Google Places Optimization Don’ts

Google Places SEO is an important factor in maintaining a strong business image, but there are a number of things that a strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company knows about the process that can be surprising to figure out for the first-time user.

For example, consider the use of keywords. Keyword-dense writing has long been considered the holy grail of SEO, but as Google becomes more refined as a company its SEO review process becomes more precise as well. Google is cracking down on SEO that attempts to “game” the system. So when it comes to that 200 character description of your Google Places Profile, don’t simply list a string of keywords, but write a friendly, accessible description that real people can read, based around two important keywords that rank well.

Further, make sure you only list categories related to your business, and don’t to include keywords that aren’t directly related to your business. Some advice, and it is good advice, goes so far as to limit keywords to those that can be found in the business name. Of course, if your business is simply a family name or a concept that doesn’t necessarily convey the exact nature of the business, this rule can be bent.

Finally, when it’s time to update, do not update bomb. A lot of Google place names end up sitting quietly and unused for extended periods of time. The ones that do update tend to be fixed on a sporadic basis with sudden surges of information or revision. Instead, refine your keyword searches every few days to update relevant content as necessary. Tweak the parts of the page you want to update as the improvements are made, whether this involves publishing a new picture of the physical location, modifying your business hours or part of the description to reflect an expansion in the business mission.