an hour of content so you can begin to optimize your Google+ Page for the best local search results.

You may wonder why bother, it's too much trouble. Google dominates search and they want to keep it that way. They are moving into local and mobile search to give consumers the top picks on the web. This means they are going to be using the information from your Google+ Page, including reviews, to determine if your website is going to show up when someone searches for a local business or service.

They are also treating mobile searches differently than desktop searches so if you don't have a mobile website, or at least a mobile optimized website, you may be missing the best customers you can find. They are on their phones, searching for a local restaurant or other service and have money they want to spend. Don't miss out. The future of your business may depend on knowing how and taking action.